Soviet Dairy Farms: The Untold Story of Mastitis and Machine Milking in 1986

The transition to machine milking in the Soviet Union in 1986 presented unexpected challenges. Mastitis, an udder infection in cows, emerged as a significant obstacle. "The losses are colossal," stated the video's narrator, highlighting the economic impact of this disease. The video shows the manual process of attaching milking machines, emphasizing the need for skilled workers to detect the end of milking to prevent mastitis. Only 30% of cows were deemed suitable for machine milking, indicating a significant technological hurdle. The black and white footage provides a compelling visual record of this period in Soviet agriculture, revealing both the advancements and limitations of the technology. The video serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in agricultural modernization, even in a highly centralized economy.