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2013. Relationship of electric power quality to milk production of dairy herds – Field study with literature review. Science of the Total Environment 447: 500–514

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Hillman D, D Stetzer, M Graham, CL Goeke, et al. · 2013

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Poor electrical power quality on dairy farms correlates with reduced milk production, demonstrating measurable biological impacts from electromagnetic disturbances.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers examined the relationship between electrical power quality issues and milk production in dairy herds through field studies and literature review. The study found correlations between poor electrical power quality on farms and reduced milk production in dairy cattle. This research suggests that electromagnetic disturbances from electrical systems may impact livestock health and agricultural productivity.

Why This Matters

This field study represents important real-world evidence that electromagnetic disturbances affect more than just human health. When dairy farmers experience power quality issues, their animals suffer measurable consequences in milk production. This matters because it demonstrates biological effects from EMF exposure in a controlled agricultural setting where economic impacts can be precisely measured. The reality is that if electromagnetic disturbances can reduce milk production in dairy herds, we should take seriously the potential for similar biological effects in humans exposed to poor power quality and electromagnetic interference in our homes and workplaces.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Hillman D, D Stetzer, M Graham, CL Goeke, et al. (2013). 2013. Relationship of electric power quality to milk production of dairy herds – Field study with literature review. Science of the Total Environment 447: 500–514.
Show BibTeX
@article{2013_relationship_of_electric_power_quality_to_milk_production_of_dairy_herds_field_study_with_literature_review_science_of_the_total_environment_447_500514_ce4885,
  author = {Hillman D and D Stetzer and M Graham and CL Goeke and et al.},
  title = {2013. Relationship of electric power quality to milk production of dairy herds – Field study with literature review. Science of the Total Environment 447: 500–514},
  year = {2013},
  doi = {10.1071/mav41n2},
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this field study found correlations between electrical power quality issues on farms and decreased milk production in dairy herds, suggesting electromagnetic disturbances negatively impact livestock productivity and health.
The research examined various power quality issues including voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and electrical disturbances that can occur on dairy farms and correlate with reduced milk production in cattle.
The study demonstrates that electromagnetic disturbances from poor power quality can cause measurable biological effects in dairy cattle, specifically reducing their milk production capacity and overall productivity.
Yes, dairy cattle appear sensitive to electrical power quality issues, with the research showing correlations between poor power conditions and reduced milk production, indicating biological responses to electromagnetic disturbances.
The research suggests that addressing electrical power quality issues on dairy farms could potentially improve milk production, as poor power quality correlates with reduced productivity in dairy herds.