There are many factors that affect the milk quality. With good milking routines and adequate milking equipment, the risk of new mastitis cases will be significantly lowered.
Before milking
- Monitor udder health regularly
- Milking order Regardless of housing system or herd size, milk first calf heifers, fresh cows next and then the main herd. Always milk sick cows last.
- Foremilk cows
- Clean teats and teat ends Never start the milking procedure with cleaning of teats! The result is that germs growing in the teat canal can be moved further up into the udder. Always start with foremilking before cleaning of teats
During milking
- Check Milking System Check the vacuum system at the start of each
milking - Attach milking cluster at appropriate time
- Avoid overmilking
- Ensure proper removal of cluster
After milking
- Sanitize teats after each milking – As soon as possible after the unit is removed sanitize each teat with an approved post milking teat dip or spray. This is the single most effective procedure to prevent the cow to cow spread of contagious mastitis organisms.
- Clean milking equipment immediately after milking
- Properly cool milk
- Monitor milk quality milking equipment, and milking performance data regularly
