Email this page
Print this Page|
For more information, please contact our Dairy Hygiene Specialists: John Bewes on 07917 753147 or john.bewes@molevalleyfarmers.com and |
Still room to improve parlour routines advises industry leader
Reducing cell counts and the incidence of clinical mastitis needs a strategic approach.
A clean milking environment is paramount not only at the start of milking but also throughout the entire milking. Keeping standings free of dung and washing down soiled units as they come off the cow, are two very simple ways of achieving a healthier environment in which to milk.
The potential for the spread of infection from cow to cow on hands is a serious issue, but easily rectified when rubber/nitrile gloves are worn during milking and regularly rinsed in a suitable disinfectant such as a peracetic acid solution.
An effective Udder Preparation routine is key to removing soiling and bacteria from teat skin prior to milking. For instance, the application of a pre milking biocidal dip to teats which is removed by individual paper towel, provides an instant bacterial kill and speedy soil removal from the teat skin. Pre milking teat disinfection also fits in well with a fore milking routine to detect the clinical signs of mastitis and encourages the cow to let her milk down quickly and fully.
Fore milking in conjunction with in-line mastitis detectors are the best methods of detecting the clinical signs of mastitis. Prompt detection prevents mastitic milk entering the tank, allows for effective treatment and a better chance of removing the infection from the udder.
The application of a well formulated Post Milking Teat Disinfectant to the full length of each teat as soon as the cluster has been removed will replenish moisture lost from the teat skin during milking and kill bacteria that may remain on the teat skin at the end of milking, or when the teat is exposed to the outside environment. While all farmers are well aware of the benefits of teat disinfection, priority is rarely given to cows that have finished milking until they are about to leave the parlour.
Cluster dipping is a common gap in many milking routines. To avoid the cluster acting as a route for cross contamination, particularly with contagious infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, it should be thoroughly disinfected between cows. Disinfecting the unit after it has been used to milk a high cell count or mastitic cow is a sensible way to reducing infection to the next cow milked using that unit, though it is recommended to incorporate this in your everyday routine.
A hugely effective milking routine can quickly become eroded if cows return to inappropriate housing areas. Cows should leave the parlour to a clean, scraped concreted area with access to feed and water and discouraged from returning to the housing area for at least 30 minutes, thus allowing the teat end to fully close.
A well managed, clean housing environment can help reduce bacterial levels and consequently lower the risks of infection. Passageways should be regularly scraped and clean dry bedding applied regularly to beds (preferably daily). Bedding treatments that disinfect or absorb moisture in the beds can pay dividends to help suppress bacterial numbers and limit infection.
Particular attention should also be paid to calving areas. Calving boxes should be mucked out regularly (ultimately after every calving) and thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected. Yards should also be regularly mucked out and well bedded, daily. Whether in cubicles, yards or calving areas, ventilation and humidity play a huge role in keeping beds dry and help to keep mastitis causing bacteria at bay.
By adopting a strategy of eliminating the environments in which bacteria will thrive, it is possible to reduce the risk of infection in cattle. Not only will this lead to a saving in treatment costs, but it will also result in increased milk sales and make a real contribution to margins.
For website enquiries and online orders phone 
