Maximising returns from milk production can often be about paying the closest attention to detail, and that is never more true than with dairy hygiene.
This is the message from Progiene’s Alison Clark, who says a best practice approach to equipment cleaning, udder cleanliness and housing could add several pence a litre to many herds’ bottom lines.
She points firstly to the importance of consistently attaining premium band payments for Bactoscans and somatic cell counts (SCC) and says the majority of dairy herds still have an opportunity to reduce rates of clinical mastitis.
“Getting the basics right with some of the more mundane tasks around milking can make a difference,” she says, “It can be easy for complacency to creep in with what is the daily routine, or perhaps errors can occur where relief staff are involved. Having clear procedures that are accurately communicated is a good starting point.”
Milking equipment and bulk milk tank cleaning are areas where Ms. Clark says any deviation from recommended practices can quickly have a financial impact, with this applying to both manual and robotic systems.
“We see, when going on farm to troubleshoot rising Bactoscans or carry out wash cycle testing, for example, that the simplest errors are costing money in lost premiums, or even resulting in milk price penalties,” she continues.
“Some of the more common occurrences include inadequate water temperatures for circulation cleaning, or incorrect disinfectant concentrations, which lead to a build-up of organic residues that will harbour bacteria. These may be due to faulty equipment, or simply operator error, but are – in most cases – easily fixed.
“It’s important to use compatible cleaning chemicals suitable for your water supply and your milking system that are proven and industry approved. Cutting corners or seeking cheap alternatives in this area can quickly become a false economy if Bactoscans fall out of the premium band.”
Teat hygiene during milking is another area to focus on, according to Ms. Clark, given its potential impact on udder health and bulk milk quality. Once again, she says having clear procedures, that are effectively communicated to all staff, is paramount.
“Firstly, ensure that the milking routine is applied consistently, whoever is milking,” she says, “and that both operator hygiene and cleanliness of cows’ teats before the cluster is applied are top priority.
“As a best practice approach, I would recommend a pre-milking disinfectant dip, applied once teats have been wiped clean. To be fully effective, this requires a minimum thirty seconds contact time, which again needs to be taken on board and applied right across the milking team.
“Using an approved teat disinfectant like Progiene’s Dual Defence, the same product can be used for pre-milking and post-milking use, adding convenience and potential economies.
“Again, details such as maintaining correct disinfectant concentrations and ensuring dip cups are thoroughly cleaned between milkings can make a difference.”
Ms. Clark points to the stubbornly high rates of mastitis in UK herds, to emphasise the importance of fault-free milking time routines.
“Herds are, on average, still seeing more than thirty clinical cases of mastitis per 100 cows each year, with every one being a drain on profitability,” she says. “Maintaining a best practice approach during milking will help to control environmental pathogens as well as the contagious bacteria that may be spread via the equipment. This will help to reduce clinical mastitis cases and also ensure that somatic cell counts remain in the premium band.”
Ms. Clark also points to the importance of hygiene in cow bedding, both in terms of teat cleanliness before milking and in minimising problems immediately after milking.
“If all cows are coming into the parlour or the robot milker with clean teats, then that will immediately minimise the risks of bacteria being spread, and/or contaminating the milk,” she says. “Also, it’s important to recognise cows’ increased vulnerability to infection after milking, during the period when teat orifices will remain open.
“Maintaining clean beds is the first step but also considering the use of a bedding conditioner that is antibacterial, antifungal, and offers protection against viruses.”
In conclusion, Ms. Clark says that a best practice approach to dairy hygiene will not only help to keep Bactoscans, SCC, and mastitis rates low, but will also ensure that any risks of contamination of the bulk tank are minimised.
“Applying good disciplines in and around milking will certainly help avoid any mishaps that could result in antibiotics getting into the tank,” she says. “And when it comes to avoiding the risks of chemical residues, the recommendation is to use proven and approved disinfectant products that are compatible and fit for purpose and applied at the recommended rates.
“Ultimately, a best practice approach to dairy hygiene will benefit the cows, the farm’s bottom line, the milk buyer and the consumer.”
