Optimising the milking
routine
The milking routine can have a massive impact on new mastitis infection rates. Some simple steps should be taken to achieve the goals of clean, efficient milk harvesting. The exact routine may vary depending on the farm, but should be along the following lines:
1 - Always wear clean gloves
2 - Pre-milking
- Foremilk stimulates milk let-down, (reduces bactoscan and detects mastitis)
- Pre-milking teat disinfection (rapid acting)
- Delay before cluster attachment (allow time for
milk let-down reflex to kick in - 60-90 seconds
from first touching teats) - Dry wipe including teat end
- Attach cluster
3 - Post-milking
- Shut off vacuum prior to cluster removal
- Post-milking teat disinfection (ensure good coverage)
- Loafing (having feed available post milking helps minimise lying whilst teat end closes)
The ideal milking order
1 - Heifer group2 - Fresh calvers
3 - High yielders
4 - Medium yielders
5 - Low yielders
6 - High cell count cows
7 - Mastitic and other treated cows
Farmers Guides
- Optimising the milking routine
- Basic mastitis types and control
- Probability of cure following intramammary antibiotic treatment
- Improving udder health around
drying off - Udder Examination
- California Mastitis Test
- Technique for infusion of a combination of dry cow antibiotic and OrbeSeal®
- Sterile milk sampling for bacteriology
- Collecting and transporting samples
- Risks of feeding dump milk to calves
Disclaimer
The information provided in this site is intended only for a UK audience however the products discussed herein may have different label indications in different countries. For information specific to your individual location please contact your local Pfizer representative or see your SPC for further details.
The information provided in this site is intended only for a UK audience however the products discussed herein may have different label indications in different countries. For information specific to your individual location please contact your local Pfizer representative or see your SPC for further details.