Is Spending More Time on Teat Preparation Really Worth it?
Proper Preparation Procedure + Why It Is Important
Consistency is key for a profitable dairy operation, whether this is in management, feed, or preparation procedures in the parlor. Following strict teat preparation procedures can lead to increased milk production, improved milk let-down and higher quality milk. Have you established strict preparation procedures in your barn? If not, do you often see fluctuations in your somatic cell count or have issues with mastitis and poor milk quality? If yes, establishing a consistent, high-quality teat preparation procedure may be of value to you.
Teat preparation procedures are possibly the most crucial step in alleviating the risk of teat end and milk contamination. Proper teat health maintenance prevents mastitis, hyperkeratosis and other teat health complications. Being inconsistent on procedures that affect milk quality can be expensive for your dairy operation. The risk factors affect both the profitability of your farm and the health status of mammary glands. The grade of exposure of the teat ends to contaminating micro-organisms influence whether or not the mammary gland will be infected. That is why a teat management protocol is so important!
Have you established a strict teat management protocol? If you have not and are looking to do so, we have a few recommendations for you to consider. Keep in mind that excellent milk quality, prevention of mastitis and lower somatic cell counts result in higher premiums!
Over the years, it has been proved that the most critical steps in teat preparation consist of: wiping excess debris using a clean cloth or clean paper towel, applying a pre-milking teat disinfectant, allowing optimal time for germicidal action on micro-organisms, (depending of the disinfectant, this can take anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds), removal of the foremilk, drying of the teats, proper milking time and again applying a post-milking teat disinfectant. The order in which these steps are completed varies depending on management preferences, operational objectives and[KG1] parlor organization. The proper preparation procedure should be carefully tailored for your farm but focused on proper teat stimulation and maximum milk flow.
What We Recommend:
1. Wear disposable gloves to minimize bacteria spreading from teat to teat
2. Wipe debris off teats using a clean towel
2.1. Do not cross-contaminate – use one towel per one cow
3. Coat each teat to the base of the udder with an effective teat disinfectant
4. Fore strip each teat (2-3x)
4.1. Check for mastitis by looking for any clots, chunks or discoloration
4.2. Fore-stripping has a few critical benefits such as: promoting milk let-down and removing the foremilk which contains excessive amounts of somatic cells, lowering your somatic cell count
4.3. Use a strip cup to fore-strip, this makes it easier to evaluate and prevents the organisms from travelling. We don’t recommend stripping the milk onto the floor in a tie-stall, as this makes the cow susceptible to mastitis when she lays down
5. Coat each teat a second time with teat disinfectant
6. Thoroughly wipe the teats with a clean towel
6.1. Do not cross-contaminate – use one towel per one cow
7. Attach and adjust unit as necessary to minimize liner slips
8. Shut off the vacuum and remove the unit as soon as milking is complete, over-milking can cause hyperkeratosis (here’s a blog on that - https://www.gomilkbarn.com/articles-and-faqs/what-is-hyperkeratosis-and-why-is-it-in-my-herd
9. Coat the teat with a post-milking disinfectant
By using this preparation process, we are certain that you will optimize the ability to check all the boxes of teat sanitation, stimulate milk let-down, and avoid cross-contamination. If you would like to discuss your teat health procedures and milking methods to optimize your consistency and profitability, talk to your local dairy resource company for advice.