Hygiene key to dairying benefits

“There a number of myths surrounding hygiene programmes,” she says. “The truth is that taking an objective look at the routine, especially in and around milking, can deliver significant cost benefits.

“The hazards of bacteria in milk are generally associated solely with bactoscans. So long as the results fall in the non-penalty bands, hygiene is assumed to be adequate, even when rates of clinical mastitis and cell counts may be undesirably high.

“Despite a vast array of research and knowledge, clinical mastitis rates are reportedly on the increase, yet good hygiene can make a marked difference to bacterial contamination and infection levels.”

Crucial

Ms Cox says a good hygiene routine is ‘not rocket science’ and the crucial aspect is that it is carried out consistently, with a systematic approach and by well-trained staff.

“A comprehensive routine will include all the areas where bacterial contamination might occur, with the choice of cleaning products and disinfectant seen as a way to ensure a sound routine, and not as a quick-fix to a long term-problem,” she says.

Ms Cox believes that while a visually dirty parlour may not have an immediate impact on bactoscans, it can be symptomatic of a lack of general hygiene. In a similar way, dirty hands, soiled gloves and clothes show ‘poor understanding’ of hygiene.

She says the milking routine must be designed to produce bacterially clean and dry teats without the spread of infection, with effective pre- and post-milking cleaning and disinfection.

Outside the parlour, the priority is clean, dry beds and loafing areas. Ms Cox advocates the use of bedding conditioners to improve dryness, making the environment less attractive to bacteria.

Have your say

Please do not complete the following form field for security reasons.

Name

E-mail

Comment

Post as

Anonymously

Display name