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- Review regularly all
udder health
and milk quality
information provided
by the dairy plant,
official testing organizations, veterinary clinics and on farm testing using the DeLaval cell counter
(DCC) or the California Mastitis Test (CMT).
- Develop benchmarks for each cow
and herd to assist in monitoring
changes that may occur.
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- Regardless of housing system or herd size, milk first calf heifers, fresh cows next and then the main herd.
- Milk sick cows last and then wash and sanitize the milking system.
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- Remove 2-3 squirts of foremilk and examine it. In tie stall and parlour facilities use a strip cup. Wash off the parlor floor before the next group of cows enters.
- Foremilking provides a powerful signal to initiate milk let-down and it provides an opportunity to detect and prevent abnormal milk from entering the tank.
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- Mastitis control and producing high quality milk requires that cows have clean, dry teats when units are attached. Clean each teat and teat end using approved materials. Wipe each teat dry using single service paper or cloth towels, one per cow. If cloth towels are used be certain to effectively launder and dry them before reusing.
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