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 group
2 - 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

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