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Good milking practices

Solution name: Good milking practices

Aim: To increase the number of productive ewes and milk production in the flock

Description:

For a smooth and efficient milking routine it is necessary to work on different aspects simultaneously, which can be summarized in 12 golden rules.

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Topic: Health/Managment

Production: Dairy

Animal Category: Ewe

Issue: Milking machine management

Level of Solution: Practical

Country: Spain

How to implement

Before milking

Monitor udder health regularly.
Follow the right milking order.
Always use a milk filter.
If needed, clean teats before milking.

During milking

Check milking vacuum
Attach milking cluster in time
Avoid over milking
Detach milking clusters correctly

After milking

Disinfect teats immediately
Clean/disinfect milking equipment
Ensure proper milk cooling
Regularly monitor milking results

Always use disposable gloves. Always ensure disposable gloves are intact and clean.

Expected benefits

To avoid risk situations due to milking machine breakdowns.
Maintain good udder health status
Increase milk yield
Ensure good sanitary milk quality
Improve animal welfare

All this results in a higher economic profitability of the flock, more milk, higher price for milk sanitary quality, longer life of the animals, and less use of antibiotics, all aligned with the one health program.

Cost Benefit analysis

The estimated benefits from the implementation of appropriate milking practices are several. First, a general improvement of the sanitary status of the udder of the sheep, which is reflected in a decrease in the somatic cell count and in the incidence of mastitis. Therefore, is has implication in terms of animal welfare and less veterinary costs. In addition, it means higher milk yield (+3-5%) and better bulk tank milk quality and the consequent higher price perceived (+2-4%) by the farmer. For an average dairy sheep flock of 300 ewes and 200 l/ewe, the economic added income may range from 1500 to 4500 €.

Sustainability analysis

The implementation of cleaner milking routines means the utilisation of more hot water and disinfectant products both for the udder of the sheep and for the milking equipment (machine and deposits). In addition to higher water and energy consumption, more effluents (dirty water) are generated.
The implementation of preventive measurements around milking and the achievement of better sanitary status of the sheep, involves less incidence of mastitis and as a result less application of antibiotics and veterinary treatments. Therefore, this solution is aligned with the objectives of the “One Health” strategy. The incidences of hazards around milking should be less frequent, milking routines may become more regular and easier to be implemented, and as a result, more satisfaction for the farmer.