Milking System Hygiene
Hygiene and safety as the foundation of milk quality
The cleaning and disinfection of milking systems and milk cooling tanks is one of the most important prerequisites for producing raw milk of consistently high quality. Residues from milk production and microbial contamination can increase bacterial counts and compromise both product safety and the farm’s profitability. A structured and consistently implemented cleaning regimen is therefore essential for a stable and sustainable dairy farm.
Milking System Cleaning
The use of appropriate cleaning and disinfecting agents for cleaning milking systems is just one component that contributes to residue-free cleaning and the maintenance of raw milk quality. Using circulation cleaning as an example, we outline the key parameters of effective milking system cleaning:
Cleaning agents
Use a concentration of 0.5–1%, depending on the water volume. Alternate between alkaline and acidic solutions at regular intervals, depending on water hardness. All these parameters are easy to check and ensure that your milking system is cleaned properly at all times. We would be happy to provide you with detailed information on milking system cleaning during a personal consultation.
Inter-milking disinfection
The Benefits and Proper Procedures for Intermediate Disinfection of Milking Equipment
In cases of persistent or recurrent mastitis, particularly when associated with Staphylococcus aureus, intermediate disinfection of the milking clusters is recommended. It breaks the chain of infection and reduces the risk of transmission of udder-associated pathogens, which primarily occurs during the milking process.
Properly performed intermediate disinfection significantly reduces the bacterial load on the teat cup. Application is performed after first rinsing the milking equipment with clean water and using a peracetic acid concentration of 800–1000 ppm. Disinfection can be carried out using a spray or dip method, ensuring that the specified contact time is observed. Thorough rinsing is required after each application to ensure the removal of residues and to protect the animals’ teats.
The product must always be used in accordance with the instructions on the label and the safety data sheet.
Practical Tips
Not sure if the mixture is right? Just test it. With semi-quantitative test strips for peracetic acid in the range of 500–2000 ppm, you’ll always be on the safe side. Just dip it in briefly, read the result, and you’ll know exactly how much peracetic acid is present.
Comprehensive support for your business
Our commitment goes beyond simply providing high-performance products. We work with our customers over the long term to help them implement robust hygiene standards, keep bacterial counts low, ensure the reliable operation of their systems, and maintain consistently high raw milk quality.
