Why Should I Forestrip on My Farm?
Posted: June 17, 2011
The main goal of today’s dairy producer is to produce high quality milk in the most efficient way possible. Producers of high quality milk know that it is important to have a consistent method for milking preparation and unit attachment. The objective of milking management is to ensure that units are applied to visibly clean, well stimulated teats, milk is rapidly and efficiently harvested and milking units are removed when milking is completed.
A number of milking routines are
used on dairy farms but no single milking practice will independently result in
improved milk quality in the face of overwhelming exposure to mastitis
pathogens. The secret of producing high quality milk is to consistently use a
well defined milking technique by ALL on the farm that helps to reduce pathogen
exposure. Forestripping should be applied to all milking routines and is a
fundamental practice that can help to greatly increase milk quality.
The
examination of milk before unit attachment is necessary to ensure abnormal milk
is not introduced to the bulk tank and also to identify clinical cases of
mastitis at an early stage. Forestripping is adequately performed when 2-3
streams of milk are expressed in a vigorous manor. It is best to forestrip
before the teat end has been disinfected to reduce the risk of recontamination
of the teat end. The only thing that should touch a clean dry teat is the inside
of a milking unit. One important factor when forestripping is the use of a strip
cup. The strip cup is important to help reduce the chance of spreading
contagious mastitis. The use of latex gloves by all milking staff is also
recommended to reduce the potential spread of mastitis pathogens by contaminated
hands.
Implementation of standard milking practices requires frequent training of all employees. Having proper training can be linked to increased milking speed and decrease of clinical mastitis. Successful milking routines are dependent on the ability to clearly communicate practices and to motivate milking personnel to apply them consistently. The consistent implementation of standardized milking practices such as forestripping, the use of single towels to dry teats and well defined milking routines are essential to producing high quality milk.
If you would like to learn more about “Best Milking Practices”, look at the upcoming Penn State Extension Dairy Program Guide or our website for a full schedule of upcoming workshops.
