Optimize your milking system’s hygiene: how can you benefit from it?
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In the previous Blog episode, we analyzed some of the most common mistakes related to milking system washing, as well as the potential impact they could have on-farm efficiency and profitability.
If you are now wondering what actions to implement, to ensure your cleaning process is successful, here is some precious advice from our expert Simone Pezzi, Group Key Account Manager, followed by the potential impact these could have on your overall farm profitability.
Tips to optimize the milking system’s cleaning
Every milking system has specific features and needs. Therefore, to ensure the optimization of its cleaning process, the best choice is to rely on experts’ advice, who will be able to provide the most suitable parameters, through a careful analysis of the parlour, and customize the washing routine. Then, periodical checks on both milk quality and installation are essential, to evaluate the effectiveness of the washing plan developed and, if necessary, adjust parameters accordingly.
Make sure the water flush washes hoses entirely, even reaching their upper part, thanks to an increase of water’s mechanical action.
This can be ensured by an air injector, that allows air to enter tubes and, while creating turbulence, enables water to rinse all surfaces, avoiding milk residues.
Efficient cleaning also requires a higher vacuum than milking. Since an inverter often regulates vacuum during milk extraction, to ensure it respects cows’ needs, during washing, it is necessary to increase its level. A higher level of vacuum increases the speed of the fluid in the pipeline, maximizing the mechanical removal of the milking residues, optimizing the effectiveness of the washing process.
It is also crucial to monitor water and energy usage to minimize waste. Modern technology can support, ensuring consistency in cleaning routines. In fact, the automatic monitoring of temperature, parameters, and time allows for the detection of potential errors that would not be spotted with manual management.
The benefits of an efficient milking system’s hygiene
Having mentioned the main tips to make the most of your washing solutions, how will you benefit from them?
Healthier cows. One of the first aspects that will benefit from the hygiene of the milking system is the health of your animals. Teat-end conditions will be preserved, cows will be calmer, and the infection risks minimized.
Smoother, shorter, more successful milking sessions. Being cows more relaxed and the milking more comfortable, an overall improvement in the sessions will be evident, with smoother, shorter, and more complete performance, which means more milk available of a higher quality.
Long-lasting equipment. Keeping hygiene standards high, components will last longer and perform better, substantially decreasing the costs of maintenance and of new products.
Cost efficiency & farm profitability. The combination between healthy animals and a well-preserved milking system will be the key to cost optimization, further ensured by minimizing waste, thanks to a thorough analysis of washing performance.
Throughout these Blog episodes, we shed light on another fundamental factor to privilege, when aiming to achieve milking efficiency and optimize the farm profitability: a correct washing routine of the milking system.
Underestimating it can put at high stake the entire herd and parlour, with severe repercussions on costs. On the other hand, the identification, performing, and monitoring of the best washing set-up for your parlour will make your farm thrive!