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Text by: Mr. Anthony Zammit Vet Support Officer (VSO)

Milking Hygiene Quality

Milk Quality

Milk is paid for on the basis of compositional and hygienic quality, assessed according to the fat, protein, lactose, total bacterial count (TBC), somatic cell count (SCC) content of milk. Improving milk compositonal quality will generate additional income.

Cleaning of the milking equipment system Cleaning routine Morning – After milking

The external surfaces of the milking equipment, including jetters, clusters and milk pipes are washed and the plant is rinsed using ten litres of water per unit. Cold caustic cleaning solution is prepared in a suitable lidded container using the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Each unit requires 10-12 litres of this solution, which is circulated from the enclosed container around the plant for ten minutes, allowing the first eight litres to run to waste. The milk pump is then switched off and the plant is not drained.

Evening – Before milking

The cold cleaning solution is pumped from the plant back into the lidded container for re-use. The plant is then thoroughly rinsed with 12 litres of cold water per unit to remove caustic detergent residues. To ensure the quality of the rinse water, 25ml (two tablespoons) of sodium hypochlorite are added to each 50 litres of rinse water used. The plant is then drained in preparation for milking.

Evening – After milking

The morning routine is repeated, except that the cold cleaning solution collected in the enclosed container is re-used.

Morning – Before milking

The cold cleaning solution is pumped from the plant to waste. A fresh caustic solution should be made up each day. The plant is rinsed and drained prior to milking.

Hot wash

A hot wash, carried out at least once per week, is essential when using cold cleaning. A hot caustic solution, starting temperature 80oC and of similar strength to that used for cold circulation, is circulated with 200ml of sodium hypochlorite for every 50 litres (of the caustic solution) for ten minutes. The plant is rinsed afterwards with cold water, using ten litres of water per unit. To ensure the quality of the rinse water, 25ml (two tablespoons) of sodium hypochlorite are added to each 50 litres of rinse water used.

Milkstone

Periodic treatment of the plant with milkstone remover is essential. The required frequency of treatment will depend on the hardness of the water.

Anthony Zammit Vet Support Officer ( VSO )

VIP NOTES TO ANIMAL LOVERS REPORT ANY WITNESSED CRUELTY ON ANIMALS TO THE DISTRICT POLICE ON 2122 4001. EMERGENCY VETERINARY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK / 24 HOURS DAILY CALL ON 5004 3888 ONLY FROM FIXED LINE, THE CALL COST AROUND €4.65.