Milking employees play a critical role in harvesting a farm’s primary product — milk. To ensure milk is clean, safe, and high quality, every dairy operation must have a clear and consistent milking procedure. All individuals involved in milking — employees, family members, and youth — must follow the same steps every time. Consistency protects milk quality, supports cow health, and promotes operational efficiency.
Below is a step-by-step guide to a proper milking routine:
Step 1: Calm Cow Movement
Handling cows gently when moving them from pens to the holding area and into the milking parlor is essential. Stressful handling within 30 minutes before milking can cause adrenaline release, which inhibits the production of oxytocin — a hormone necessary for milk letdown. Calm, consistent cow movement helps ensure optimal milk flow.
Step 2: Udder Preparation
Preparing the udder properly initiates oxytocin release and sets the timing for unit attachment.
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Fore-stripping: Remove 4 to 5 squirts of milk from each teat. This allows for early detection of mastitis and removes milk with a high somatic cell count from the teat cistern. Fore-stripping should take about 10 seconds per cow.
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Pre-dipping: Apply pre-milking teat dip to cover at least three-quarters of each teat. If spraying before stripping, the timing for oxytocin release does not begin until the udder is manually touched.
Aim for a lag time of 60 to 90 seconds from first contact with the udder to unit attachment, with a minimum of 90 seconds for herds milked three times daily.
Step 3: Allow Pre-Dip to Work
Let the pre-dip remain on the teat for the time specified by the product label to ensure it effectively kills bacteria.
Step 4: Dry Teats and Attach Milking Unit
Wipe each teat thoroughly with a clean towel using a twisting motion, taking care to clean the teat end. Attach the milking unit only after the teats are completely dry to minimize contamination and optimize milk flow.
Step 5: Post-Milking Teat Care
After milking, apply a post-milking teat dip immediately. The teat sphincter remains open for about 30 minutes after milking, making it susceptible to bacterial infection.
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Ensure at least three-quarters of the teat is covered.
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Use a dip cup to help achieve complete coverage on all sides.
Final Considerations
Cows respond best to a consistent routine. Deviations in milking procedures can disrupt milk letdown and reduce productivity. All individuals involved in the milking process must follow the same method to maintain high standards for milk quality and animal care.
With proper training and adherence to consistent procedures, your dairy operation will be well positioned for success.
