Improving milk quality and hygiene
A new pre-treatment protocol reduced mastitis and somatic cell count (SCC) by around 60% in just two months.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
In collaboration with FutureCow
Why does it matter?
Guaranteeing milk quality is a challenge for all dairy farms. Milking processes have a direct influence on milk quality and hygiene. For example, improper pre-treatment of teats can lead to increased incidences of mastitis and of raw milk contamination. It is important to avoid microbial and or raw milk contamination, as this may lead to penalties for farmers or even milk rejection. Mastitis is also a painful disease for animals, so it is important to eliminate incidences on farm, to improve cow health and well-being.
How did we solve this?
FutureCow and the farmer implemented a new standard teat pre-treatment protocol, using teat scrubbers instead of washable wipes. FutureCow also provided farms with training to explain the new pre-treatment protocol. Within two months, incidences of clinical mastitis were cut in half (from 75 to 38) and the SCC decreased from 460.000 to 170.000. Additionally, the new pre-treatment protocol saved up to 2,5h of labour required per day.
Opportunities for other farms?
All farms (excluding those milking by hand and those using milking robots) can replicate this approach to reduce incidences of mastitis cases on farm, to improve milk quality and production, and to improve cow health and well-being.
Discover our best practices
We are active all over the world. And focus our energy on supporting farmers who work towards regenerative agriculture. Explore our best practices and learn how we are making a difference.
Learn More