How did we solve this?

During this project, we implemented a new standard operating procedure using teat scrubbers. Teat scrubbers gently wash, disinfect, stimulate, and dry teats in one easy and consistent process. Adopting the use of teat scrubbers helps to eliminate the use of towels in the parlour, reducing towel costs and waste, and improving udder health and milk quality.

To ensure successful implementation of the new milking process, employees were provided with an introduction training explaining the new operating procedure. Emphasis was placed on brush hygiene, contact time for improved stimulation, and ideal lag times (90-120 seconds from first touch of the teats to attach the milk cluster). Monitoring and support after the initial training included follow up trainings, regular assessments, and on site visits.

As a result of this project, mastitis cases dropped by 35% between 2020 and 2021, and lifetime production increased by 0.20kg FPCM per cow per day. Procedural compliance increased labour efficiency during the pre-treatment stage of the milking process, which contributed to a SCC reduction of 30.000 cells/ml of milk (152.000 vs the starting 182.000). Due to increased productivity, GHG emissions reduced by 0.5% CO2 eq./kg FPCM.