Page 24 - ACV Journal DECEMBER 2015

Scientific

claw vacuum was at the high end of the recommended range (36-42 overdue for changing (maximum of 2500 cow milkings) but appeared
kPa). However, when interpreted with the low-moderate prevalence in reasonable condition, were not twisted on any clusters and were the
of teat end lesions (discussed later), it was considered unlikely to be correct fit for shells. However, other rubber ware (particularly pulsation
contributing to this problem. At this visit it was noted that the liners were tubes) was degraded as shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

Figures 2a & 2b. Degraded rubber ware in late April 2015.

Figure 1. BMCC history for case study farm since the start of the 2012 season. The orange line indicates the premium threshold for the factory
supplied by this farm (250 000 cells/ml) and the green circles indicate calving periods.

Milking time observations • Water used to wash railing behind cows was wetting udders
• Teat disinfectant coverage was generally good (visual and
The key findings of the milking time observations (Sections G-M of MIP)
included: paper towel test) but occasionally the last cows in the row
were sprayed as they turned to exit
• Delayed let down (mean = 49 sec) despite cows entering • There were minimal cup slips – those that occurred were
the shed quietly mostly on 3-titter cows
• Teat condition was generally good
• Some teats were contaminated but were dry • Teat end hyperkeratosis (rough/very rough) was present on
• Minimal teats were washed but they were not dried if they 22.7% of teats examined
• Behavioral responses mostly occurred in heifers and were
were washed
• Milker hygiene was good – gloves worn, infected milk does www.ava.com.au/cattle

not contaminate gloves

24 The Australian Cattle Veterinarian | volume 77 | December 2015