Over an extended period, poorly functioning milking machines cause teat damage and increase the risk of infection.

Regular service and maintenance of your milking machine will help ensure that the speed and completeness of milking is maintained, and the risk of mastitis due to milking machine faults is minimised.

Guideline 25 provides practical information on:

• Fully testing and servicing your milking machine
• Signs that milking machines are performing poorly
• Using a milking machine technician who tests to New Zealand Milking and Pumping Trade Association standards
• Types of tests that can be performed by a milking machine technician
• Getting the technician to provide and explain a full written report
• Making a plan for carrying out all recommendations from the report

Technote 25 provides technical information for farmers and advisers on:

• The findings the technician's report should include
• The most cost-effective sequence for upgrading inadequate components.