As well as ensuring that milk quality is not affected by dirty teats, washing helps the cow produce oxytocin, the milk let-down hormone which creates a better milk flow.
Teat washing and ensuring the teats are clean before attaching the cups has the following benefits:
- Can prevent milk quality issues, maintains milk quality.
- Reduces animal health issues - reduces risk of teat damage, reduces mastitis associated with teat damage or excessive dirt on teats.
In New Zealand there are two teat washing practices:
- Universal washing - where every teat is washed.
- Strategic washing - where only those which are visibly dirty are washed.
Strategic washing is most commonly practiced in New Zealand. Strategic washing of dirty teats will save time, although there is no opportunity to stimulate the udder through handling/massage to encourage let-down. However, in most cases this is not required.
Drying of teats after washing is essential as it reduces the chance of mastitis, and the risk of milk contamination. Dry teats also interact better with the teat cup liner.
Don't bulk wash
Bulk washing is washing cows and teats with the pressurized wash-down hose on entry to the bails or in the collecting yard. Bulk washing of udders is not an acceptable practice as it can compromise milk quality by washing bacteria off the flanks and udder into the cups.