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Milking routine checklist

A printable run-through of the steps that protect udder health and milk quality, adapted to your own barn.

Print this page and tape it up, or adapt it into your own standard operating procedure. It lists the steps, not the exact times or products. Use the contact times, products and timing that your veterinarian, milk plant field rep and equipment dealer set for your farm.

Before milking

• Check that the parlor, equipment and wash-up are done and the system is ready.
• Put on clean gloves and have clean towels or single-use wipes ready.
• Have teat dip, strip cups and a way to record problem cows at hand.

Cow prep

• Bring cows in calmly and without rushing. Stress slows let-down.
• Strip a few squirts from each quarter into a strip cup and look at the milk. Note clots, flakes, strings or watery milk.
• Apply pre-dip if your program uses it, and leave it on for the contact time on the product label.
• Wipe teats clean and dry, paying attention to the teat end.
• Look at teat ends and the udder for swelling, heat or injury.

Attach and milk

• Attach the unit soon after prep, following your milk plant or vet routine for timing.
• Adjust the unit so it hangs square and does not climb or twist.
• Watch for liner slips and units that fall off. Report repeats to whoever services the equipment.

After milking

• Remove the unit without pulling it off under vacuum.
• Post-dip every teat completely with the product your program uses.
• Give cows fresh feed and keep them standing for a short while if that is your barn routine, so teat ends can close.
• Record cows with abnormal milk and tell the person in charge.

Wash-up and records

• Rinse, wash and sanitize the system the way your equipment dealer and milk plant require.
• Check the bulk tank temperature and record it.
• Write down any health events, treatments and milk withheld, with the dates.