Assessing the quality of your rubberware

Ensuring your milking system operates at its best requires regular upkeep, especially when it comes to maintaining rubberware.  Overlooking this aspect can lead to various issues impacting milking efficiency, cow health, and milk quality.

Extended usage of worn-out liners poses risks such as teat damage, increased infection rates, and elevated somatic cell counts (SCC). According to DairyNZ, faulty milking equipment contributes to approximately half of clinical mastitis cases in New Zealand dairy herds. Implementing preventive measures is crucial, including replacing liners after every 2,500 milkings to effectively combat mastitis.

Achieving optimal performance and cow health hinges on proactive rubberware maintenance and early detection of potential problems. By adopting a systematic approach, you can ensure peak performance from your milking system.

Choosing the appropriate rubberware is just as critical as maintenance. Apart from regular upkeep, selecting the right equipment is instrumental in averting common dairy shed issues. Persistent problems like liner tailpiece splits, cup slippage, prolonged milking durations, or cow discomfort often indicate the use of unsuitable equipment for your system. 

Tips for Dairy Shed Maintenance:

1. Regularly examine milk tubing for rubber degradation, replacing any rubberware in contact with milk on a seasonal basis. Determine the internal condition of milk tubing by scraping its interior; if residue leaves a black mark on your hand, it's time for a replacement.
2. Replace rubberware every 2,500 milkings or at the first sight of perishing, cracking, or damage, whichever occurs first.
3. Conduct routine inspections of rubberware to detect deterioration and promptly address emerging issues. For rotary sheds, ensure the centre of the platform is included in routine maintenance checks.
4. Following plant washing, ensure clusters are removed from the jetters to preserve liner condition and prevent cup slippage.
5. When installing new milking liners, align indicator marks on the liner head and short milk tube to prevent twisting in the shell. Confirm that liners are fully pulled through to the tension ring with a quick, sharp pull.

Arrange a complimentary rubberware assessment with Skellerup’s accredited NZMPTA specialists to ensure your dairy rubberware meets its potential. Schedule your review through your local Farm Source store to ensure full capability of your dairy operation.

Article supplied by Skellerup.