Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.

Goals:

To ensure low-stress animal handling and well-being during milking.

How to assess:

Review the milking routine protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:

National Dairy FARM Program

• Cows should be moved without excessive vocal or physical interaction
• Handlers should walk against the flow of cows coming into the parlor, paying attention to the reaction of the cattle and adjust for balking or stopping
• Gates and restraining equipment operate smoothly, quietly, and safely
• Waiting time is minimized for each milking

Validus

• Milking equipment has been tested in the last 6 months
• Wait times are less than 5 hours/pen in a 24-hour period
• Animals are calm during milking
• Cows are evaluated for mastitis (visually, palpation, stripping) as part of the milking routine
• Teats are dipped or sprayed after milking
• If used:
  • Rapid exit leaves adequate room for cows to exit without being hit by stalls
  • Crowd gate is used sensibly and not aggressively