| 2018-06-06 |    |
Parlour Hygiene Changes Needed To Reduce Antibiotic Use
Dairy farmers should be taking practical steps in their parlour hygiene management to ensure antibiotic use is reduced to meet future milk marketing opportunities.
Looking at the current status of antibiotic use on farm, Rob
Kelly, regional sales director Diversey, who own the Deosan range of hygiene
products said:
“As an industry we’re all aware of the concern and
growing awareness of antibiotic use on farm - and the need for action
to reduce current levels.
“Milk buyers are already introducing measures to encourage reduced use, and farmers should revisit their milking routines to ensure they’re implementing protocols that are compatible with good milk hygiene and udder health.
“A rigorous udder hygiene programme, carried out with robust well formulated products, is a proven tool to reduce the challenges of the environment responsible for infection and encourage healthier, more productive cows, leading to improved milk quality.
“Post milking teat disinfection plays a proven and crucial role in reducing the risk from mastitis causing organisms and a well formulated product will ensure hydrated skin that can withstand the changeable conditions particularly in the summer.
“But when cows are outside, it can be tempting to cut back on key elements of pre-milking teat preparation, perhaps removing a disinfectant altogether. This not only puts more pressure on the post disinfectant to maintain teat condition, it can also lead to fluctuating bactoscan results when cows are dirtier than normal and exposure of the teat to higher challenges of bacteria can lead to infections.
“Utilising carefully chosen teat hygiene pre and post milking disinfectants will safeguard your business against unnecessary antibiotic use, and all the significant costs that are associated with it.
“Invest in quality hygiene products – Remember that no two products are the same. Choose the correct product for the time of year, your farm conditions and teat hygiene needs. If soil removal is critical, ensure your choice of product delivers and without detriment to the integrity of the skin. If skin condition is a concern, choose a product that cleans and exfoliates without pulling moisture from the skin. If your pre-milking disinfectant is not meeting your requirements, it’s costing you time and money with little benefit.
“So, we urge you this summer to be prepared. Ensure teat skin condition is top of the agenda by seeking advice and choosing a pre-milking teat disinfectant that is fit for the environmental conditions your herd is exposed and which will help you bring super clean healthy teats speedily and effortlessly to the point of milking.”
