Reusable teat cloths reduce costs and waste The introduction of reusable teat cloths on one UK dairy unit has significantly reduced wastage and resulted in cost savings – without compromising udder health or milk quality. Cheshire-based producer Paul Robinson, who runs the 600-cow Woodhey herd near Nantwich, saw reusable cloths being used to clean cows’ teats prior to milking during a visit to the US. And, on his return, he asked GEA Farm Technologies to look at setting up an equally sustainable system on his unit. The company pointed Paul towards a range of commercial laundry equipment offered by Electrolux Professional, which would enable the dairy to make significant cost savings through the use of reusable cloths, without compromising on the condition or cleanliness of cows’ teats.
Washing cycle: Paul Robinson loads his unit’s washing machine with teat wipes
Through a partnership with GEA Farm Technologies and Electrolux Professional, the unit has invested in an Electrolux Professional W5180S commercial washing machine. With a 20kg capacity and the ability to enhance its software using a dedicated farm program, the machine proved the
perfect fit for the dairy’s implementation of reusable teat cloths. The cloths are simply loaded into the machine, which has a bespoke thermal disinfection programme – a hot wash in excess of 90°C to ensure mastitis-causing bacteria are removed. The machine is also capable of leaving the cloths finished with residual moisture, which is required when they are used. The herd is milked three times a day, which means that the turnover of clean cloths is extremely high. The unit was using 500 disposable cloths for each milking session and this was not only costing more than £800 a month, but was also producing significant quantities of unnecessary waste. “We’re pleased with the performance of the wipes and recommend the system to other UK producers,” says Paul.
Flushing solution launched A chemical designed to use in cluster flushing systems has been launched by Progiene. Puraclean Clusterflush is a highly concentrated and non-corrosive liquid disinfectant, which is free from quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and harsh acids. “An effective hygiene routine, that includes disinfecting clusters between cows, can significantly help to prevent mastitis by reducing the risk of crossinfection in the parlour,” says Progiene’s Alison Clark.
She adds that the presence of QACs in milk is a serious concern for milk buyers, as it can impact on bacterial cultures in the milk and impeding processing. “So, the fact that our product is free from QACs is a real benefit. “The solution is also less corrosive to milking equipment compared to acidbased products, making it an ideal choice for pre-cleaning in robotic systems. “And is also much safer for the operator to use,” she adds.
Spray docks in silage crops now The best time to tackle dock infestations in silage crops is before first cut, according to Dow AgroSciences’ grassland agronomy specialist Andy Bailey. “There are three good reasons for spraying docks in grass in early to mid-April,” says Mr Bailey. “Firstly killing them now allows the grass time to spread into the gaps they leave which will maximise silage yields at first and subsequent cuts. “Secondly it improves the quality of the silage. Docks only have 60% the feed value of grass so the fewer of these that make it into the clamp the better.”
And thirdly, when using modern translocated herbicides like DoxstarPro, leaving three to four weeks between treatment and harvest gives the active ingredients plenty of time to reach right down into the roots for long-lasting control. Mr Bailey says that producers should plan a potential spray date now by working back at least three weeks
from the expected cutting date, and noting this in the diary or booking the contractor if spraying is out-sourced. “Weed growth has been slow so far this spring due to the cold nights and dull days. But recent warm weather may spur them into action, particularly in fields that have had fertiliser as they respond very well to nitrogen.”
COW MAN AG E ME N T
CM03_CowTalk.indd 5
AP R IL / M A Y
2 0 1 5
5
24-04-15 14:58