Bacteriological Examination of Pipeline Milking Machines by Rinsing the Entire System

Abstract

The results of bacteriological examination of rinses of the entire systems of 12 pipeline milking machines were compared with a similar examination of the milk collected while they were used for milking. The machines were cleaned in three different ways and showed varying degrees of complexity. There was a close correlation between the results when the milk was collected with the maximum of cleanliness during milking. This is attributed to the localization of most of the micro-organisms present in the milking machine in the junctions and complex parts of the machine and not on the surface of the equipment, so they are removed with the same efficiency by cold water or warm milk. The number of micro-organisms retrieved by water during successive rinses (or by the milk during milking) decreased at a rate which depended either on the level of initial contamination of the equipment, its design or on the types of micro-organisms present. Recommendations are made for the interpretation of the results of rinsing.

Effect of milking hygiene, herd size, water hardness and temperature-humidity index on milk quality of dairy farms

“…As observed in the present study, different parts of the milking machine can vary in bacterial counts. In this regard, Richard (1981) indicated that most microorganisms are present in the joints and complex parts of the milking machine and not on the surface of the equipment. Therefore, the profound cleanliness of milking equipment is necessary to reduce the number of microorganisms present in the milking machine.…”