Automatic milking systems (AMS): udder health management

Abstract

The approach on AMS-farms with somatic cell count problems should include the acquisition of the infection and illness status by cytobacteriological analysis of quarter foremilk samples. In case of cow-associated microorganisms, daily cleaning of all surfaces getting into contact with teats/udder, the use of a teatspray classified as teat-disinfectant, the regular change of liners and in particular the control of the disinfection of liners and teatpreparation-equipment should belong to the prophylaxis measures. Barn hygiene and correct functionality of the teatpreparation equipment should have priority in case of environmental germs. The identification of skin-associated microorganisms makes it necessary to use skin caring teat disinfectants and to optimize the teat cleaning and the milking frequency. Milking frequency can be categorized as germ-nonspecific risk factor: too high milking frequency prevents a regeneration of the teat sphincter with the consequence that cows with intermixing intervals shorter than 5-6 hours often leak milk. Beside this, concerned animals manifest - just like animals with a high variation in intermilking intervals - increasing cell contents. Correlating with a decrease in milk yield and a rise in probability for germ adhesion and germ reproduction in the udder, too long intermilking intervals are counterproductive as well. In Germany the above mentioned udder health risks are considered by the "catalogue of measures" which is based on the Regulation (EC) No 853/2004.