Dairy cows
These are the main shelters for dairy cows. Depending on the farm's setup, cows might be kept in freestall barns (individual stalls with bedding), tie-stall barns (cows are tied in individual stalls), or pasture-based systems. These barns provide protection from harsh weather conditions and also offer a controlled environment for managing the cows' health and comfort.
Milking parlour
This is where the milking of cows takes place. Milking parlour can vary in design, with options like herringbone, parallel, or rotary parlour. Modern milking parlour often use automated milking machines that milk multiple cows simultaneously, ensuring efficiency and reducing labour.
Calves
The calf rearing area. Young calves are typically kept separate from adult cows to ensure proper care and growth. Calf rearing facilities have individual pens or group housing systems and provide the necessary nutrition, warmth, and attention to help calves develop into healthy replacements for the milking herd.
Hygienic entry
Many farms that focus on biosecurity include a hygienic farm entry area, usually a disinfection gate or manual cleaning and disinfection area for trucks, goods or persons that enter the farm.
Biosecurity programsfor dairy farms
Dairy
Milking parlour
Biosecurity at the milking parlour is vital to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases among dairy cows. It helps maintain cow health, ensures milk quality and safety, prevents cross-contamination, adheres to regulations, and safeguards the overall sustainability of the dairy operation.
What’s important to maintain biosecurity at the milking parlour?
Maintaining biosecurity at the milking parlour involves implementing a set of practices and protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases.
- Restricted access: Essential personnel have limited access to the milking parlour, which reduces the risk of outsiders bringing in potential pathogens.
- Clean environment: To minimise disease, keep the milking area clean and free from dirt, manure, and debris.
- Separation of sick animals: Immediately identify and isolate cows showing signs of illness to prevent the spread of diseases during milking.
- Footbaths and entry/exit points: To prevent the transmission of pathogens via footwear.
- Hoof mats at exit: Taking care of the hoofs is important to ensure the health and longevity of your cows.
- Biosecurity training: Educate milking staff about the importance of biosecurity.
- Monitoring: Maintain animal health records, treatments, and any unusual incidents. This helps track disease history and assists in identifying the animals that need special care.
Common challenges
- Mastitis: This leads to decreased milk quality and quantity, as well as discomfort for the cow.
- Lameness: Caused by poor hoof health, inadequate flooring, and improper nutrition. Impacts milk production, reproductive performance, and cow welfare.
- Stress and behavior issues: These are caused by overcrowding, changes in routine, and poor handling during milking practices.
- Metabolic disorders: Conditions like ketosis, milk fever (hypocalcemia), and displaced abomasum can occur due to imbalances in a cow’s metabolism around calving.
HyCare biosecurity programs for the milking parlour
Optimal hoofcare
Healthy hooves are the foundation for proper water and feed intake in the dairy herd. Claw problems are a major negative influence on cow longevity. A lame cow often gets into a negative energy balance, which lowers her water and feed intake. This can also lead to fertility problems, which is another cause of premature dairy cow deaths.
The MS AutoHoofClean system is a fully automated system placed at the milking robot’s exit or in the return alley of a conventional barn.
Two types of packages:
- Robot package: 180 cm walk-through mat, 10 MS HoofClean jugs (20 kg) and a pump unit.
- Conveniential package: 300 cm walk-through mat, MS HoofClean jugs (depending on the number of cows), and a pump unit.
The pump unit is fully programmed to know when to fill the mat with MS HoofClean or a disinfectant. The mattress has a hard top layer with small holes, so the chemical comes only out where the hoof will touch it.
MS AutoHoofClean is a preventive and curative system against heel warts (digital dermatitis).
Cleaning and disinfection
The HyCare cleaning and disinfection program for the milking parlour focuses on creating a germ-free environment. This is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of dairy cows, producing high-quality and safe milk, preventing the spread of diseases, and complying with industry regulations. It’s an integral part of responsible dairy farming practices.
Healthy hooves are the foundation for proper water and feed intake in the dairy herd. Claw problems are a major negative influence on cow longevity. A lame cow often gets into a negative energy balance, which lowers her water and feed intake. This can also lead to fertility problems, which is another cause of premature dairy cow deaths.
The MS AutoHoofClean system is a fully automated system placed at the milking robot’s exit or in the return alley of a conventional barn.
Two types of packages:
- Robot package: 180 cm walk-through mat, 10 MS HoofClean jugs (20 kg) and a pump unit.
- Conveniential package: 300 cm walk-through mat, MS HoofClean jugs (depending on the number of cows), and a pump unit.
The pump unit is fully programmed to know when to fill the mat with MS HoofClean or a disinfectant. The mattress has a hard top layer with small holes, so the chemical comes only out where the hoof will touch it.
MS AutoHoofClean is a preventive and curative system against heel warts (digital dermatitis).
The HyCare cleaning and disinfection program for the milking parlour focuses on creating a germ-free environment. This is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of dairy cows, producing high-quality and safe milk, preventing the spread of diseases, and complying with industry regulations. It’s an integral part of responsible dairy farming practices.
Contact us
Cuong Nguyen
Cuong Nguyen is our Technical Sales Manager and based in Ho Chi Minh City.
