Cleaning up: is your dairy shed ready

Hygiene and the state of your equipment play a huge part in maintaining animal health and productivity of your dairy operation. Environmental contamination (mud, manure) is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Keeping a busy dairy shed clean is always a challenge but any shortcuts taken could end up costing more down the line. Investing in a complete plant inspection and decontamination now prepares you for starting your lactation season on the right foot. To get your shed into tip top shape this autumn, PGG Wrightson is your first port of call for your dairy shed equipment needs.

PGG Wrightson has a full product range for cleaning, replacing, or upgrading your milking shed gear, including a collection of disinfectants, acid sanitisers, and alkalis to clean and maintain hygiene standards.

Cleaning Checklist:

The vat – using a torch, inspect the vat by looking for protein deposits on the walls, floor, inlet, and outlet fittings. Remember to check the paddle and under door seals.
The milk line – most types of hygiene grades are due to issues with the milk line. Be on the lookout for patches of soil on the upper surfaces, particularly those on the far end.
The clusters – feel inside liner. If it is dirty, inspect its jetter for a blockage. Also remove the sight glasses and inspect claw bases for contamination.
The receiver – inspect the entire fitting, but especially the upper surfaces (above the normal wash water level) for protein deposits.
The pump – open the pump to look for splits, signs of deterioration and foreign matter in the non-return values. This is particularly important for multi-head diaphragm pumps.

The filter – look around the end seals of the cage, and at the top of tube for issues.
The milk line – return to the milk line to inspect every joint and union leading to the vat. Look for failed or misaligned seals, leaks, or loose nuts.
The rubberware – replace any worn rubberware and check the lining for evidence of soil or degradation.
The airlines – check for signs of milk by smelling the airlines, pulsator, and receiver. Open the plate cooler and look for evidence of foreign matter and damaged seals.
The temperature gauges – ensure your precooling and refrigeration temperature gauges are accurate.

Browse the range online at store.pggwrightson.co.nz or visit your local PGG Wrightson store today.