
Dairy rubberware WOF
Is your dairy rubberware ready for a new season? Now is the time to review your setup. A good setup and regular maintenance helps boost performance, enhance milk quality, protect animal health, and maximise profitability. Here is a checklist from Skellerup’s Technical Specialists to ensure your rubberware setup is ready to deliver.
Change liners every 2,500 milkings
Liners deteriorate over time, losing shape and tension, and develop splits. This affects milk flow, increases cup slip, and can harbour bacteria, risking mastitis and high Somatic Cell Count (SCC).
Check for: Flex cracks, mineral build-up and distorted mouthpieces.
Choosing the right liner
The right milking liner ensures efficient milk-out and teat health. Skellerup liners come in three mouthpiece sizes to fit New Zealand cow breeds and provide an
airtight seal for optimal performance.
Upgrade to square liners
A Lincoln University study¹ found square liners improve milk flow and shorten milking times without causing discomfort.
Cluster alignment
Clusters must sit evenly under the udder for efficient milking. Misalignment can lead to cup slip, longer milking times, and teat damage.
Check for: Twisted, sagging, or tight tubing. The air tube should match the milk tube in length.
Milk tubing
Replace tubing seasonally, or when signs of damage appear. Regularly inspect for deterioration.
Check for: Scrape the inside of the tubing. If it leaves a black residue, replace it.
Air tubing
Replace split claw tubes and air tubing immediately. Improper pulsation can lead to teat damage and impact milk out.
Rubberware care
Extend the working life by using approved chemicals, washing with hot alkaline detergent twice weekly, and avoiding water over 85°C.