Manure management is another critical aspect of maintaining hygiene on dairy farms. Allowing manure to accumulate near milk handling areas can lead to contamination and attract pests. The best practice is to spread manure in thin layers on pastures, which not only prevents accumulation but also enriches the soil.
Fly control in milk-handling areas is essential to prevent contamination and ensure a hygienic environment. Flytraps with entrapment liquids, poisons like formaldehyde, or electric fly killers are effective methods to reduce the fly population. Additionally, controlling other insects, such as cockroaches, often requires the use of approved insecticides, ensuring these pests do not compromise the cleanliness of the area.
Maintaining the cleanliness of the milking area is non-negotiable. The walls and floors should be kept clean, and the room must be well-ventilated and free from dust to ensure a sanitary environment. Personnel handling milk should have no history of intestinal disease to prevent the potential transmission of pathogens.
Facilities such as flush toilets, which should not open directly into milking areas, are necessary for personnel. Additionally, hand washing and sanitizing facilities must be available nearby to ensure milk handlers can clean and sanitize their hands effectively. Before starting the milking process, the milker or milking attendant must have thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and dried their hands to maintain the highest standards of milk hygiene.
By implementing these practices, dairy farms can ensure a safe and hygienic environment for milk production, safeguarding public health and ensuring high-quality dairy products.
Essential Hygiene Practices for Dairy Farm Milk Production
