Although milking equipment companies often visit farms for monthly milking equipment inspections, some inspections can be done by farm staff. Employees who take part in the milking process work with the cows and the milking units every day. Training them to keep an eye out for certain issues can help save money in the long run. In a Penn State extension article, extension veterinarian Ernest Hovingh highlighted what to be mindful of to ensure all units are working properly.

Milking employees are often trained on how to fetch cows, provide good stimulation, teat sanitation, and unit attachment. With this being the main focus, parlor equipment is often overlooked if milkers are not trained to keep an eye out for issues that may be occurring. “Milkers should be trained to assess the basic condition and function of the milking equipment,” said Hovingh.

Blocked air bleed vents, crack pulsation tubes, twisted inflations, and pinched hoses are common in any milking barn. While this may seem like a long list of additional things to check, once a person is trained, it will likely become second nature.

Each claw or inflation has air vents that lets air into the claw, allowing milk to flow away from the claw and the teat into the milk hose. Only a specific amount of air can get into the claw, which can quickly become clogged with manure, hair, or bedding. Be sure to have extra vents on hand or clean out the clogged vent.

Worn, dry-rotted, and cracked air tubes are also a common sight in milking barns. “These defective/leaking tubes will interfere with the normal movement (pulsation) of the liner, with the result of not achieving good milk flow out of the teat, since the vacuum can’t build up properly between the liner and the shell,” cited the extension vet. “This may result in excessive milk remaining in the quarter which has the broken short air tube, which may in turn predispose the cow to getting mastitis in that quarter.” Pay attention to vacuum leaks and be on the lookout for cracked or rotted tubes.

A common problem is failing to line up the inflations properly with the shells. Most milk equipment companies often place new liners into an additional set of shells as one unit, making it easier for the employees to replace. This can also result in hired help failing to replace inflations as needed.

Make sure to align the marks on the inflation at the top and bottom of the shell, which is critical for the massage cycle. “Even a slight 1/8-inch or more twist in the inflation can result in the undermilking of that quarter, since the inflation can’t open up properly,” Hovingh said. Often, misalignment can be caused by removing the units from the jetter cups.

Pinched hoses can also reduce flow capacity. Whether it’s a vacuum shut off valve or too long or too short of a hose, pinching can become temporary or even permanent.

Milking equipment companies regularly service milk equipment, but it never hurts to keep an eye out for things that may be causing issues in the parlor. Even if you don’t want employees to worry about repairing milking equipment problems, have them report issues somewhere so the service technician knows what to look out for.