Milk Quality Program: Harvest higher quantities of higher quality milk
In anticipation of more strict milk quality standards in the United
States, A&L Laboratories is rolling out its new and comprehensive
Quality Milk Program, to assist U.S. dairy operations in the quest for
higher quality milk - and more of it. The program's strategy takes a
“Whole Farm Approach” and starts by establishing a Quality Milk Team
from across disciplines. This team should include the farm’s veterinarian,
nutritionist, employees, equipment dealer, chemical supplier, investor
and Quality Milk Specialist.
This diverse team is needed because the components of a good quality milk program span many aspects of the farm operation, and many of these components can be managed systematically:
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Housing, cow comfort, welfare and handling (for calves, heifers, dry cows, and milking cows)
- Teat health
- Milking machine maintenance and performance
- Milking procedures
- Overall farm cleanliness
- Farm management
When a farm elects to participate in the Milk Quality Program, a Milk Quality Specialist from A&L Laboratories immediately joins the farm’s Milk Quality Team and works with team members to develop a results-oriented program. Steps in the program development include:
- Establish quality goals
- Examine current residue build-up on equipment
- Evaluate housing/environment
- Inspect and analyze CIP
- Audit chemical product handling
- Evaluate teat health
- Analyze milking machine performance
- Perform a milking audit
Focusing on quality milk is financially beneficial when premiums are earned and production is increased through better milking techniques. Even more importantly, it’s the right thing to do. Cows are healthier when producers use best practices described in the A&L Quality Milk Program.
