In dairy farming, the individual components within the milking system play a key role in the production of good quality milk.
GEA says having well maintained equipment that functions correctly has many benefits within a dairy farming system, including:
- Increased milking efficiency: If all equipment within the dairy is functioning optimally, this can significantly decrease milking times and increase milk yield.
- Improved animal health: Well-maintained milking equipment is less likely to harbour bacteria which can cause mastitis. If the milking system is operating optimally this can also prevent over-milking and decrease teat end damage.
- Providing a comfortable milking routine: Well-maintained equipment can provide a consistent and comfortable milking routine for cows and staff. This helps to reduce stress and improve animal welfare.
- Less emergency breakdowns: Preventative maintenance reduces emergency breakdowns, leading to lower costs and reduced stress.
GEA says two key components within this system are the milking clusters and pulsators. Both pieces of equipment play a crucial role in ensuring quick, complete, gentle and safe milking.
For a cluster to maintain an effective, accurate and complete milking every time, the cluster must be maintained, cleaned and inspected regularly.
GEA recommends servicing clusters at least once every 12 months. This service involves removing milk residue and dirt, checking for air bleeds, and replacing any worn or damaged parts, such as gaskets, liners, tubing, hoses, etc. Worn gaskets in milking clusters can harbour bacteria and affect milk quality.
Pulsators play an important role in ensuring adequate massage is applied to the teat end by the liner to relieve congestion caused by vacuum under the teat.
Correctly functioning pulsators therefore have the potential to improve milking efficiency and teat health. GEA says it’s important to service pulsators every six to 12 months, depending on usage.
GEA has a team of experienced and qualified technicians who can inspect, repair and replace any part of milking machines using GEA high-quality parts and equipment to ensure that milking machines meet the highest standards of hygiene and efficiency.
GEA has a special offer for Classic 300 Clusters, IQ Clusters and AutoPuls/StimoPuls Pulsator service kits.The service kit promotion is available until October 31.
For more information, contact your local GEA dealer, call (03) 8877 9999 or go to: www.gea.com