NORTHEAST MILKING EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

Abstract

Minimum standards for milking equipment have been prepared for the northeastern United States. The purpose of these standards is to act as guidelines for the manufacturer, installer, dairy farmer and industry and regulatory sanitarian.The objectives are to eliminate duplication of farm inspections as a result of common market requirements and to have good quality and flavor by having well designed equipment, properly installed, properly operated and cleaned after each use.A committee of 50 persons representing industry, regulatory and university interests developed “Minimum Standards for the Design, Construction and Installation of Milking and Milk Handling Equipment.” Major areas of concern were the design and construction of equipment which was cleanable in the hands of the average dairy farmer and did not contribute to flavor or quality problems.Specific recommendations concern the installation of vacuum systems and pipeline milkers. A table of minimum vacuum pump capacities for conventional systems and a general rule of a 50% reserve for pipeline milker vacuum systems are included. Tips for installation include support, slope and diameter of vacuum lines and sanitary milk lines. Recommendations also concern filtration, cleaning and operation with the manufacturer being responsible for written as well as on the farm instruction for the dairy farmer. Service checks by an authorized milking machine dealer are suggested annually on conventional systems and semi-annually on pipeline systems.These standards should help to assure good flavor and quality in milk as well as establish common requirements for various milk markets. Hopefully, quality standards covering flavor, bacteriological quality, sediment and leucocyte levels may be agreed upon in the near future.