This program builds on the Milking and Mastitis Management (Fundamentals) Program and supports increased understanding of milking management and mastitis control.

Over four weeks, participants complete a theory module through Enlight and complete in real time on the job.

Topics covered include:

• Producing a quality product
• How and why mastitis occurs
• Reducing bacteria near the teat end
• Milking machines and mastitis
• Treatment of mastitis

 

• Safely and effectively bring in cows for milking, including recognising natural cow behaviours and minimising stress for both cows and people.

• Safely and effectively harvest milk that ensures milk quality and food safety.
  

• Undertake a calm consistent approach to the milking process that ensures good milk let down.
  

• Complete safe and effective post-milking teat disinfection.
  

• Safely and effectively put cups on, including preparation of the teats for hygiene control if required.
  

• Detect clinical mastitis and take appropriate action.
  

• Demonstrate safe and hygienic procedure for collection of a milk sample and infusion of an intramammary product.
  

• Follow farm protocols for the treatment of clinical mastitis.
  

• Follow farm protocols for mixing of teat disinfectant (will not be required on farms using ready to use formulations).
  

• Recognise abnormal teat condition.
  

• Change a liner on a set of cups.
  

• Recognise cow teats that need to be washed and dried prior to applying cups.