Page 37 - Microsoft Word -Cow Book 10-06-09 final update.doc

Inspectional areas of emphasis or special problem areas may be:

1. Many milking area construction items are maintained nearly as well as
the milk room area; however, sometimes complacency prevails and the
floors, walls, and other construction requirements in the milking parlor
or barn may be ignored or put-off until time allows.

2. Wooden stanchions may become worn or rotten and in need of replace-
ment or painting; pipe railing stanchions, feeders, or door/gates may
become excessively corroded, impairing their cleaning properties.

3. Floor areas where cows stand may become excessively worn, building
structures may settle exposing large cracks in the walls or floor
junctures.

4. Inadequate ventilation usually results in rusty metal partitions peeling
paint, excessive odors, and electrical problems. Adequate ventilation
especially becomes a problem during the winter months, when moisture
levels are high, and windows are kept closed. Adequate heaters are
necessary to reduce condensation and ventilation is necessary to
remove odors from the milking area.

5. All walking surfaces must be constructed of concrete or equally
impervious material. Gutter cross walks, splash guards that are not
impervious quickly becomes rough and become water and manure
soaked, making them impossible to clean.

6. Animals (calves, heifers, dry cows, bulls,) and other livestock may be
found housed in the milking barn, causing overcrowding and often
unsanitary conditions.

7. Hay loft door(s) opening into the milking area are required to remain
closed during milking times. Doors to feed rooms or silos that open into
the milking area must be kept closed, except when in use. Open feed
dollies may be used for feed distribution, but not for storage in the
milking area.

8. Bull pens, calving areas, and horse stalls must be completely
partitioned from the milking area. If not, then they must meet all the
requirements of the milking area.

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