Maintain Strict Sanitation

Wash your hands thoroughly before each session. Clean the doe's udder and teats with udder wash or sanitizing wipes, then dry with a clean towel. Use only sanitized pails, filters, and storage containers throughout the milking process.

Why It Works

Bacteria on skin, teats, or equipment multiply rapidly in warm milk, leading to spoilage and increasing the risk of mastitis -- an udder infection that can permanently reduce a doe's milk production. Consistent sanitation keeps somatic cell counts low and milk safe for consumption.

Tips

• Squirt the first 2-3 streams from each teat into a strip cup and inspect for clots, strings, or discoloration that signal mastitis
• Sanitize all milking equipment immediately after each use with hot water and a dairy-approved sanitizer
• Keep a dedicated set of clean towels for udder drying and launder them after every milking session