P.I. test

CAUSES OF HIGH PI COUNTS ON THE FARM

Dirty Equipment

1. Bulk Tank - Check outlet valve, bridge of tank and dip stick.
2. Pipeline - Check for proper drainage and soil deposits in the line and on the gaskets.
3. Milking Units - Check all hoses to and from units.
4. Inflations - Check for wear and cracks.
5. Vacuum Lines - Check lines, traps and tank. 

Cleaning Practices

1. Washing - Check water temperatures, volume, concentration of cleaning solution, contact time and velocity. Must be washed after every use.
2. Acid Rinse - Check for mineral or alkaline deposits on equipment.
3. Sanitize - Check sanitizing solution concentration. Must sanitize prior to use every time.
4. Housekeeping - Check for dust, spilled milk, excess water, discarded debris, dirt and manure.
5. Water Supply - Check for bacterial contamination if in doubt. 

Cow Preparation

1. Udder Washing - Check for approved udder wash solution and check use concentration. Solution should be prepared in a plastic pail.
2. Milking Procedures - Milking personnel should always wear nitrile gloves to reduce cow to cow organism transfer.
3. Udder Drying - Check for sponges or cloths used for this purpose. Use only single service, disposable paper or cloth.
4. Udder Clipping - Check length of hair around the teat base.
5. Bedding and Housing - Check on access to ponds, creeks, and mud holes by animals. Bedding should be clean and dry.