The solution to store, save and supply water
Saving water in dairies (part 4)
Part 4
Washing Platform and Dairy Surfaces
It is easy to spray lots of water around when milking – particularly if you are waiting for cows to finish milking. In times of short supply this is one area where small savings can be made with little effort.
See the options below:
- Strategically wash platform
- Use gloves to clean rubberware and pipework
- Install 'non-stick' surfaces in the dairy
- Use cow ankle straps on pipework
- Wet surfaces prior to milking
- Use low pressure hoses
1, Strategically Wash Platform
Description
Constant water sprays for washing the platform and clusters on rotary dairies use around 40% of the total water used in the dairy. In times of shortage consider turning them off and strategically washing the manure off soiled surfaces.
A hand held scraper ($90) or hand held scoop can be useful for removing the odd manure pile from the platform.
For the clusters, install a ‘sensor switch’ (ie a mechanical or infra-red proximity switch) that turns on the spray only when the cluster is in wash range. This may not suit installations with a dedicated water pump using a pressure system.
For the clusters, install a ‘sensor switch’ (ie a mechanical or infra-red proximity switch) that turns on the spray only when the cluster is in wash range. This may not suit installations with a dedicated water pump using a pressure system.
Tips on Getting the Best Result
A high volume, low pressure hose close to the operator will make it a quick job. Check with the supplier of your water pump on ways to avoid continual starting/stopping.
Pros and Cons
A low cost way to save water but it is an extra job to do at milking.
Issues in Making it Happen
Labour
An extra job to do but not a big one!
2, Use Gloves to Clean Rubberware and Pipework
Description
A simple pair of exfoliation / scrubbing / rubber studded gardening gloves makes cleaning pipework and rubberware a quick and simple job – saving water along the way.
A pair of gloves cost about $5 and will last about a month.
Tips on Getting the Best Result
Combine scrubbing with a hand held trigger hose.
Pros and Cons
Quick and inexpensive.
Issues in Making it Happen
Labour
Should save about 10 minutes per milking.
3, Install Non-Stick Surfaces in the Dairy
Description
‘Non-stick’ coatings for walls (and floors) in the dairy are available and make cleaning a quick and simple matter. There are lots of options for sealing concrete - from two coat liquids, to trowel-on systems. Costs vary from $10 to over $50/m2 installed.
Specialist coatings for dairy walls are available and can be applied to concrete, panel, tin or other material. They come with a 10 year guarantee for dairy use. Tiles are commonly used on pit walls overseas and even a coat of paint will reduce the effort and water used in cleaning.
Tips on Getting the Best Result
Getting the coating to stick can be a problem. Bonding to the substrate is improved when applied to concrete with a low water content (<5%). Specialist primers are also available to help the coating bond with older concrete. Specialist installers can coat the surface between milkings.
Pros and Cons
Light surfaces will brighten up the dairy making it a safer and more pleasant place to work. These surfaces are commonly used in food processing plants to improve hygiene.
Issues in Making it Happen
Labour
Reduce time and effort to clean surfaces.
4. Use Cow Ankle Straps on Pipework
Description
Velcro ankle straps placed around long sections of pipework can be used to scrub the manure off when hosing out the dairy. The straps stay in place permanently and a wipe up and down the pipe once is usually enough.
Long strips of synthetic backed velcro can be purchased from fabric / safety supply stores. Ankle straps are sometimes supplied free with mastitis preparations.
Tips on Getting the Best Result
Keeping the pipe work wet with an occasional spray during milking will keep the muck soft.
Pros and Cons
Inexpensive solution to speed the cleaning up process. Only suited to herringbone dairies.
Issues in Making it Happen
None
5, Wet Surfaces Prior to Milking
Description
Hose the interior surfaces of the dairy to wet them prior to letting cows in and occasionally through the milking. This will make the surfaces easier and quicker to clean.
The walls of a rotary dairy are particularly prone to becoming caked with manure so a quick spray before and during milking makes them easier to clean.
Deck flush systems are commercially available and can be incorporated into the nib wall of the platform.
Tips on Getting the Best Result
Can reduce labour by installing dribble bars, tipping drums or spray units in specific areas. Needs to deliver a high volume for a short time only.
Pros and Cons
Quick and inexpensive to do.
Issues in Making it Happen
Labour
May take an extra minute or two but will improve the working environment. Avoid creating aerosols inside the dairy with sprinklers.
6, Use Low Pressure Hoses
Description
Make sure you have a high volume, low pressure hose handy in the pit. The small garden hose types are adequate to wash teats but not much use in removing manure.
A 1½” (38mm) hose at 200L/min works nicely. Keep the pressure low (around 240 kPa) as high pressure hoses splatter the manure on walls and upset the cows.
Tips on Getting the Best Result
A fast simple shut off valve makes them easy to use. Two shorter hoses placed at either end of the pit are better than one long one. A hand scraper or scoop can help reduce the need for hosing the platform.
Pros and Cons
Saves time too. Use separate low-flow hoses to wash cows’ teats.
Issues in Making it Happen
Labour
May slow clean-up but splash crap less
Animal Health
Keep splashes away from cows teats as much as possible.
To be continued
