A healthy udder starts again at every milking: clean teats, a good dip after milking and quickly spotting when a quarter is off. This page brings together the products for udder care in dairy cows, from ointment and mint gel to milking gloves and a rapid test.
Before, during and after milking
- Preparation: udder paper or cotton udder cloths, and a Gilmour udder sprayer to rinse teats.
- Checking: Masti-Test liquid with a black test paddle to spot abnormal milk per quarter.
- Finishing: teat dip such as KenoLac from CID Lines or Maxi Dip Blue, applied with a Maxi Dip Cup.
- Protection: milking gloves in sizes S to XXL, a milking apron and a waterproof milking sleeve.
Udder ointment, mint gel or lotion?
A conditioning ointment such as Udder Balm or Farm Cream keeps the skin of the udder and teats supple. Mint gels such as Gold Mint, Ice Mint and Maxi Mint+ have a cooling effect and are massaged into a firm udder; they come in sizes from 500 ml tubes to 2.5-litre hanging tubes. The Pro versions are more concentrated. For one cow a small tube is enough; for a milking parlour, the hanging tube with dosing pump is handier.
Drying off and teat problems
When drying off, you use teat cannulas, alcohol swabs to clean the teat end and possibly a teat sealant (Maxi Dry Cow Teat Seal). For damaged teats there are wax and wool teat dilators. Anti-sucking rings (SuckStop) and anti-sucking nose rings keep calves or cows off each other's udders. Express udder flamers remove hair from the udder for a cleaner milking; they are together with dip cups in udder flamers and dip cups.
A rapid test does not replace testing milk samples. With a hard, warm udder or clots in the milk, consult your vet about treatment.
More for dairy cattle: calving and boluses around transition. Back to everything for cattle.
Frequently asked questions
Gold Mint or Gold Mint Pro: which do I choose?
Both are Excellent mint gels; according to the manufacturer, the Pro version is stronger. Read the label for use and milk withdrawal periods.
What size milking glove do I need?
Sizes run from S (6-7) to XXL. The number is your glove size; measure the circumference of your hand or compare with your usual work gloves.
When do I use a teat cannula?
A teat cannula keeps the teat canal open, for example with a damaged teat. Discuss its use with your vet, because with a cannula you insert something into the teat.