More than 30 Lakh Litres of milk is produced daily in Tamil Nadu. Out of this, maximum quantity is procured by Aavin.
It is noteworthy that milk production has increased considerably iin the districts of Vellore & Thiruvannamalai recently, especially during the last few months.
The main reason attributed for this growth is that the farmers have switched over to milk production due to the shortage of rain and failure of monsoon season.
It is essential to ensure good hygiene in the milk production process plants.
Some suggestions involving simple procedures given by Veterinary University Traing & research professors, Ms. S Saraswathi, Mr. P. Rajeshkumar, and R. Rajkumar:
Milk extracting process: Cows tend to gve milk on the left side. While taking milk from their udders, it is better to use both the hands either on the 2 udders in the front or the 2 udders in the rear. Leave the first few drops of milk aside and do not take them in thevesel. These first few drops of milk are very likely to contain lots of bqacteria/germs.
2 fingers or all fingers can be used to draw milk. When using 2 fingers, use the thumb & index finger and apply light pressure. When using all fingers, hold the udder with all the fingers in one hand and press it on the palm. This will create uniform pressure as if the cow is feeding its calf. Using 2 fingers will not give uniform pressure. It is better to use 2 fingers only if the udders are too small. Avoid milking with moist/wet hands.
Clean milk: Cows udders tend to get dirty and accumulated with dirt. Hence was the udders and the whole part well before starting milking. It is better to wipe the udders with a clean cloth after washing. It is excellent to use tissue papers for this purpose. Remove all the fallen hair in the area before milking. This will ensure that no hairs fall in the milk. Wash the cowshed with good quality disinfectants frequently. The collecting vessel should be perfectly cleaned regularly. If boiling water is poured on this empty vessel, all the bacteria/germs will get killed in 2 minutes.
All these steps ensure that clean milk is gathered for distribution. The milk will remain fresh for longer times.
Applying/showing incense on the shed area as well as the cows on a regular basis will prevent infections and associated diseases.
If there is stagnant water near the cowshed, remove it immediately. It is better to set up the cowshed at slightly elevated height.
While drawing milk, avoid feeding the cows with smelling food ites. Otherwise, this smell will get absorbed in the milk!
Human Health: If the cowshed personnel are infected with any diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, or typhoid, do not allow them to enter the cowshed. This is better for the cows as well as drawing good milk. The persons drawing milk should keep maintain their finger nails by cutting them periodically and keeping the fingers clean.
All vessels used must be den-free & fold-free and should be in a condition where they can be cleaned easily.
Chemical mixture like Iodefor should be used while cleaning these vessels. Keep the milk in medium conduction after drawing. Keeping in hot places will spoil it!
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