Cleaning milk and water buckets for calves
Working cleanly and tidily prevents problems, and using clean buckets to feed calves is a matter of course. However, in practice we regularly see areas for improvement in cleaning. This article presents a practical cleaning protocol for milk buckets and findings from a study involving three different water bucket cleaning intervals.
A breeding ground for bacteria: Biofilm
Much research has been done into the formation of a (wafer-thin) layer of dirt (biofilm) and its harmful effects on calf health. This thin layer is an accumulation of organic matter and micro-organisms that serves as a “habitat” for harmful, undesirable (coliform) bacteria. The bacteria that live in a biofilm can acquire completely different properties than free-living micro-organisms. This very thin layer is often impossible to see or feel at first. If you allow this layer to “grow”, you will gradually see a yellowish discolouration of the contaminated surface. At a later stage, you will see roughening of the surface and a slimy layer (produced by micro-organisms) that you can feel with your fingernails.
The most common contaminants that form the layer on the inside and outside of the bucket are:
Required factors
Cleaning is the process of removing dirt. By combining the four most important factors, you can do this as efficiently as possible:
1. Labour
2. Cleaning agent
3. Heat
4. Contact time
Water is the key to achieving the desired result.
Protocol
A cleaning protocol for cleaning drinking buckets is based on the same principle as cleaning the milk system. By using an alkaline cleaning agent, you remove the micro-organisms that mainly consist of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Read more about the cleaning protocol.
Water bucket
Good cleaning routines also apply to water buckets. We know that a good moisture balance in calves increases their resistance, which is why dairy farmers offer water in addition to milk from day 3-4 onwards. In addition, water in combination with concentrated feed (also from day 3-4 onwards) stimulates overall (rumen) development.
Research
Research shows that cleaning water buckets also pays off. Researchers from Utah studied the effect of three different water bucket cleaning intervals during the period from 0 to 60 days after birth. Of the total of 72 calves (HF) housed in igloos, the water was changed daily and manure or other contamination was also removed immediately. The group of calves in the igloos where the water buckets were cleaned daily grew significantly faster. The likelihood of multiple medical treatments was also significantly lower for this group (even compared to the 7-day routine group).
| Cleaning interval | Once a day | Once every 7 days | Once every 14 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth (g/day) | 705 | 672 | 636 |
Do you have any questions about this article, or would you like one of our specialists to take a look with you and provide practical tips? Feel free to contact us!
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