Germ-free milk production Protects udder health

BackFlush, the new intermediate disinfecting system from Westfalia Landtechnik lowers the risk of udder disease. The system prevents germs being transferred from one cow to another and to the whole herd. All parts of the cluster that come into contact with the milk are safely disinfected in several phases, between the milking of one cow and the next.

It is an unusual sight when, after a cow or a group of cows has been milked, to see water and/or cleaning solution suddenly spraying out of the cluster. However intermediate disinfecting of the cluster is enormously important for the health of the herd; because this process helps to prevent mastitis. Germs are safely killed, effectively protecting the animals from udder disease – without any extra work for the milker. The milking process continues without interruption during intermediate cluster disinfecting.

A patented three-way valve, which has been specially designed for the BackFlush function, physically separates the cluster from the milking line and creates a connection with the intermediate disinfecting system. It is self-cleaning and is rinsed automatically when the milking installation is cleaned. During intermediate disinfecting of the cluster, in the preliminary phase, any milk residue in the cluster is rinsed out with water and purged with compressed air. 

In the disinfecting phase, the disinfectant solution is introduced and swirled into the furthest corners of the cluster with compressed air. This completely soaks the internal surfaces of all milk-carrying parts – especially the inside of the teat liner. After an adjustable reaction time, in the final rinse phase, the remains of the disinfectant are blown out with air pressure and water and the internal surfaces are dried. A freshly disinfected cluster is ready for the next milking process.

Westfalia supplies BackFlush for AutoTandem milking parlours and also for group milking parlours such as the EuroClass herringbone models. Reliable cluster disinfecting is ensured by the peracetic acid based disinfectant. CircoFlush PE 1520 from Westfalia Landtechnik is especially suited to the requirements, from the point of view of effectiveness and reaction time. Moreover, its products of decomposition, vinegar and water, are biodegradable and environmentally  friendly.

The advantages of BackFlush:
- Reliably kills germs and pathogens in the cluster
- Effective against mastitis to ensure better udder health with no extra work
- The BackFlush valve is cleaned automatically when the milking installation is cleaned
- The  work sequences involved in milking are not interrupted
- Low maintenance costs
- Effective use of disinfectants and water