When the units hit the concrete or are stepped on by the cow, the milk tubes may be damaged. Air can leak into these holes causing lower teat end vacuum and improper massage of the teat end. Lowered teat end vacuum can cause a longer milking time or incomplete milkout. Cuts in the short and long air hoses will also cause slow and or incomplete milking. Any leaking hoses should be replaced immediately.
Milk moving in the milk hose as one solid column indicates the air vent or bleeder hold is plugged.
A sanitary wire should be available at all times to unplug the bleeder holes. Systems with a backflush have less trouble with plugged bleeder holes. Bleeder holes should be checked during cleaning and periodically during milking. Milk should be removed from the cow as quickly as possible. Extra hose length and unnecessary lift prolongs milk removal.