This routine should be pleasant to the cow and include checking for abnormal milk and thoroughly cleaning and drying the teats. Only the teats should be washed, as wetting the entire udder makes it difficult to adequately dry the udder before milking machines are attached. Milking wet udders and teats may lead to increased mastitis and bacteria counts in bulk milk. If the parlor is equipped with a sprinkler pen, be sure that all sprinkler heads are working and properly adjusted. Adjust the time the sprinkler is running to the level of dirt and manure to be removed from the cows' udders.
Sufficient drip drying time prior to entering the parlor is critical.
Once cows are in the parlor individual paper towels should be used to finish drying the udder and teats. This procedure will help minimize mastitis, will stimulate proper milk letdown, and improve milk quality. For the rare cow that needs additional washing, use a hand-held hose but confine washing to the teats only. In stanchion barns, it is necessary to use a sanitizing solution in a bucket and individual paper towels to prepare udders. Individual paper towels are highly recommended as sponges and cloths frequently increase transmission of mastitis organisms to uninfected quarters and cows.