A common procedure for forestripping in parlors is to strip directly onto the floor, followed by hosing the floor immediately. 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 elevated bacteria counts in bulk tank milk. If a sprinkler pen is used, be sure that all sprinkler heads are working and properly adjusted. Adjust the time the sprinkler is running to the quantity 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 the risk of new infections, 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. Using a wash solution in a bucket and individual paper towels to prepare teats for milking is frequently necessary in stanchion barns. Individual paper towels are highly preferred because sponges and common cloths transfer mastitis-causing organisms to uninfected quarters and cows.