Cleaning and sanitation of calf-feeding equipment is a primary management subset that matters advised Don Sockett, DVM, PhD. Equipment must be cleaned first, disinfected second to help reduce the potential for spreading illness between calves.
Sockett shared two main things he sees during farm visits: 1) the use of weak or ineffective soap and 2) wash brushes not dried properly or changed frequently.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 8, 2024. Link.
The cleaning and sanitation of calf-feeding equipment is a primary management subset that really matters. When done well and consistently, it can go a long way toward preventing calves from becoming sick, and minimizing the spread of illness between calves.” – Don Sockett, DVM, PhD
INSIGHTS: Sockett’s observations are worth sharing with producers on social media, in newsletters and during farm calls . . . you cannot disinfect filth.