Corn silage is far and away the most important ensiled crop in virtually all U.S. dairy areas. As in most aspects of life, where we want to receive all of whatever it is we pay for, losses of corn silage post-harvest during the ensiling period represent an economic loss to the dairy industry.

Corn silage is commonly fed in California dairy operations as it provides a source of digestible fiber and readily fermentable energy for dairy cattle. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on homegrown, high-quality silage and reducing silage losses to offset increasing commodity prices.

Proper cleaning of milking equipment contributes to ensuring that high-quality milk is produced on the dairy farm. Goals of cleaning milking equipment are to prevent microbial growth and remove residual milk solids. Residual milk solids are called “soils” and contain both organic and inorganic materials. Soils that are retained on the inner surface of the milking system provide nutrients and areas for bacteria to grow, and these soils also reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning and sanitizing compounds.