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Udders
Don Atkinson, 76111.2252@compuserve.com --------------------------------------- I'm seeking advice regarding using a propane torch for burning hair around the udder to reduce fecal contamination, etc. I have heard of various modifications to the burner end to facilitate this procedure. How effective is this technique? John S. Piwowar, vmdairy@pennet.com ----------------------------------- I tried flaming udders a couple years back but discontinued simply because I was uncomfortable with an open flame in the parlor. I modified a propane torch by blocking the ventilation holes until the flame burned with a yellow color. It worked well although you have to be cautious in some cows where there is more dried manure or dust than meets the eye. The cows didn't seem to mind in the least. I found that flaming every 2-3 weeks was sufficient. I have a 90 cow herd milked in a double 4 HB parlor. Keith Sterner, sterner1@pilot.msu.edu ------------------------------------- The flaming of udders to remove excess hair is a fast, easy technique. Dairy farmers in this area have found that a piece of rubber tubing approximately 36" long -available from any automotive parts store that connects to the small hand held type propane torch tank works best for connecting to a 20-36" piece of copper tubing . The tubing is bent to approximate a pistol grip and there should be no outside air admission any where along the connections. This ensures a cool orange flame that does not readily burn the udder skin. No special modifications of the tip of the tubing is necessary. The tank can be carried in the "singers" pocket and the longer copper wand affords some degree of safety from being kicked when singeing udder hair. It is surprising how quickly and efficiently excess hair can be removed in this manner. Such a protocol can be performed in almost any setting parlors, stanchions ganglocks, etc. Always keep potential fire control measures on hand. Charley Hammond, chammond@ag.Arizona.EDU ---------------------------------------- We first tried "flaming udders" here on our University herd about two years ago. I was skeptical at first and flamed 2-3 cows before I turned employees loose on the herd. It's a leap of faith to flame your own arm the first time but it helps the employees understand that like most husbandry techniques it is relatively harmless. We put an extra person in the parlor and were able to do the entire herd during one milking shift. We just covered the air inlet vents on a small hand held propane torch with electrical tape and went to work. Workers had a glove on one hand to pat out hot spots on really hairy udders. I'm not sure that was necessary but they decided by trial & error to do it that way. One safety concern would be a dust mask as there is an accumulation of soot in the air in the closed environment of a milking parlor. The procedure works well and beats the heck out of clippers. We liked to repeat the procedure every 2-3 months on the herd and tried to do the fresh cows as they calved. The milkers will love the results! Brandt Kreuscher, brkreuscher@ucdavis.edu ----------------------------------------- At the University of California, Davis, We did a demonstration of this technique for producers in 1993. The only reservation we had was with regard to describing the procedure! After much sole searching, we decided that a good "PC" name would be "Low Heat Clipping". For anyone who might dispute "What's in a name?" they should consider BST/Growth hormone. The consumer might be upset for no reason or without facts. We have been using it for some time. I have stimulated milk letdown in first calf heifers during the process. I doubt the same effect could be achieved with clippers. Just like most people that have tried it, I am sold. Obviously, care most be taken, just like countless other animal care techniques, but no more. Hoard's Dairyman had an article regarding this topic some years ago. It sparked much controversy. Maybe the phrase "Low Heat Clipping" will help us defend a sound practice in the future. Maybe I worry to much. What's in a name??? Karen Baase, kbaase@cce.cornell.edu ----------------------------------- Ohio State Extension has a very good video titled "Flame Clipping Udders of Dairy Cows." It was mentioned in a trade magazine (either "Successful Farming" or "Dairy Today") this past spring. Could any of the Ohio Extension people give some further details re: ordering, cost, etc.? Gene McCluer, mccluer@agvax2.ag.ohio-state.edu ---------------------------------------------- Regarding Flame Clipping of Udders, Extension Agent, John Smith, in Auglaize County, Ohio created a 10 minute video on flame clipping. In it he showed how a small portable torch can be used and a larger propane tank on wheels used in other applications. Contact John Smith at 419-738-2219.