An ASAE Meeting Presentation AN INVESTIGATION OF ATP BIOLUMINESCENCE AND QUANTITATIVE BULK TANK CULTURES TO ASSESS CLEANLINESS OF MILKING MACHINES

A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the performance of experimental detergents. Initial assessment of cleaning efficacy was done using a standardized milk soil (whole milk inoculated with bacteria) sprayed onto stainless steel test chips and allowed to incubate. These test chips were cleaned under controlled conditions in the laboratory. The residual milk soil was assessed using ATP bioluminescence techniques. Subsequent testing involved a switchback experiment in the UW milking parlor with a control detergent and the experimental product. Cleaning efficacy was evaluated using ATP bioluminescence methods as well as the following bacterial assessment of bulk tank milk: Standard Plate Count (SPC), Preliminary Incubation Count (PI) and Laboratory Pasteurized Count (LPC). The relationships between the various tests of cleaning performance were investigated. Recommendations for field tests of milking machine sanitation are presented.