Sediment is not covered in the co-op’s quality standards, but it is important to be aware that it does exist, and how to avoid it. Sediment in milk is known to cause or contribute to: Off flavors and odors High Bacterial Counts Poor Keeping Quality.

Sediment will cause a ball of DIRT to form as part of the cheese making process; it precipitates out of the milk, and it has an impact on the quality of the product. It is caused by dust or dirt particles so fine that they go through the filter system in your milking equipment.

10 Steps to Sediment Free Milk:

1. Sheep Udders and Teats – Washing solution changed before it becomes dirty. Udders, teats, flanks, and bellies clipped (shorn). Sheep entering parlor aren’t “wearing their lunch” and are free from debris.

2. Handling of Milking Machines – Teat cups are not allowed to touch the floor, or any other object with extraneous matter on it. Milking units with vacuum on will draw foreign material into it if the teat cups are left uncovered, or allowed to touch the floor.

3. Feeding – Situate your grain room away from the milking parlor. Most dry feeds generate considerable dust. Sufficient time must be allowed for the dust to settle before milking is begun.

4. Straining and Pouring Milk – Milk strained in milk house or strainer cover provided, or strainer in milk bucket lid. Carry pails covered immediately after pouring. Strainer not dented, and a good seal between filter disk and strainer. Don’t bang on the strainer to speed flow. Banging on the strainer often permits milk to pass around the filter or forces sediment through the filter. Gravity strainer on portable milk transfer system should be covered when not in use.

5. Moving Milk to the Milk House – Milk should be carried to the milk house in covered pails or via pipeline. If the pails or cans are not covered en route, dust, flies, manure, etc., may get into the milk.

6. Hay Chutes and Ceiling – Hay chute closed during milking operation. Ceilings tight. Open hay chutes and ceilings that are not tight may allow chaff and dust through into the barn, thus creating a sediment hazard.

7. Floors – Floors should be cleaned or brushed well before milking time. We do ours AFTER each milking. Cleaning and brushing floors raises considerable dust.

8. Bulk Tanks – Keep bulk tank cover closed after cleaning and at all times when tank contains milk. If bulk tank is cleaned manually, be careful of dirt, dust, etc., on hands and clothing when cleaning the tank. The valve should be kept closed after cleaning. The bulk tank should be rinsed with a sanitizing solution immediately before first use. Wind-blown dust, chaff, insects, etc., can and do get into the bulk tank through opened lid or open inlet valve. Always keep cover down after cleaning and while milk is in the tank.

9. Surroundings - Keep milk house and parlor windows closed during dusty periods. Keep holding areas clean, and relatively dry and firm. Keep stalls clean and well-bedded.

10. Water Supply – Check the water supply at the tap to be sure there is no sediment in the water. Not all fresh water is free of sediment. If the water contains sediment it may collect on the equipment and cause a sediment problem in the milk.