Traditional Milking Hygiene Practices and their Effect on Subclinical Mastitis in Holstein-Friesian of Small-Scale Farms

Subclinical mastitis poses significant challenges to dairy productivity, particularly in small-scale farms where traditional milking practices prevail. This study evaluated the impact of traditional milking hygiene practices (TMHP) on subclinical mastitis in Holstein-Friesian cows across 29 smallholder farms in Batu City, Indonesia. Data were collected via direct observation of milking routines, structured interviews, and California Mastitis Test (CMT) assessments to diagnose subclinical mastitis. Results revealed that inadequate hygiene practices such as poor handwashing, shared udder cloths, and insufficient equipment sterilization were prevalent. CMT scores demonstrated a negative correlation between TMHP compliance and mastitis incidence, with rear teats (RR, RL) showing higher susceptibility due to prolonged teat closure times and larger milk volumes. Farmers’ habitual practices and educational background play a crucial role in implementing hygienic milking procedures. Key recommendations include pre-milking teat disinfection, equipment sterilization, and farmer training to mitigate mastitis risks. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating Good Dairy Farming Practices (GDFP) in small-scale operations to enhance udder health, milk quality, and farm sustainability.