The Dirty Truth: How Biofilms in Milking Equipment May Fuel Mastitis in Dairy Cows and Threaten Dairy Hygiene
Biofilms, resilient bacterial communities encased in a self-produced matrix, pose a significant threat to dairy farming. These microbial formations develop on surfaces that are frequently exposed to moisture and organic material, making milking equipment an ideal breeding ground. Once established, biofilms are notoriously difficult to remove, resisting standard cleaning protocols and allowing pathogenic bacteria to…