Milking Components & Consumables Category Guide

What Are Milking Components & Consumables?

Milking components and consumables include all the replaceable parts that keep milking systems functioning—liners (inflations), milk hoses, claws, shells, pulsator diaphragms, gaskets, filters, and other wear items. These components require regular replacement to maintain milking performance and udder health.

Why Component Maintenance Matters

Worn or deteriorated components affect milking performance, cow comfort, and udder health. Stretched liners, cracked hoses, and worn pulsator parts create problems ranging from incomplete milkout to teat damage and increased mastitis risk.

Key Benefits of Proper Maintenance

• Consistent milking: Fresh components milk better
• Udder health: Worn parts can damage teats
• Milk quality: Proper function reduces contamination risk
• Cow comfort: Good liners mean comfortable milking
• Efficiency: Well-maintained systems milk faster

Key Components

Liners (Inflations)

Rubber or silicone parts that contact the teat during milking. Replace every 2,500 milkings or per manufacturer recommendations. Liner selection affects milking speed, teat condition, and cow comfort.

Milk Hoses

Tubing that carries milk from the claw to the pipeline. Replace when cracked, discolored, or hard. Typically replaced annually.

Claws and Shells

Collect milk from all four quarters. Inspect regularly for cracks and replace as needed.

Pulsator Parts

Diaphragms and other internal components. Annual service or as recommended by manufacturer.

Vacuum Components

Regulators, gauges, and other vacuum system parts requiring periodic service.

Replacement Schedules

• Liners: Every 2,500 milkings or 6 months, whichever comes first
• Milk hoses: Annually or when showing wear
• Gaskets and seals: Annually with major service
• Pulsator service: Annually or per manufacturer
• Vacuum regulator: Every 2-3 years typically

Do You Need to Update Your Maintenance Program?

Consider improving maintenance if:

• Milking times are increasing
• Teat condition is deteriorating
• Mastitis rates are rising
• You're not following replacement schedules
• Equipment problems are recurring

Cost Considerations

Liners cost $3-8 each, with complete sets running $30-100+ per unit. Annual consumables for a typical 100-cow parlor might total $2,000-5,000. The cost of not replacing components—through reduced production, increased mastitis, and equipment failure—typically far exceeds maintenance costs.