What typically causes contamination of milk with sediment?

Contamination of milk with sediment is primarily caused by improper cleaning of the cow. When cows are not properly cleaned before milking, dirt, hair, and other contaminants can be introduced into the milk during the milking process. This is particularly critical because milk is a nutrient-rich liquid that can support the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms if contaminants are present.

By ensuring that cows are properly cleaned and maintained, the risk of introducing foreign materials into the milk is significantly reduced, which is vital for both the quality of the milk and the safety of the final product for consumers.

The other options focus on different aspects of milk handling and processing that, while important, do not directly relate to the introduction of sediment. For example, poor milking practices may lead to other forms of contamination, but the introduction of solid sediment is more closely tied to the cleanliness of the cow across both pre-milking preparation and the environment in which the milking occurs.