Plasma-assisted disinfection of milking machines

A milking machine comprising:

• a. a first electrode having a body surrounding an at least substantially cylindrical first electrode interior, the first electrode interior extending between:
• (1) an open mouth sized to receive a teat within the first electrode interior, and
• (2) a milk extraction end;
• b. a second electrode removably insertable within the first electrode interior;
• c. a milk line extending away from the milk extraction end;
• wherein the first and second electrodes are chargeable with respect to each other to generate plasma therebetween.

A method of disinfecting a milking machine having a teat cup liner, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a first electrode situated radially outwardly from the interior surface of the teat cup liner;
• b. inserting a second electrode within the interior of the teat cup liner;
• and
• c. charging at least one of the electrodes to generate plasma between the electrodes.