Setting up calving
areas for a mastitis-free start
Cows
are very susceptible to udder infections from the late dry period to early
lactation because their natural defence mechanisms are reduced at this time.
In a year when many cows are calving in lower body condition, poorer udder
defences are likely to lead to more risk of mastitis. There may also be more
bacteria such as Strep uberis around if calving areas have been heavily
stocked during previous months.
To
avoid mastitis infections over the calving period you should consider some
specific arrangements for calving cows.
Will
every cow calve in a clean, dry area? Most batch calving and seasonal herds need
a number of suitable areas (pad and/or paddocks) available to reduce soilage
over periods of concentrated calvings. Successful techniques to keep paddocks
clean include: shifting electric fences to avoid back-grazing; using the lower
parts of sloped areas first; and fencing off particularly high risk spots such
as old stock camp areas under trees or drainage patches.
The
key is flexibility and regular assessment. Check the amount of manure in the
area every few days - if you need to watch your step when you walk an area, it
isn’t clean enough for calving cows! If you use a calving pad, you will have
more flexibility if there are some paddock areas available too. And it is
important to have a back-up plan just in case it does get very wet in your
designated calving areas.
Walking
the farm with someone-else before the main batch of calving begins can help you
focus your plans for calving management and reduce the risk of mastitis in fresh
cows.
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