Special attention
to milking fresh cows helps prevent mastitis
Every
clinical case of mastitis is disruptive and costly (about $150 on average) and
high cell count cows make it hard to maintain premium Bulk Milk Cell Counts. So
it is essential to keep cows mastitis-free from the start of each lactation.
Mastitis
infections occur when bacteria get into the udder through the ends of teats. To
prevent mastitis the number of bacteria near the teat openings must be kept to a
minimum.
A
clean calving area is the start. The next step is to concentrate on what happens
at the first few milkings. Strep uberis bacteria that contaminate the
teat surfaces out in the calving area often pass through the end of the teat
during the milking process.
When freshly calved cows come into the shed, their teats are tight and tender.
Teat skin is often dry (the last teat spray emollient was usually weeks ago)
with extra dirt and manure. For the first milkings, when the risk of new
infection is highest, it’s really worth an extra investment in teat
preparation.
Spend a few minutes planning what routines are needed in your shed to achieve
cups on clean, dry teats for the first eight milkings for every fresh cow. For
example, extra attention over those key milkings may involve careful teat
washing with a low-pressure hose and drying with a soft individual paper towel
for each fresh cow.
If you are using test buckets, ensure fresh cows are never milked with clusters
that have been used on mastitis cows.
A
special milking routine for fresh cows is a small investment that can give large
returns.
Image and caption:
"Taking extra time to clean and dry teats of fresh cows is a worthwhile
investment"
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