“If the teats are left open or damaged by milking, the bugs can get in.”

Once freshly calved cows are in the dairy and being milked, there are still a number of factors that influence their risk of mastitis infection. Freshly calved cows often have teats that are swollen and oedematous.  There is good evidence to show that these teats have an increased risk of infection - this means that the first calving heifers are often likely to be especially at risk.

This risk can be made much worse if the teat ends are actually damaged by the milking process, or if the teat orifice remains “open” for a period after milking – so the health of the teats relies on the milking machines operating well and being used correctly.

Firstly, ensure the teatcup liners are in good condition and that they are not nearing the end of their effective life (2500 cow milkings for rubber liners). Modern liners do not need “breaking in” before use on fresh cows or heifers - the liners must be at their most effective for massage of the teats. Liners also develop very small cracks over time, and these cracks can harbour bacteria – including the bacteria that cause mastitis.

Secondly, check that the milking machine has been recently tested and serviced. This will give you confidence that the tight, tender teats of freshly calved heifers and cows are being massaged by effective pulsation and that vacuum is set at the minimum level possible.

The first few minutes after milking while the teat orifice is still closing are critical in helping to prevent infection. Splashes of mud and manure onto teats and teat ends can place millions of potentially infectious bacteria into the area around the teat orifice (and cow manure is often the most common source of Strep uberis).

To reduce this risk, avoid the need for cows to walk, stand, or lie down in mud and/or manure for the first 20 minutes or so after milking. Critically examine the dairy exits and the laneways leading away from the dairy to see if improved drainage or regular cleaning will reduce the level of mud and cow manure and thus lower the risk of contaminating the teats of the recently milked cows.

Also ensure there is effective teat disinfection post-milking with good coverage from an effective teat spray product (either ready-to-use or correctly mixed with high quality water) containing emollient.

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