Introducing your cows to bacteria and the environment during the turnout.
If your cell count starts to rise
High cell counts and clinical mastitis won’t fix themselves!
Quality milk is essential for each farm and our industry
Clinical mastitis cases are time-consuming and costly
(An estimated £250 per case).
Mastitis risk has changed significantly in the past five years, for example, the use of
Feed pads, stand-off areas and bare paddocks have all increased the exposure of teats to
Bacteria. When conditions get wet, the risk of mastitis rises steeply. Many old routines don’t work.
Don’t assume you’re already “doing all the right things” check all options
On days that are WET or MUDDY you must change your milking routine. You may need an extra person…
WASH and DRY TEATS before milking units are placed
COVER 100% of Teat with TEAT DISINFECTANT
100% coverage with the correct concentration of disinfectant and emollient helps remove bacteria
And heal teat damage. This is critical to mastitis control. Supple teat skin is also easier to keep clean.
If you usually use an automatic teat spray, switch to hand spraying for this period to ensure complete coverage.
Check with a paper towel on some teats to make sure the fronts of the teats haven’t been missed.
Teat ends remain open for up to hour, there is a high risk of bacteria entering the udder.
Reduce muddy areas at the exit of the shed, lanes, holding and feeding areas. Look for badly pot-holed areas and repair or use a temporary fence to prevent cows entering.
Scrape clean feed pads regularly to minimise splashing of mud and manure onto udders.
Keep water troughs and there surrounding area clean, bacteria lives in mud.
Set up a routine so cows don’t lie down soon after milking. Have feed available when cows
Leave the shed, especially on feed pads, so cows stand and feed for the first hour.
There could be a high risk of bacteria entering the udder during this period.