Reducing Mastitis in the Dry Period Farming Note

Each new case of mastitis costs around £276. Many of these cases appear in early lactation, with up to 50% attributed to management in the dry period. Subclinical mastitis can also be a major cause of decreased milk production, and around 40% of subclinical mastitis cases develop into clinical cases. The cow is at greatest risk of udder infections in the first and last two weeks of the dry period, so effective treatment and prevention are critical at this time.

This Farming Note covers:

• Aiding recovery of udder tissue
• Avoiding infection during the dry period
• Mastitis vaccine
• Eradicating the old infection
• Teat sealants

Issued July 2013.

About Kingshay Farming Notes

Since 1991 Kingshay has been publishing Farming Notes on issues critical to the success of a modern dairy farm business. These briefings provide dairy farmers, large animal vets, farm consultants and other interested parties with the most important and timely information in a concise two-page format. The information contained in our Farming Notes is written and updated by our experts to ensure accuracy and save you time.

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