Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: The objective of this literature review was to investigate, compile and summarize published research encompassing mastitis control practices, with an emphasis on dairy cow hygiene, milking practices, dry cow therapy, the utilization of bulk tank analysis and California Mastitis Tests, and vaccination programs.A significant amount of research has been done in this field and the vast majority reports a positive correlation between these management practices and the prevention and/ or control of mastitis in the dairy herd.Many parallels have been made between the hygiene level of a cow and somatic cell count since clean cows have less of a chance of acquiring an intramammary infection.Several milking techniques assist in the prevention of mastitis, including pre-and postmilking teat dipping.Dry cow therapy-antibiotics and internal and/or external teat sealants-treats existing intramammary infections at drying off and protects cows from acquiring new intramammary infections during the dry period.Somatic cell counts, obtained through Bulk Tank Analysis testing, as well as use of the California Mastitis Test, are good indicators of an intramammary infection.Vaccines have the ability to lower microbial counts, provide protection against culling, and/ or reduce the severity of clinical mastitis.
Author: Rebecca Gooder
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W118192485