Preventing Mastitis

Preventing mastitis in dry cows

Mastitis infections in dry cows are most likely to occur immediately after drying off and around calving. Cows are particularly susceptible to new infections in the first week of the dry period before their teats have sealed. These infections must be identified and treated so that they do not persist and create problems after calving. Cows should be closely observed during the last week of their lactation and in the first two weeks of their dry period.

To help prevent mastitis:

• Visually observing udders for swollen quarters at least once a week
• Manually checking all udders fortnightly for the first 4-6 weeks of the dry period>
• Applying teat spray after checking udders.
• Observing cows daily in the paddock for swollen quarters
• Checking swollen quarters manually
• Stripping secretion from only suspect quarters to check for mastitis
• Running all cows through the farm dairy for a manual check of the udder every 14 days (if possible)
• Treating clinical quarters by stripping out completely and using a lactation antibiotic.
• For more see related resources

There are several options for reducing heifer mastitis, such as treating with an internal teat sealant, applying teat spray before calving, or milking heifers within 12 hours of calving.

It takes up to two weeks for most heifers to establish a quiet response to milking. It is important to be patient and gentle during this period to maximise production, minimise milking times, and reduce the risk of injury. Taking care when adjusting first-calvers to the milking routine will also reduce the risk of mastitis.