Mastitis

This section explains how to minimise mastitis and somatic cell counts on your farm using SmartSAMM.

SmartSAMM covers everything from what mastitis is and why it's important to the best ways to manage it on a seasonal basis and where to get help.

Get started today and improve udder health and milk quality:

• Use the Seasonal Approach to find better ways to minimise mastitis at each stage of lactation.
• Use the SmartSAMM Gap Calculator to work out the economic benefit of achieving your goals.
• Use Healthy Udder for quick tips and the right procedures to prevent, find and treat mastitis.
• Use Find an Advisor for links to trained professionals who can help improve mastitis and milking management in your herd.

Seasonal Approach

Calving

Milk quality for the whole season (or lactation) may depend on the success of mastitis control at calving.

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Lactation

During lactation, cows can become infected with contagious or environmental mastitis bacteria.

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Drying Off

Drying off is a key time for mastitis control; decisions made at this time can influence your herd's mastitis performance for the next 6 to 12 months.

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Dry Period

It is important to prevent new infections, particularly in the early dry period, which is why good management and monitoring of cows during the dry period is essential.

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Review and Plan

Take time to review aspects of your farm that influence mastitis. Develop a strategy to manage mastitis for the next season.

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