DairyBase Data Specialist

Mastitis can be a significant cost on dairy farms, making timely detection important. There are mastitis detection tools and technologies available in New Zealand that can support, but not replace, good mastitis management and farmer judgement.

Moving animals on and off farm has its risks. A common way for mastitis bacteria to be introduced into a herd is in the udders of cows that are brought in. These bacteria can spread rapidly through a herd, so it is important to mitigate risk factors.

Effluent ponds must meet seepage limits to protect the environment and comply with council requirements. This page explains Pond Drop Testing (PDT), how it measures leakage, what’s involved, how to interpret results, and when retesting may be needed.

The Environment Courts final decision landed on 8 June 2026 and, subject to appeals, is the final outcome for Plan Change 1 (PC1) for the Waikato and Waipā catchments, a process that started over a decade ago.

Mastitis is one of the most common and costly animal health issues on dairy farms. Understanding the basics will help you protect cow health, maintain milk quality, and do your job confidently in the milking shed.

Providing the right amount of high-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth, is the best thing you can do for your calves. High quality colostrum provides energy and important maternal antibodies that help newborn fight disease.

Milk feeding strategies play a key role in giving calves the best start, supporting their growth, health and wellbeing from day one. Choosing the right system will ease the demands of calf rearing and set your calves up for a productive life.

In typical New Zealand dairy herds, faulty milking equipment is estimated to cause as many as 40-50% of new clinical mastitis cases. Over an extended period, poorly functioning milking machines cause teat damage and increase the risk of infection.

Dry cow treatment should be administered with careful preparation, strict hygiene, and good aftercare to protect cow health and prevent mastitis. Before treatment, cows should be clearly identified and equipment prepared so the process runs smoothly.

Mastitis generally falls into two categories: environmental and contagious. Good milking routine, teat spray and hygiene reduce contagious spread. Clean, well-managed sheds, dry bedding and managing cow traffic help minimise environmental exposure.

Farming can be an amazing job – but it can also be stressful and demanding. Discover how to spot the signs of burnout and stress, how to stay well, and where to find help when it's needed.

Planning and preparing for dry-off is essential. It is important to undergo careful planning, proper execution, and good follow-up to protect cow health, improve efficiency, and ensure the herd is well prepared for the next lactation.

Somatic cell count (SCC) measures the number of white blood cells in milk and is a key indicator of mastitis. Bulk milk SCC measures the overall cell count in the vat. Monitoring both allows you to detect problems early and manage SCC effectively.