Mastitis in Off-Paddock Facilities
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1 min read
Environmental mastitis in cows often stems from prolonged exposure to dairy effluent. Off-paddock facilities may heighten the risk, as cows' teats can easily get contaminated by mastitis-causing bacteria. Understanding the risks can help you prevent environmental mastitis and potential milk quality issues.
Cows that spend long periods of time in close contact with dairy effluent are more at risk of developing environmental mastitis.
Off-paddock facilities can create situations where cows’ teats are more exposed to contamination by the bacteria that cause this form of mastitis. Management strategies that improve the cleanliness of the facility, and the cows, can reduce this risk.
The video below highlights some risk indicators for freestall barns that can lead to environmental mastitis or milk quality problems. These include management of beds to reduce contamination with effluent, water or milk, and maintaining teat health between milkings.
Managing risks in off-paddock facilities
Video 4:03 min