Reducing Mastitis in Commercial Sheep Flocks
Sheep mastitis is a serious inflammation of the udder in ewes, most commonly caused by a bacterial infection. It’s a major concern for sheep farmers estimated to cost the industry more than £120 million per year.
Reasons for economic loss:
- Premature culling of affected ewes
- Loss of udder function › Reduced milk yield and quality
- Reduced lamb growth rates
Seventeen farmers, with guidance from Flock Health Ltd, are aiming to gain a better understanding of the factors that affect the incidence of mastitis in commercial flocks and to reduce the rate of culling.
Group members have recorded all mastitis cases in 2023 to set a baseline for more monitoring for the 2024 production year. Farmers are collecting data such as ewe age, body condition score, teat condition, litter size, and weeks post lambing infection.
Farmers taking part in this project have also taken milk samples from a proportion of infected udders for bacterial culture and sensitivity during the 2024 production year. The project will also test the efficiency of a range of antibiotics against mastitis.
The data and samples collected from the farmers will help to identify patterns of mastitis at specific times during the production cycle (pre-lambing, early or late lactation, pre-weaning, post weaning).
Analysis of the data from these commercial flocks will help to identify the key factors involved in development of mastitis and suggest strategies to improve management to reduce ewe culling rate and antibiotic usage.
The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:
- Achieving and promoting high standards of animal health and welfare
- Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases