Project Introduction - Mastitis Control Plan

Mastitis is typically one of the biggest health problems on dairy farms. The inflammation of the mammary gland and udder tissue occurs as an immune response to bacterial invasion of the teat canal. The udder can be severely damaged by bacterial toxins and on occasion permanent damage can occur. Severe acute cases can be fatal, but even in cows that recover there may be consequences for the rest of the lactation and subsequent lactations. Mastitis treatment and control is one of the largest costs to the dairy industry in the UK, and is also a significant factor in dairy cow welfare. Losses arise from:

  • Milk thrown away due to contamination by medication or being unfit to drink
  • A reduction in yields
  • The extra labour required to tend affected cows
  • The cost of veterinary care and medicines
  • The cost of reduced longevity due to premature culling

Therefore, ensuring mastitis is controlled is essential to ensure cow health and production.  

Historic work carried out by AHDB showed that mastitis was a key issue on dairy farms with clinical rates higher than first thought. From this the DairyCo Mastitis Control Plan was rolled out nationally in 2009. The average rate of clinical mastitis fell by 20% in herds that adopted the plan, from 44 cases per 100 cows/year to 35 cases per 100 cows/year. It is clear to see that a structured, farm specific plan of practical recommendations can significantly benefit dairy farms. Additionally, with the increased concern around antibiotic usage and animal health, it is essential that farmers are looking at and addressing any issues regarding mastitis. AHDB and Nottingham University have launched a new Mastitis Pattern Tool. This provides a fully automated method of assessing the predominant mastitis infection patterns present on farm, using somatic cell count (SCC) and clinical mastitis records. It produces a mastitis pattern report that allows farmers and vets to assess and prioritise key management areas and potentially detect emerging problems within the dry period and/or lactation period.

This project will implement the AHDB Dairy National Mastitis Control Plan as well as the new AHDB Mastitis Pattern Tool at Longlands farm, where an initial assessment will be undertaken by Dr James Breen (QMMS) to highlight the biggest risk areas for mastitis within the milking herd.  A control strategy will then be drawn up and implemented with the aim being to reduce new clinical mastitis cases, somatic cell counts and subsequent antibiotic use across the milking herd. By implementing and demonstrating a mastitis control strategy on farm we aim to inform others of how this is achieved and the actual benefits.

 

The following areas will be assessed;

  • The benefits of selective dry cow therapy (SDCT), teat sealant on mastitis cases and SCC.
  • Infusion techniques of antibiotics, SDCT and teat sealant.
  • Financial cost of mastitis to the farm and the cost benefits of implementing the mastitis control plan and mastitis pattern tool.
  • Antimicrobial use and benchmarking year on year.
  • Management of dry cow and lactating cow environment, the benefits of the new and innovative positive pressure air ventilation tube within the cow house.

This project looks to significantly reduce the impact of mastitis on Longlands farm and improve on farm production.