Dollars Down the Line: Fresh-Cow Milk Quality Checklist

New mastitis infections that begin early in lactation are many times the result of a small lapse in protocol just before or immediately after calving. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What is your fresh-cow milking procedure?
  The milking procedure for a fresh cow is vital — just as it is with all lactating cows. Be sure you’re using clean milking equipment, always pre-dip, clean the teat end before milking, and make sure you’re getting complete post-dip coverage.
• Was she in a clean, comfortable environment immediately before, during and after calving?
  You’ve heard it before, but it always rings true: Clean, dry, comfortable is a must for pre- and post-calving pens.
• Was a dry tube administered properly?
  Proper administration of a first-generation cephalosporin intramammary tube with proven effectiveness against Gram-positive organisms is preferred. A recent study showed that 94 percent of infections occurring during the dry period were caused by Gram-positive organisms.¹

These critical control points are not an all-inclusive list. But, they give you a glimpse into the small details that could mean dollars down the line. Managing the finer points of the dry period aids in the prevention of mastitis and lost milk production.

If you would like to learn more about our commitment to disease prevention, please visit us at www.BIVIPreventionWorks.com.

Click here for a video on proper dry-cow tube administration.

By Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.”

Reference:
¹Arruda AG, Godden S, Rapnicki P, et al. Randomized non-inferiority clinical trial evaluating three commercial dry cow mastitis preparations: I. Quarter-level outcomes. J Dairy Sci 2013;96(7):4419–4435.