Mastitis

Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland. Mastitis is a common health problem in dairy cows and represent an enormous loss for the dairy industry. Because of lower milk production, it can have major financial impact. Subclinical mastitis is visually difficult to notice, the cow has only increased cell count and is not sick.
 
Mastitis is a major threat to the current and future milk production and milk quality. In addition to the economic damage caused by decreased production, there are heavy losses by veterinary costs, handling costs, loss of time and clearing chronically infected cows.
 
It can easily cost up to €100/cow/year and it is estimated that it can often cost nearly €250 to treat an infected cow. The other associated problems include the use of antibiotics, the affected animal and the waste antibiotic milk. Milking also runs less smoothly and this can be very annoying for the farmer. 
Hygiene in the pit area and a well-balanced diet is crucial to reduce the risk of increased cell count.

Causes

Dairy cow mastitis is caused by various bacteria such as; Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Prothoteca, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella. The E. coli bacterium is usually the cause of mastitis in dairy cows. Infection can occur in the environment that the cows are in e.g. in the cubicle shed or milking parlour. This often occurs when hygiene in either the parlour and/or cubicle shed is neglected. Mastitis can also be transmitted by contact with milk from an infected cow. This will mainly take place during milking. 

Prevention

Prevention of mastitis in cows 

It is very important to take control if  mastitis is a problem. Feed additives and a good hygiene in the shed and parlour can help during milking to reduce the likelihood of mastitis in dairy cows. The following Iomlán products have a positive impact here:

  • Dominate Liquid: to reduce the infection pressure.
  • Glanzym: for cleaning the milking parlour.
  • Far off: minerals for the dry period in preparation for lactation.
  • Close up: minerals in the final stages of the dry period.
  • Brabús: for rumen function and help support against harmful toxins.
  • Advice: Every farm is different and will require programmes to suit the farm.

In addition it is also important to optimize the lactation of  dairy cows in order to minimize mastitis. The dry period in dairy cows for many farmers is a weak link.

Optimizing lactation in dairy cows

In addition, it is also important to optimize the lactation in order to avoid as other diseases that are also increase the likelihood of mastitis in cows. A balanced feed for this is crucial during lactation and dry period.

At IOMLÁN we are confident that the dry period is the most important period in preparation for a successful and healthy lactation. The importance of the dry cow is not always appreciated. During this rest period the cow is still experiencing a lot of stress due to the growth spurt of the calf. The dry period far off composition supports the cow with antioxidants to increase its resistance.

During lactation, it is important that cows are adequately supported with vitamins and minerals. Supplementation is necessary to increase the resistance and the immunity of the cow, to improve fertility, to support the liver and to improve the hoof health. This leads to an improved udder health and fertility, healthier and more efficient cow with less antibiotic use. 

Dominate Liquid

Dominate Liquid is a spray that is composed of a selection of probiotic bacteria. These good bacteria naturally go into battle with pathogenic bacteria. The pathogens have less chance to multiply and lowers the risk of digestive problems and skin diseases.                                                                                      

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Glanzym

Glanzym is an enzymatic, strong foaming cleaner for removing persistent organic contamination and biofilm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

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Brabús

Brabús is a complex product specially formulated to suit modern day dairy cows, beef finishing and growing cattle who are vulnerable to ruminal problems by helping to maintain a stable rumen pH.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

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