Subclinical mastitis video 12
This is where we get inflammation (usually infections) in the udder which is not visible. This is measured using SCC (somatic cell counts). This is a measurement of somatic cells (mostly inflammatory cells) in the udder of the cow.
This type of infection is termed subclinical because we cannot see any changes in the milk or udder. This type of infection often associated with staph aureus (bacteria) and can cause huge production losses amongst other things.
This is a big milk quality issue also.
When I review SCC issues on farms here is my step by step approach
| 1. Premilking routine are clusters attached to clean dry udders.
Is there a 30 second lag phase (yes or no) between prep and attachment? Is there sufficient time for stimulation is there too much lag phase is milker trying to milk too many cows together. Aim for 60-90 seconds lag phase. |
| 2. Is forestripping done on every quarter to identify mastitis and allow milk let down
This is a legal requirement, also with clinical mastitis, it can help with early detection and also better milk let down. |
| 3. Are clusters attached correctly
Make sure no clusters are twisted alignment is correct no squawking. Looking for < 5% of clusters attached incorrectly or not square. |
| 4. Any signs of over or under milking cows |
Watch the milk jar here to check. Also, check teats (for damage) and clusters < 5% aren’t falling off? Are clusters falling off early are bowls empty while the machine is still milking?
| 5. General milker hygiene |
This is around aprons arms hands are milkers wearing gloves.
| 6. Availability of towels and how well is milking pit and parlour scoring on hygiene
This is general parlour score, rated on space, light, cleanliness here. Remember the organisation here fits into consistency and possibly an SOP around routine. |
| 7. Post teat dipping THE 3 Vs (very important) |
Looking for a good quality dip that is matched to the challenge. Look at teat suppleness at this stage to gauge how much emollients are being used. Look at coverage also and volumes used are correct. So check volume, viscosity right thickness and visual that it covers the whole teat.
I call this the 3 Vs
Correct volume
The right viscosity
Check the whole teat is covered visually
| 8. Milking routine with regards to problem cows |
Have they been identified (most importantly), are they milked last is anything done with clusters following the milking of problem cows (cluster flushes etc). CMT testing although time consuming is the next best thing to getting the whole herd milk recorded.
We must identify high cell count cows
| 9. Is milk recording been done on farm
Good time here to review records also for patterns. What is SCC before and after calving if there are any patterns? There should be a reduction in SCC in the next lactation. Look at figures with heifers and cows for any patterns? Encourage anyone not recording to start!!! |
| 10. If milk recording is being done is it being used well and correctly in decision making?
This is an opportunity after an assessment to sit down and go through milk records particularly around checking for patterns. This affords an opportunity to look at treatment success and decision making here also. |
| 11. What is culling policy % of the herd, is culling too severe or not enough |
Aim for culling % below 5% in most herds for mastitis. Equally, if % is low is farmer keeping problems it could be an action short term with high SCC. After identifying problem cows we can chase the problem quarter.
| 12. Has the milking machine being serviced regularly by a trained technician
Looking for once a year or in a problem herd in the last 30 days. Ask to see it check the date. Get to know good technicians in your area you can recommend.
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| 13. Check the vitals vacuum, vacuum reserve and liners (changed regularly) |
Look inside the liners put fingers in check changed every 6 months or 2000 milking’s. Check vacuum gauge remove clusters check gauge and reserve. These three are plenty to audit simple things. Play special attention to vacuum if teat scores or teat condition is bad.
| 14. Are clinical cases being spotted quickly and are cases being cultured do we know the pathogens have we a picture
If we start getting cultures this might allow us to build a picture, Are there any cultures being done. We can freeze cases and send off large numbers to build a profile. Are cultures being done are treatments working clearing cases. |
| 15. Review drying off program at the time or by talking to a farmer.
Procedure, speed, and numbers. Timing regards yield. Are teat sealants being used, environment after drying off? |
Some of this knowledge might be based on prior history and a good indication is new infection rates during the dry period or poor treatments of high cell count cows.
| 16. Review dry cow antibiotic used does it match challenge
Is there any decision making around dry cow antibiotics regards culture sensitivity or previous bugs or any recent culturing. Is there an opportunity to build the farm towards SDCT (selective dry cow therapy).
Uddergold platinum • Up to 85% reduction in new mastitis infections**
Thought for the day Between stimulus and response, there is a space. We have control of very little, but we can control our attitude. A fantastic read “Mans search for meaning” By Viktor Frankl
Big thanks to Nettex for their support in helping me make #50in50 happen http://www.progiene-dairy.com
Happy safe farming
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