Control heifer mastitis

Heifers can develop subclinical mastitis infections before calving. Heifer mastitis threatens udder health, milk production, and milk quality, and increases the risk of premature culling.

You may have a heifer mastitis problem on your farm if >15 percent of heifers have clinical mastitis around calving or >15 percent of all heifers have a first test-day SCC >150,000 cells/mL.

Preventing heifer mastitis is based on minimizing cross-suckling in calves, using fly control, optimizing hygiene, and providing a comfortable, clean, and low-stress calving environment.

In the latest W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Farm Report, Heather Dann discusses a recent Journal of Dairy Science review article that describes farm-specific interventions that should be in place on every farm.

Read "10-Point Program to Prevent and Control Heifer Mastitis"

Source: April 2012 Miner Farm Report

1. Workshop to discuss nutrient application, management, stewardship
2. Help for flood affected farmers
3. Ag markets diverged significantly Friday afternoon
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5. Ag markets decidedly mixed on Friday morning
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6. IDFA: Opposition to Dairy Supply Management mounts

1. Analysis: Dairy Security Act better for farmers, taxpayers
2. IDFA: Opposition to Dairy Supply Management mounts
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6. Cold spring stunts upper Midwest hay crop