ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
Fidgety cows point to increased mastitis risk Spring can produce a peak in mastitis due to environmental challenges at calving, but as you move further through the season the incidence of mastitis should reduce, along with the bulk tank somatic cell count. If mastitis incidence does not decline, factors around shed and teat spray function could be at play.
The teats should be supple, smooth
It is commonplace to have the shed
improve teat condition and ensure the
checked by a milking technician during
teat end is protected from bacteria,
the winter but this does not identify all
along with offering healing of the teat
issues. The cows are a great indicator
ends if there is damage. All four teats
of shed issues so take some time to
should be fully covered with spray
look at them. Observe how comfortable
(fronts included), with a drip on the end
they are in the shed, or if they are
of the teat. Adding Donaghys Glycerine
kicking or fidgety. How quickly do they
or Emolan will aid in the recovery of
let their milk down after cups on, or is
cracked teats and damaged teat ends.
there a delay either at cups on or after
Observe auto-sprayers at every milking
a short let-down? Do the udders look
to ensure they are working and then
evenly milked out at the end of milking?
every week or so fully assess teat spray
Any anomalies here can point to shed
coverage (as outlined above). Observe
function issues.
at least 50 cows during this process.
Also take time to look at teat ends
You may find that some bails are being
and teat condition. Turning over teats
missed or cups sprayed when the cow
and inspecting the ends can be a
is still milking. This may indicate that the
useful indicator of shed function. The
sensors are not working properly or the
early stages of teat end damage are
tension bars are not correctly positioned.
reflected in thickened teat ends with
Ensure these are rectified. The same
minor cracking, which can be subtle.
principles apply for manual spraying.
As the teat end damage worsens this
Use a teat spray concentration that is
can show more obvious crusting and
appropriate for your level of mastitis
thickening. Other signs to look for at
risk and the time of year. While it
milking time are ringing at the base
can be tempting to drop back the
of the teat end or pinpoint red spots,
rate as the season progresses, think
along with bluish teats. All these point
about herd level risk factors such as
to an issue with the shed, such as high
mastitis incidence rate, teat condition
vacuum, incorrect pulsation, unsuitable
and teat end damage, along with the
liners, dry teats and overmilking and
environmental challenge, to determine
should be addressed. Failure to rectify
if dropping the rate is appropriate.
will see an increase in mastitis.
Make a fresh batch of teat spray every
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and crack-free. Aside from looking unsightly, cracked teats harbour bacteria and are uncomfortable for the cow. If more than 10 percent of the herd have cracked teats, then the teat spray system and environmental factors should be reviewed. Correct teat spray coverage will help
| Observe how comfortable the cows are in the shed, or if they are kicking or fidgety.
2-3 days and use 20ml per cow per milking for manual spraying and higher for auto sprayers. Ideally liners should be changed every 2500 milkings so have a system to ensure this happens. Using the liners past this time will compromise the milking system and teat health. Ensure the liner you have is appropriate for your cows and shed. An incorrect liner is a common cause of teat end damage. Donaghys has an excellent selection of liners, teat sprays and emollients. Speak to your local Farmlands or Donaghys TFO for ways they can help your herd perform at its best. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Donaghys
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THE FARMLANDER | 45
