QUALITY WATCH

What was everyone talking about at the National Mastitis Council meeting?

WE ASKED THE EXPERTS:

Christy Dinsmoore MMPA Area Supervisor

During the 59th National Mastitis Council (NMC) meeting in February, I heard about global milk quality directly from world renowned experts. From Canada to China, milk quality is improving, but throughout all the presentations, one thing became very clear - cows remain the same around the world.

All cows thrive in a clean, dry environment, eating high quality feed. They crave great milking procedures and properly functioning milking equipment. Mastitis management is so simple that the practical methods of solving on farm mastitis management issues has not altered that much over time. The five-point mastitis control plan is as relevant today as when it was introduced in the 1970s. Farms need to 1) treat and record clinical cases 2) disinfect teats post milking, 3) practice dry cow therapy, 4) cull chronic cases and 5) maintain their milk machines.

There are not many new mastitis treatment options available on the market and even with automatic milking systems, the concepts are the same. What has changed are the diagnostics to solve problems. Using new lab methods, types of bacteria can be identified that previously were lumped into larger groups of bacteria (e.g. Lactococcus lactis). The instruments and software milking systems technicians can use to troubleshoot problems have also improved. All of these advancements have helped milk quality consultants be more efficient and effective in helping our members reduce mastitis on their farms.

Dr. Ronald Erskine, DVM, PhD MSU Professor and Dairy Extension Veterinarian

The 59th NMC covered a variety of research that has the potential to deliver to your bottom line.

Flow Controlled Vacuum (FCV) is a developing technology that alters the milking vacuum in an individual unit to match milk flow. Thus, the cluster vacuum increases during times of peak milk flow. In one study, cows on a rotary milked out in 447 seconds, vs. 483 seconds with a conventional stable cluster vacuum. This induced faster milk out without compromising teat health (van den Borne, et al.).

A New York study evaluated milking in cows that had Automatic Cluster Removers (ACR-‘take-offs’) set at a threshold flow of either 1.8 lbs./min. (standard) or at a more aggressive (wetter) 2.8 lbs./min. Milking duration decreased and teat condition improved in cows that had the units removed at the higher (2.8 lbs./min.) threshold. There was no difference in milk yield, components, SCC or risk of clinical mastitis. ACR thresholds could be set “wetter” to help reduce risk of overmilking and still maintain production (Wieland, et al.).

Cows with fewer linear SCC scores (LSCC) of ≥ 4 (200,000 cells/mL) prior to being treated for an initial case of clinical mastitis were more likely to cure than cows with numerous LSCC ≥ 4. This study suggested that the duration of subclinical mastitis, even in the absence of previous clinical mastitis, can predict therapeutic outcome (Piepers and de Vliegher).

Brent Wilson MMPA Member and National Quality Award Winner

After touring three different dairy operations during the 59th NMC, all having SCCs below 200,000, even though they were mega-dairies with multiple sites, I realized that Southeastern dairies could in fact obtain much lower SCCs than what is normally reported. While high heat and humidity are often considered limiting factors for Southeastern states not being able to reach lower SCCs, these dairies proved that those may just be excuses. Even at the University of Florida’s research facility with labor issues and multiple experiments conducted, they achieved an average of 250,000 SCC. Based on what was presented, it appears as though much lower SCCs in Southeastern dairies can be achieved with proper management tools.

A research report presented at NMC that I was particularly fascinated with studied various types of bedding and their correspond ing bacteria levels for causing mastitis. The study tested bacteria levels on four different bedding materials: sawdust, shredded paper, processed manure solids and sand. It was found that all materials had very high levels of mastitis causing bacteria. I was shocked to see that the study’s results showed high levels of bacteria in sand, but after reading the footnotes that stated they were using recycled sand, it made sense. I realized how fortunate I am to be in an area where washed, pit run sand is readily available.