Dairy farmers tackle mastitis

Producers are now contending with a rise in environmental mastitis, which occurs when a cow’s mammary gland becomes inflamed as a result of bacteria entering the teat canal and proceeding into the udder.

Zoetis recently ran a series of workshops to raise awareness around the Teatseal product, which is used to reduce the risk of mastitis, as well as animal and dairy hygiene.

Zoetis veterinarian doctor Lee Taylor said the purpose of the training was to familiarise producers with the correct administration and removal of Teatseal, an internal teat sealant.

“The product basically mimics the natural teat plug formation that occurs when cows dry off and prevents environmental bacteria from getting into the udder,” he said.

Roadvale dairy farmer Gary Wenzel said throughout January, February and March, there had been a 10-15 percent increase in mastitis cases across their dairy herd.

Mr Wenzel and his wife Karen operate Garren Holsteins, Roadvale, near Boonah, and decided to host one of the workshops to learn more about Teatseal.

“We’re trying to reduce the incidence of mastitis in our freshly calved cows,” he said.

“Teatseal is supposed to stop any infection from getting into the udder, while they are being dried off, that’s why we are trialling it.”

Dr Taylor said infection occurs unknowingly during wet weather but the problem manifests itself in the early part of the next lactation.

“Most of the problems have been associated with bacteria that are present in the environment getting into the udder of the cows and most of that problem occurs during the dry period,” he said.

“The benefit of Teatseal is it prevents that from occurring and there are significant flow on effects in terms of lower levels of mastitis, better milk quality and just happier cows and farmers.”