1. Good Milking Hygiene

• Clean Milking Environment: Ensure that the milking parlor and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before each milking session. Bacteria thrive in dirty environments, so maintaining cleanliness reduces the risk of infection.
• Clean Cows: Always clean the udder and teats before milking. Wipe them with a clean, damp cloth or use pre-milking sanitizing wipes. This removes dirt, bacteria, and debris, reducing the chance of infection.
• Proper Milking Technique: Use gentle and efficient milking techniques. Ensure that the milking machine works properly and that it is calibrated to avoid injuring the teats, which can make cows more susceptible to infection.
• Disinfect After Milking: After each milking, dip the teats in an iodine or other appropriate teat disinfectant to kill any bacteria and prevent infection from entering the udder.

2. Proper Milking Equipment Maintenance

• Well-Maintained Milking Machines: Ensure milking machines are in good condition and properly adjusted to avoid over-milking or under-milking. Machines that are too harsh on the udder can cause injury and increase the risk of mastitis.
• Check for Teat Damage: Make sure the milking machine or hand-milking techniques do not cause any physical damage or irritation to the teats, as injuries can provide an entry point for bacteria.

3. Maintain Udder Health

• Inspect Udder Regularly: Check for signs of mastitis, such as swelling, heat, redness, or hardness of the udder, as well as abnormal milk (e.g., clots or a decrease in milk flow). Early detection helps in managing and treating infections before they worsen.
• Ensure Proper Dry Period: Ensure that cows have a dry period of at least 60 days before calving. This helps maintain udder health and prepare the udder for the next lactation.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Provide enough space for cows to reduce stress and prevent injury. Overcrowded conditions can lead to udder damage and increased susceptibility to infection.

4. Good Nutrition

• Balanced Diet: Provide a balanced diet that supports immune health, as cows with strong immune systems are better able to fight off infections. Adequate levels of vitamins, minerals (especially vitamin E and selenium), and good-quality forage are essential for overall health.
• Adequate Water Supply: Ensure cows always have access to fresh and clean water. Proper hydration helps the immune system function well and supports the cow’s overall health.

5. Preventing Injury

• Prevent Trauma to the Udder: Be cautious of any potential injuries to the udder, including from other cows or environmental factors. Properly handle cows and provide a clean, safe environment to reduce the risk of injury.
• Monitor Teat Conditions: Ensure that teats are not overly chapped or cracked, as these can allow bacteria to enter. Apply a good quality teat balm or ointment to help keep teats healthy, especially in cold weather.

6. Culling and Breeding Management

• Cull Infected Cows: If a cow is suffering from chronic mastitis or cannot recover from an infection, it may be best to cull her from the herd to avoid spreading the infection and to maintain the overall health of the herd.
• Breed for Mastitis Resistance: Consider breeding cows from lines that have better genetic resistance to mastitis. Some cows have innate resistance to infections, which can be passed on to offspring.

7. Use of Antibiotics and Vaccines

• Selective Use of Antibiotics: After calving, it’s common to treat cows with antibiotics for mastitis prevention. However, antibiotic use should be carefully managed to prevent resistance. Consult a veterinarian for appropriate use.
• Vaccination: In some regions or herds, vaccination against certain pathogens that cause mastitis (e.g., E. coli, Streptococcus agalactiae) may be beneficial. Discuss with your veterinarian whether this is appropriate for your farm.

8. Post-Milking Care

• Teat Dipping Post-Milking: After milking, use a disinfectant teat dip to prevent bacteria from entering the udder. This step is essential to kill any bacteria that may have been introduced during milking.
• Drying Teats: Avoid leaving moisture on teats after washing or disinfecting them. Moisture can contribute to bacterial growth. Ensure teats are dry before cows return to the barn or pasture.

9. Monitor and Evaluate

• Milk Quality Testing: Regularly test milk for somatic cell count (SCC). High SCC levels often indicate the presence of mastitis. Early identification allows for quick action to reduce the spread of infection.
• Cow Comfort: Ensure that cows are comfortable, with clean bedding, proper ventilation, and minimal stress. Stress can weaken their immune systems and increase the risk of mastitis.

By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of mastitis, ensuring both the health of your cows and the quality of the milk produced.