I recently came across an article on Bovine Veterinarian that can be a game-changer for dairy producers. Mastitis is a costly condition to treat but is sadly common. It is the inflammation of the mammalian breast which is caused by the blockage of milk ducts during the lactation period. This causes dairy cows much discomfort and may lead to fever or flu symptoms.

Mastitis can be caused by an infection where bacteria enters the body through the teat canal. In fact, it is quite common in dairy cows. It may also be caused by mechanical, chemical or even thermal factors. Seasoned dairy producers say that this may lead to permanent damage and in severe cases, may even be fatal. Contaminated milk is thrown away due to contamination with medication. If permanent damage occurs, that can impact the farm’s finances. Also, extra labor is required to tend to the sick cows.

The article links a webinar which was sponsored by Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica (BIVI). It talks about the latest research that influences strategies to treat mastitis. It features BIVI vet, Linda Tikofsky and Daryl Nydam, a veterinary epidemiologist at Cornell University who is also a dairy consultant.

According to Tikofsky, there is a difference between inflammation and infection. The infection stage is mostly short, depending on the pathogen. It may last for just a few days. She says that a highsomatic-cell count is one sign of inflammation and can persist for several days or even longer. Treatment protocols should be based on the pathogen.

Nydam believes that a three-day treatment with Polymast (hetacillin potassium) can provide results that are equal to a five-day treatment with ceftiofur hydrochloride. He says that Cornell research shows that ed therapy, which uses cultures to identify mastitis pathogens, can allow producers to save about $30,000 for every 1,000 cows yearly. This will also address the concerns of consumers who worry about antibiotics used in dairy.

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Rick Pascual, CPC, PRC

Treatment CowsRick Pascual recruits in dairy nutrition for feed companies and their suppliers across the USA.  Rick joined Continental Search in January 2015 has successfully filled a number of searched for nutritionists, sales and sales management for leading companies.

After completing coursework and a grueling exam Rick became a Certified Personnel Consultant in November 2015 as well as a Certified Professional Recruiter by AIRS in April 2016. Visit his LinkedIn profile for more info and to stay updated with news about recent dairy trends.

Send Rick your resume at rick@consearch.com.  Call him at (302) 544-9288.