Mastitis prevention in modern dairy farming
22nd April 2021
As requirements for milk quality are constantly changing, Evans Vanodine offers its expert advice on developing a prevention programme for mastitis.
Evans Vanodine is an independent British family business that has been sharing its expertise since 1919 and operating within the agricultural industry since 1962. The business believes in manufacturing consistent, efficient, and cost-effective products whilst maintaining optimum quality across all divisions.
It is a BSI-registered company that operates to ISO 9001 for quality compliance and ISO 14001 for environmental compliance. The company produces an extensive range of cleaning and disinfection products for multiple applications within the dairy and wider animal health sectors, including chlorine-free options, as well as Defra and VMD-regulated products such as Masocare RTU and also FAM30, the world’s number one iodophor general purpose disinfectant.
Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland or udder is a common disease of dairy animals. Usually occurring as an immune response to bacterial infection, it can come from a variety of microbial sources present on the farm, or as a result of chemical, mechanical or thermal injury to the animal’s udder, leading to increased numbers of somatic cells and bacteria in milk.
Mastitis-causing micro-organisms can be transmitted between cows during milking, so a system must be in place to prevent this transmission of bacteria, which focuses on the cow’s environment, protecting the teats and milking machinery.
For pre-milking, Evans recommend that teats should be wiped clean to remove organic soiling then, disinfected with a pre-milking disinfectant, helping to ensure better milk quality. Evans Vanodine produces an extensive range of pre-dipping teat preparations, such as Pre-Dip and Evafoam.
Post-milking, teats must be dipped or sprayed immediately after removal of the cluster, with a teat disinfectant such as Masocare RTU, which kills mastitis pathogens, whilst ensuring good teat condition.
When cleaning machinery after milking, all surfaces must be cleaned to effectively remove all milk residues to prevent the growth of bacteria, which could lead to future milk contamination. Products used must remove protein and fat whilst aiming to control the build-up of milkstone. Evans recommends the use of GP Acid, a fast-acting acid-based descaler to prevent milkstone build up and Vanosan/Vanorinse for effective cleaning of the bulk milk tank and milking machine.
The implementation of an effective hygiene programme with good machine maintenance, in addition to accurate mastitis records and dry cow therapy, has been demonstrated to reduce incidences of mastitis. Mastitis continues to be a problem with serious economic impact of dairy profitability. The requirements for milk quality are constantly changing, therefore a prevention programme for mastitis is vital in maximising the quantity and quality of milk produced.
Evans Vanodine houses three on-site laboratories which ensure its products are of the highest quality and comply with industry regulations. The extensive range is complimented by the hands-on approach offered; including technical support, farm visits and support materials. The company provides farmers with the tools and expertise to implement a successful and effective hygiene programme.
If you are struggling with elevated Bactoscans and high Somatic Cell Counts and require help to reduce them, Evans Vanodine can offer advice and have the expertise to assist you to achieve the results you desire. To discover more about Evans Vanodine products, visit their website HERE, or to find your local Evans Vanodine distributor, contact sales@evansvanodine.co.uk
