Keep udder hair clipped. Keep feet well-trimmed and healthy to promote exercise, feed intake and good overall health. Use the CMT on all questionable cows and to help determine when infections are occurring. Record test results. Clean, dry conditions limit the growth of pathogens and exposure of the cow to non-healthful conditions.
Comfortable cows maintain health easier and have fewer disease problems.
Make sure free- stalls are clean and dry throughout the bedding depth, not just on the surface. Do not allow cows access to ponds or other standing bodies of water. Such practices are an invitation to disaster, as these water sites contain many types of bacteria and are continually contaminated by animal fecal material. Allowing cows access to standing water is also a violation of the Federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Many states have similar restrictions.