Like inadequate nutrition programs, poor heat detection and poor conception rates, the net result is a reduction in the income potential versus what is possible. The most fundamental issue is that mastitis is a bacterial infection of the mammary gland. The key is to understand the risk factors and concentrate on minimizing them. If not, take a hard look at the calf-rearing program, housing and calving area conditions for heifers, among other things. Raising a heifer to calving age is expensive and if the animal suffers an immediate mastitis problem at calving all this expense is essentially lost.
Dry cows are quite susceptible to new infections at dry off and near freshening.
Programs to minimize new infections during this period have to be reviewed objectively and fixed if necessary. Are infections related to faulty milking procedures. If so, review procedures and make certain all new milkers are properly trained and that these same procedures are reviewed with experienced milkers. Is the equipment functioning properly and is it serviced regularly. There is a relationship between improperly functioning equipment and mastitis, but it is not as clear-cut as sometimes thought.