The environment provides the moisture, food and temperature required for bacterial growth. Under certain conditions there can be tremendous buildup in bacteria numbers in areas such as freestalls, bedded packs and other areas where cattle may congregate such as under shade trees or man-made shades. B acteria need moisture, food and warm temperatures for optimum growth. The objective is to manage these factors and limit their impact on bacterial growth. The method employed may focus on at least two factors at any one time.
Temperature is difficult to control but is a variable that needs to be considered.
When conditions warm up bacteria levels may explode. This situation is common in northern areas where spring warm-ups often are associated with sudden outbreaks of new mastitis cases. C old weather can create skin chapping, cracking and occasional frostbite. When this occurs mastitis problems generally follow. It is therefore critical, during cold periods, that provisions are made to minimize these problems.