Cows that are not kept clean, dry, and comfortable add to mastitis and production problems. Taking the time to walk through the barns, lots, and pastures will help you identify problem areas. Housing must be kept clean and dry 24 hours a day. The lanes to and from the pastures or dry lots must be free of mud holes which cause many coliform problems. Managing coliform problems will stop other problems.
Ventilation is critical.
Winter is not the dairy farmers biggest concern, but rather controlling the environment during the heat of summer. Are cows using the stalls, is the ventilation proper, is air moving, and are the cows crowded, are all important factors to evaluate. Keeping the cows udders clean can really reduce the level of clinical mastitis and improve milk quality. Removing udder hair and trimming or docking tails help to keep udders clean and thus lead to improved milk quality. Docking tails keeps the cows and facilities clean.