Abstract

In developing individual farm mastitis control and treatment strategies, it is often necessary to characterize the types of bacteria that are present on your farm. To answer this question, a microbiological analysis, or milk culture, must be performed on milk samples collected from cows showing clinical or subclinical signs of mastitis. Results of the milk cultures will help identify which bacteria are causing the mastitis. In turn, this information can be used to alter mastitis control, prevention, and treatment options to fit your herd’s conditions.

During an investigation of a herd dealing with high somatic cell counts or a high incidence of clinical mastitis, milk culture results provide essential evidence for solving the problem. When managing a contagious mastitis problem (Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus agalactiae), milk cultures are even more important to help make individual cow treatment and culling decisions. Extra care and precaution are necessary during the collection process, using strict, clean, aseptic (without germs and bacteria) procedures to be sure that the bacteria originated from milk from the udder and not the teat end or hair, the sampler’s hands, or the barn environment. If the samples are not collected, handled, and transported correctly, the bacteriological results will be of no diagnostic value.

Publication Date

1-2010

Publication Number

ID-180

Notes

Click here to access the latest version of this publication (ID-180).

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