Mastitis, an infection of the udder, lowers milk yield and quality and can lead buyers to reject milk. Most cases can be prevented with a clean, consistent milking routine.
A clean milking routine
- Milk in a clean, dry place and wash your hands before milking.
- Clean and dry the teats before milking, using a separate cloth or paper for each cow.
- Check the first milk from each quarter for clots or changes.
- Milk gently and completely.
- Protect teat skin after milking. Sidai Milking Salve soothes and protects teats and keeps milkers’ hands smooth.
- Milk cows with mastitis last and keep their milk separate.
Testing
Sidai offers milk quality and mastitis testing. Testing helps you find cows with hidden (sub-clinical) mastitis before it spreads.
Talk to a Sidai vet if mastitis keeps recurring in your herd.
This guide gives general information. Always read and follow product labels, and ask a qualified Sidai vet or agronomist for advice on your own animals or crops.