The Milk Producer - October 2009 - (Page 36)

APPLIEDSCIENCE By Simon Dufour, Daniel Scholl, Ian Dohoois and and Julie Baillargeon Major consequences A series of small problems with individual cows can add up to a serious constraint on your herd’s milk production type of mastitis considered a minor problem for an individual cow can pose a serious problem for your whole herd. While this mastitis usually goes untreated and clears up on its own, it can put a big dent in your milk production. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) bacteria, the most common cause of udder infections, cost you money every day. You may know them by their alias, Staphylococcus species (spp.). If you recall your milk culture analysis reports, you have likely seen these bacteria listed. A veterinarian diagnosing this type of infection in one of your cows may tell you not to worry. CNS infections are generally short-lived and do not need treatment if there are no visible mastitis signs, although they increase somatic cell count (SCC). A small problem initially CNS infections are subclinical in nature. About half of them last less than a month and are eliminated without treatment. Most infections that continue for more than a month are eventually eliminated during the dry period. CNS infections rarely develop into clinical mastitis. When they do, symptoms are often moderate with minimal consequences. CNS bacteria present in an udder quarter increase SCC, although often by less than an infection caused by other types of bacteria. During Staphylococcus aureus infections, for instance, the SCC in the infected quarter averages 350,000 cells per millilitre of milk, compared with only 140,000 for a CNS-infected quarter and 70,000 for an uninfected one. Pre-milking teat dips eliminate CNS bacteria present on teats before milking takes place. 36 | October 2009 | MilkPRODUCER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - October 2009

The Milk Producer - October 2009
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFOVice-Chair's Message
Dairy Update
Industry Roundup
National Policy
DFC Promotion
Sinking In Stormy Seas
Processor Spotlight
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - October 2009