Management-Associated Risk Factors for Heifer Mastitis before and after Parturition in German Dairy Herds.

Subclinical mastitis in heifers during early lactation affects udder health, future milk production and, therefore, the risk of premature culling. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify pre- and post-partum risk factors associated with a high heifer mastitis rate (HMR), and to find out which period (either pre- or post-partum) contains more risk factors and consequently should be the focus of mastitis control in heifers. A total of 77 herds were included in this study and the potential animal- and farm-related risk factors were recorded during a one-time farm visit.

Associations between Streptococcus uberis strains from the animal environment and clinical bovine mastitis cases.

Bovine clinical mastitis quarter foremilk samples were collected from 15 German dairy farms for the isolation of Streptococcus uberis strains. Samples were also collected from the 8 spots where Streptococcus uberis was most expected in the dairy environment to investigate the transmission behavior of Streptococcus uberis within the farm. The selected environmental spots for sampling were the inner surface of the milking liner, drinking troughs (on pasture and in the barn), exit area of milking parlor, bedding material from the lying area in the barn, passageway to pasture, lying area of soil or vegetation on pasture, and the barn area in front of the milking parlor.

Efficacy of a commercial glutaraldehyde footbath product for the control of bovine digital dermatitis.

Objective: To evaluate the relative efficacy of a novel, commercially available disinfecting agent containing ≥ 15 to < 20 % glutaraldehyde in a hydro-colloid matrix ("EIMÜ Klauen Sprint"; Eimermacher, Nordwalde, Germany, Biozid-Desinfektionsmittel, BAuA Nr. N-57213) as a walkthrough footbath in order to treat digital dermatitis of dairy cattle.

Material And Methods: The study was conducted in a dairy farm located in northern Germany from June 1st, 2015 to September 5th, 2015.

[Physiological processes in the mammary gland tissue of dairy cows during the dry period].

The dry period is essential for the bovine mammary gland to regenerate after the previous lactation. This period is necessary to render an appropriate milk yield during the subsequent lactation. Furthermore, the dry period allows the cure of existing infections of the mammary gland, but also bears an increased risk of new infection.