At Belle Vue Vets we use the AHDB Mastitis Control Plan as a framework for investigation of mastitis issues on farm, tailoring mastitis control to individual farm circumstances.

Data Analysis

Analysis of both on farm clinical mastitis data and milk recording data is critical for getting a handle on any mastitis problem on farm. Using specialised computer programs, we can outline the likely origins of a mastitis issue and identify any seasonal trends. Such pattern analysis is a hugely important step in the investigation and control of mastitis on farm and allows us to tailor advice to your current farm situation. 

Parlour & Environmental Audits

Once your farm’s mastitis pattern has been established, assessment of milking routine and parlour function, alongside an evaluation of both milking and dry cow environment, can be conducted. In conjunction with the data, these allow us to identify likely areas of improvement in your system for maximal gain in relation to mastitis control.  

Culture

Mastitis culture is a great tool for keeping track of what bugs are currently prevalent on farm. Treatment, dry off and culling decisions will all be influenced by a knowledge of what bacteria are present and how they affect your cows. Milk samples from both clinical and subclinical cases can be sent to the lab for culture, or we can provide on-farm culture at your request. Culture results will help us reduce and refine antibiotic use on your farm.