https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us jennifer_3.roberts@boehringer-ingelheim.com When mastitis happens, it is easy to assume antibiotics are the next step. In many cases, they are, but not always. That’s where intentional mastitis treatment decisions make a difference. When mastitis happens, it is easy to assume antibiotics are the next step. In many cases, they are, but not always. That’s where intentional mastitis treatment decisions make a difference.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63077 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63077-a-smarter-mastitis-treatment-starts-with-the-pathogen 63077-roberts-1.jpg drdavidkolb@acepsis.com Creating a clean environment should always be present on a dairy producer’s mind, for many reasons. There are the obvious reasons like food safety, milk quality, animal welfare and more. But it also paints a better picture for consumers and it’s just a good business strategy. Creating a clean environment should always be present on a dairy producer’s mind, for many reasons. There are the obvious reasons like food safety, milk quality, animal welfare and more. But it also paints a better picture for consumers and it’s just a good business strategy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63021 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63021-hygiene-from-parlor-to-trough 63021-lecavalier-staff.jpg shaun@futurecow.com Milking parlors perform at the intersection of three forces: equipment performance, chemical effectiveness and human compliance. Each one can elevate milk quality or quietly sabotage it. Milking parlors perform at the intersection of three forces: equipment performance, chemical effectiveness and human compliance. Each one can elevate milk quality or quietly sabotage it.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62594 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62594-equipment-chemistry-and-people-a-three-tier-checklist-for-modern-parlors dtnolan@illinois.edu We often hear that mastitis costs the U.S. dairy industry $2 billion per year. But what does this mean on a case level? We often hear that mastitis costs the U.S. dairy industry $2 billion per year. But what does this mean on a case level?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62526 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62526-dollars-down-the-drain-what-one-case-of-mastitis-can-cost-you 62526-nolan-cooley.jpg matti@agproud.com When Travis and Gordon Speirs of Shiloh Dairy set out to improve milk quality in their Holstein herd, they were aiming for a somatic cell count (SCC) below 120,000. The dairy currently runs a SCC of 77,000. Their secret sauce? Milk quality isn’t a parlor issue. When Travis and Gordon Speirs of Shiloh Dairy set out to improve milk quality in their Holstein herd, they were aiming for a somatic cell count (SCC) below 120,000. The dairy currently runs a SCC of 77,000. Their secret sauce? Milk quality isn’t a parlor issue.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62527 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62527-maintaining-a-low-somatic-cell-count-is-a-whole-farm-challenge-at-shiloh-dairy 62527-mcBride-Calf.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com To effectively manage milk quality and boost production, it is essential to ensure that cows are comfortable in their environment. Therefore, paying attention to proper udder care is crucial; neglecting it could jeopardize your operation’s bottom line. To effectively manage milk quality and boost production, it is essential to ensure that cows are comfortable in their environment. Therefore, paying attention to proper udder care is crucial; neglecting it could jeopardize your operation’s bottom line.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62361 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62361-a-decision-tree-to-mastitis-prevention jenna.williamson@ahvint.com Recent studies show 66% of dairy cows have udder edema at least once in their lifetime. Understanding the signs, causes, risk factors and available strategies for the prevention and treatment of udder edema is essential for effective herd management. Recent studies show 66% of dairy cows have udder edema at least once in their lifetime. Understanding the signs, causes, risk factors and available strategies for the prevention and treatment of udder edema is essential for effective herd management.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62253 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62253-udder-edema-in-dairy-cows-prevention-and-treatment-strategies 62253-williamson-udder.jpg dtnolan@illinois.edu Klebsiella is a difficult bacteria to deal with because infections can come on quickly without warning and have the potential to be fatal. Understanding how it spreads and how to prevent it is important for protecting herd health. Klebsiella is a difficult bacteria to deal with because infections can come on quickly without warning and have the potential to be fatal. Understanding how it spreads and how to prevent it is important for protecting herd health.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62033 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62033-battling-klebsiella-tools-to-keep-in-your-toolbox 62033-nolan-getty.jpg shannon.walsh@hipra.com Milk cultures are a powerful tool in managing mastitis, offering insights into which pathogens are affecting your herd. Understanding whether infections stem from environmental or contagious organisms can help guide crucial decisions. Milk cultures are a powerful tool in managing mastitis, offering insights into which pathogens are affecting your herd. Understanding whether infections stem from environmental or contagious organisms can help guide crucial decisions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61892 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61892-making-sense-of-milk-culture-results-a-practical-guide-for-dairy-producers john.champagne@merck.com We, as dairy caretakers, often feel an immediate need to do something in response to seeing abnormal milk. However, it may be more prudent to pause, take a strategic step back and weigh the options before proceeding with blanket treatment for all clinical mastitis cases. We, as dairy caretakers, often feel an immediate need to do something in response to seeing abnormal milk. However, it may be more prudent to pause, take a strategic step back and weigh the options before proceeding with blanket treatment for all clinical mastitis cases.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61704 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61704-weighing-the-costs-of-mastitis-treatment-ask-these-five-questions jennifer_3.roberts@boehringer-ingelheim.com Mastitis is always a concern around the dairy, but staying extra vigilant at dry-off and during the dry period is important for preventing clinical infections. Mastitis is always a concern around the dairy, but staying extra vigilant at dry-off and during the dry period is important for preventing clinical infections.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61637 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61637-8-mastitis-prevention-strategies-during-the-dry-period 61637-roberts-dry-cows.jpg theudderdoctor@gmail.com The hospital pen or group is often the most disliked pen on a dairy. These are the cows that have abnormal milk and may or may not be sick. These animals must be isolated and identified so their milk does not enter the milk supply. The better the program for handling these cows, the lower the risk of spreading to the clean cows in the herd. The hospital pen or group is often the most disliked pen on a dairy. These are the cows that have abnormal milk and may or may not be sick. These animals must be isolated and identified so their milk does not enter the milk supply. The better the program for handling these cows, the lower the risk of spreading to the clean cows in the herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61507 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61507-managing-mastitis-in-hospital-pens 61507-johnson-clean.jpg akinney@boumatic.com A farm audit is more than just a compliance check; it’s a proactive tool to improve animal welfare, maximize milk premiums and reduce costly issues such as mastitis and bacterial contamination of the bulk tank. A farm audit is more than just a compliance check; it’s a proactive tool to improve animal welfare, maximize milk premiums and reduce costly issues such as mastitis and bacterial contamination of the bulk tank.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61260 Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61260-milk-quality-audits-the-key-to-healthier-cows-and-consistent-milk-checks ernesto.tapia@delaval.com Every person reading this article likely has some idea of what it means to produce good, quality milk. But consider that milk quality varies depending on the perspective of consumers, processors and farmers. Every person reading this article likely has some idea of what it means to produce good, quality milk. But consider that milk quality varies depending on the perspective of consumers, processors and farmers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61304 Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61304-7-parlor-hygiene-tips-to-improve-milk-quality 61304-tapia-extra-E500-rotary-milker.jpg audrey@agproud.com Nationally, the average 2024 DHI test-day herd SCC was 181,000 cells per milliliter, unchanged from 2023, according to a summary report from the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and compared to previous reports from CDCB and the USDA’s Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory. Nationally, the average 2024 DHI test-day herd SCC was 181,000 cells per milliliter, unchanged from 2023, according to a summary report from the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and compared to previous reports from CDCB and the USDA’s Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61358 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:35 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61358-infocus-national-dhi-test-day-somatic-cell-count-unchanged-at-181-000 61358-schmitz-data.jpg shaun@futurecow.com A farm decides on its own what its milk quality is. Wait, what? That’s right – the choices made daily determine milk quality. High-quality milk doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of intentional decisions in three key areas: 1) the people on the farm, 2) the environment the cows live in and 3) the tools provided to both the employees and the cows to ensure success. Let’s break it down. A farm decides on its own what its milk quality is. Wait, what? That’s right – the choices made daily determine milk quality. High-quality milk doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of intentional decisions in three key areas: 1) the people on the farm, 2) the environment the cows live in and 3) the tools provided to both the employees and the cows to ensure success. Let’s break it down.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60817 Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60817-dont-overcomplicate-milk-quality-its-not-rocket-science 60817-hardtke-1.jpg audrey@agproud.com Ever since 1894, Minglewood Dairy has upheld a tradition of exceptional care for their cows and land, evolving significantly over the past 130 years. Ever since 1894, Minglewood Dairy has upheld a tradition of exceptional care for their cows and land, evolving significantly over the past 130 years.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60689 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60689-minglewood-dairy-combines-tradition-and-innovation-for-premium-milk-quality 60689-schmitz-1.jpg pdv3@cornell.edu Klebsiella is a gram-negative bacteria that can cause severe clinical mastitis in dairy cows. If they survive the illness, cows are often culled due to low milk production. This article describes some common ways Klebsiella is transmitted from the environment to teats and strategies on how to prevent Klebsiella mastitis cases on your farm. Klebsiella is a gram-negative bacteria that can cause severe clinical mastitis in dairy cows. If they survive the illness, cows are often culled due to low milk production. This article describes some common ways Klebsiella is transmitted from the environment to teats and strategies on how to prevent Klebsiella mastitis cases on your farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60601 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60601-klebsiella-mastitis-stop-it-before-it-starts 60601-rowson-1.jpg theudderdoctor@gmail.com The treatment of clinical mastitis has dramatically changed in the approximately 50 years of my veterinary career. The major focus has been on the proper and judicious use of antibiotics in dairy cattle and assuring the public there are no antibiotic residues in the milk supply. The treatment of clinical mastitis has dramatically changed in the approximately 50 years of my veterinary career. The major focus has been on the proper and judicious use of antibiotics in dairy cattle and assuring the public there are no antibiotic residues in the milk supply. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60616 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60616-whats-the-new-normal-for-clinical-mastitis-therapy 60616-johnson-edgar.jpg matt_dodd@diamondv.com The parlor is a critical place on a dairy to have productivity and efficiency dialed in 365 days a year. When it comes to leveling up your parlor output, audits are a helpful tool in finding ways to fine-tune and uncover areas for improvement that drive milk harvest success – ultimately impacting the dairy’s bottom line. The parlor is a critical place on a dairy to have productivity and efficiency dialed in 365 days a year. When it comes to leveling up your parlor output, audits are a helpful tool in finding ways to fine-tune and uncover areas for improvement that drive milk harvest success – ultimately impacting the dairy’s bottom line. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60595 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60595-addressing-parlor-challenges-a-three-legged-stool-for-success 60595-dodd-1.jpg justine@udderhealth.com I frequently receive questions about the different test name acronyms and how to interpret what those results tell them. More importantly, I am asked how producers and industry service providers troubleshoot high counts. A basic understanding of the different ways in which bulk tank milk may be tested and what those tests measure is extremely helpful in understanding what impacts milk quality on the farm. I frequently receive questions about the different test name acronyms and how to interpret what those results tell them. More importantly, I am asked how producers and industry service providers troubleshoot high counts. A basic understanding of the different ways in which bulk tank milk may be tested and what those tests measure is extremely helpful in understanding what impacts milk quality on the farm.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60611 Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60611-milk-quality-in-the-bulk-tank-what-do-all-the-numbers-mean linda.tikofsky@boehringer-ingelheim.com Knowing the classification of a mastitis case can help you choose which animals to treat, saving you money and improving judicious antibiotic use. Knowing the classification of a mastitis case can help you choose which animals to treat, saving you money and improving judicious antibiotic use.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60334 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60334-the-power-of-pathogen-based-mastitis-treatment 60334-tikofsky-1353.jpg By pairing management practices with innovations in genomic testing, producers can stock their herds with the right animals that have the potential to be high producers of milk, fat and protein; have less risk for mastitis; require a reduced need for antibiotic use; produce more salable milk; and possess greater potential for improved herd profitability. By pairing management practices with innovations in genomic testing, producers can stock their herds with the right animals that have the potential to be high producers of milk, fat and protein; have less risk for mastitis; require a reduced need for antibiotic use; produce more salable milk; and possess greater potential for improved herd profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60146 Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60146-how-genomic-testing-can-help-lower-somatic-cell-count-and-increase-profit 60146-erf-1.jpg keith.engel@gea.com When you make a teat dip change, plan for at least three to four weeks to start seeing a difference – and that’s if all other variables remain the same. Remember, you are using a teat dip to help prevent mastitis, not cure it. When you make a teat dip change, plan for at least three to four weeks to start seeing a difference – and that’s if all other variables remain the same. Remember, you are using a teat dip to help prevent mastitis, not cure it.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59824 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59824-mythbusting-teat-dips-are-you-using-the-right-one-on-your-dairy 59824-engel-1.jpg justine@udderhealth.com Milking inflations, milking machine effects and teat germicides, along with environmental exposures, will change teat tissue and integrity over time, which can compromise their ability to combat infection. For these reasons, it is vitally important to take steps to maintain healthy teat condition. Milking inflations, milking machine effects and teat germicides, along with environmental exposures, will change teat tissue and integrity over time, which can compromise their ability to combat infection. For these reasons, it is vitally important to take steps to maintain healthy teat condition.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59745 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59745-teat-health-and-milk-quality-what-should-you-be-looking-for theudderdoctor@gmail.com In my 50 years of experience, managing the level of SCC and mastitis in fresh heifers is critical to achieving excellent milk quality. There are many important ways to improve milk quality on your dairy, but don’t let fresh heifers contribute to your issues. In my 50 years of experience, managing the level of SCC and mastitis in fresh heifers is critical to achieving excellent milk quality. There are many important ways to improve milk quality on your dairy, but don’t let fresh heifers contribute to your issues.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59647 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59647-mastitis-in-fresh-heifers-a-major-problem 59647-johnson-jillian-williams.jpg audrey@agproud.com U.S. milk producers again saw a decrease in average somatic cell counts (SCC) based on an annual summary of Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) test-day results. U.S. milk producers again saw a decrease in average somatic cell counts (SCC) based on an annual summary of Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) test-day results.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59637 Thu, 16 May 2024 10:28:35 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59637-in-focus-national-dhi-test-day-somatic-cell-count-averages-181-000 59637-schmitz-header.jpg benjamin.saylor@churchdwight.com Controlling pathogen outgrowth in recycled manure bedding is possible. When a bacillus-based bedding additive was tested on-farm, a significant reduction in bulk tank SCC and mastitis cases was noticed. Controlling pathogen outgrowth in recycled manure bedding is possible. When a bacillus-based bedding additive was tested on-farm, a significant reduction in bulk tank SCC and mastitis cases was noticed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59296 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59296-controlling-bedding-pathogens-can-reduce-environmental-mastitis 59296-saylor-bedding.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com Udder health is not something you can take your eye off because you have a plan in place. Udder health is not something you can take your eye off because you have a plan in place.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58734 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58734-use-the-right-product-at-the-right-time-to-guarantee-excellent-udder-health 58734-trennepohl-8609800B-F1AA-4E8A-AB3C-A9CAD03A3A0A.jpg audrey@agproud.com Udder sores, also known as necrotic dermatitis, are a moist, foul-smelling, necrotic lesion that can develop in areas of tightly adjacent skin such as the udder cleft. http://www.agproud.com/articles/54477 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 20:45:28 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/54477-simple-on-farm-solutions-to-treating-udder-rot