Lameness and mastitis
In this article, That’s Farming discusses lameness and mastitis. We will also look at identifying and diagnosing these health problems, the commonly associated causes, preventative measures and associated costs which arise from laminitis and mastitis.
Lameness and mastitis are both frequent health problems that occur on dairy farms. Both of these health issues can cause significant financial losses on a dairy farm.
Identifying lameness
Lameness is an issue which is commonly seen on dairy farms at some stage in a cow’s lifecycle, although it is not confined to dairy units alone. Therefore, it is vital to have the ability to diagnose lameness when you see it.
Walking is obviously affected. The cow may be unwilling or slow to move. Indications of subclinical lameness include:
- Limbs moving slower than others;
- Taking short steps;
- Hind legs swinging, either outwards or inwards;
- Arched back;
- Front legs crossed while standing;
- Stiff joints.
In terms of identifying mastitis in a cow, you can identify abnormalities by either the milk or by analysing the udder.
Mastitis and SCC (somatic cell count) can reduce the yield and milk quality from dairy cows.
When scanning the milk for mastitis, clots or discoloured, watery or flaky milk can be visible. Signs of mastitis in the udder include swelling, heat, hardness, redness or pain.
Other common signs of mastitis include a reduction in appetite, reduced mobility due to the pain of a swollen udder and increased body temperature due to infection.
Common causes of lameness and mastitis
There are many common causes of both of these prevalent health conditions.
In terms of lameness, here are a few common causes;
- Sole bruises or ulcers; bruises become visible about 2 or 3 months after the damage has occurred to the sole.
- Discolouration of the sole appears, which is red to dark purple in colour. Following on from bruising, ulcers can occur on the sole of your cow.
- Ulcerations of the sole occur due to inflammation of the tissue under the hoof.
- Laminitis; occurs in cows when the claws become overgrown. Visually, you can identify laminitis with high heels, long toes and misshaped soles. As a result, the horn becomes weaker than normal. This disorder is associated with the feeding of concentrates and not enough roughage.
- Digital dermatitis; this cause of laminitis is highly infectious. Initially, dermatitis can be viewed as a red rash. Furthermore, developing into extensive skin loss and scabbing between claws and on the heel, as well as around the cleft.
Causes of mastitis
Comparatively, mastitis in dairy cows is caused by udder infections. These infections usually arise from bacteria, which is introduced either during milking or otherwise from environmental factors.
According to MSD Veterinary Manual, most mastitis infections are caused by various species of streptococci, staphylococci, and gram-negative rods.
Examples of how mastitis can become a problem for your cow include contamination from equipment during milking, manure contamination or unhygienic bedding. The bedding used to house cattle can be the primary source of environmental pathogens.
Prevention measures
There are a number of preventative measures which can be adopted on your farm to prevent both lameness and mastitis.
Firstly, for lameness, keep stock standing in conditions that are as dry as possible. Another important aspect to consider is ground evenness.
Consider the surfaces that the cows travel on to get to the parlour for milking – ensure that these roadway surfaces are barren from loose or sharp stones. Keep the cows at their own pace, and certainly do not rush them in and out for milking.
You can incorporate a foot bathing procedure into your dairy herd health plan. Foot bathing is used for prevention, not treatment, of dermatitis. Alongside this measure, carry out routine hoof trimming, at least once a year when drying off.
The best way to avoid mastitis in your herd is through prevention. However, most preventative measures need to start in the dry period. There are a few key points to consider when adopting preventative measures on your farm to minimise the occurrence of mastitis.
A clean environment is key. By hosting a clean environment for your cows, this prevents the introduction of pathogens causing mastitis.
In terms of nutrition, adding adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins to your cow’s diet can help boost immunity. In turn, the added immunity will assist the cow in fighting mastitis pathogens.
Dry cow treatment can assist in the prevention of fresh cow mastitis by helping to cure previous infections while also combating new infection sources.
Associated costs
According to Teagasc, 20-35% of cows suffer some degree of lameness. Hereafter, it estimates the cost of a clinical case of lameness to be in the region of €160-€300.
Clinical lameness is estimated to cause a reduction in milk yield by 350kg per lactation.
Unfortunately, as a result of lameness, there are other direct costs involved. Where lameness has been identified, there is a reduced milk yield for up to four months before, and five months after diagnosis.
Alongside the cost of discarded milk, there is also the added expense of veterinary bills and remedies involved with mastitis treatment.
Subsequently, mastitis can further cut the end figure on your milk cheque.
Milk SCC levels above 100,000 result in a loss of money. Teagasc has reported that, on average, mastitis costs farmers €60/cow/year.
- 100,000 to 200,000 cells/ml creates the indication that there is approximately 20% of the herd infected with mastitis.
- 200,000 to 300,000 cells/ml creates the indication that there is approximately 30% of the herd infected with mastitis.
- 300,000 to 400,000 cells/ml creates the indication that there is approximately 40% of the herd infected with mastitis.
Should you have a hesitation about mastitis being an issue with your milk quality, detection is best done by testing milk for somatic cell counts (SCCs).
While both of these health conditions create the opportunity for substantial financial loss on dairy farms, the understanding of prevention and early identification are key factors to minimising losses.
