Each of the five points in the mastitis control program complemented the others as follows. Control Component
Infection Dynamic Controlled
Milking machines
Rate
Teat dipping
Rate
Dry cow treatment
Duration and rate
Treatment of clinical cases
Duration
Culling
Duration
Other Considerations. Emphasis on the Five-Point Plan of Mastitis Control should not be interpreted as indicating that other management factors are not important. Indeed, one of the great advantages of the Five-Point Plan is that it is subject to easy modification when new research findings warrant. For example, the milking of teats that are clean and dry has been shown to contribute to both a reduction in new infections and improved milk quality. In addition, the dipping of teats before milking has proven highly effective in controlling infections caused by environmental pathogens such as Streptococcus uberis, as well as improving the quality and shelf life of processed dairy products. No doubt, future research on such topics as improved vaccines, more effective antibiotics and germicides, better milking machines, and selection of cattle with enhanced resistance to mastitis will lead to even better control methods. The dairy industry can take great pride in progress made in the abatement of mastitis and improvement of milk quality. Somatic cell counts and bacteria counts have been reduced in herd milk, clinical mastitis has been diminished, the nutritional quality of milk has been enhanced, and milk losses due to mastitis have improved the economy of dairying worldwide.
As a farmer-owned cooperative, we believe that by working together, we can achieve more. That’s why we’re honored to join in celebrating the National Mastitis Council’s 50th Anniversary.
It is reasonable to conclude the work of the NMC on abating mastitis and improving milk quality has returned many billions of dollars to dairy farmers of the world. Moreover, the quality and safety of dairy products have been enhanced. The continuing prevalence of mastitis in some herds may be attributed to failure to properly implement proven mastitis control methods, improper milking procedures, inadequate housing, unsanitary environmental conditions, and breeding cattle for ever-increasing yields of milk.
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50 Years of Milk Quality
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