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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #127077
Title: DAIRY GOATS AND MASTITIS

Author
item TOMITA, GRANT - LANGSTON U, OKLAHOMA
item HART, STEVE - LANGSTON U, OKLAHOMA
item PAAPE, MAX

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There are six basic elements of an effective mastitis control program. They include: 1) proper milking procedures and milking machine function, 2) teat dipping after milking, 3) providing the goats a clean, comfortable, and dry environment between milking, 4) use antibiotic therapy at dry off to eliminate existing infection, 5) cull chronically infected goats to prevent the spread of infection, and 6) keep accurate production and health records of individual goats. Mastitis is a very economically important disease to the dairy industry. There are established procedures and protocols for the prevention and control of mastitis, but those procedures and protocols can only be effective if an udder health monitoring program is in place. The monitoring program will be successful if the farmer diligently manages the herd and maintains accurate records of individual animals.