Why is it important to take care of mastitis?
Mastitis in dairy cows can have significant economic consequences for farmers in Ireland. Some of the economic losses associated with mastitis in dairy cows include:
- Reduced milk production: Mastitis can cause a decrease in milk yield, as well as changes in milk composition and quality. Poor milk quality due to mastitis can lead to lower milk prices, as milk buyers may reject milk with high somatic cell counts.
- Increased veterinary costs: Treating mastitis often involves the use of antibiotics and veterinary services, which can impact the profitability of the farm.
- Culling of infected cows: Mastitis can lead to the culling of cows, which not only reduces the herd size but also leads to the loss of genetic potential and the need to replace the culled cow.
- Decreased fertility: Mastitis can impact cow fertility, leading to increased insemination costs and a longer calving interval.
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