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Mastitis
Mastitis in Cows - Symptoms & Remedies in New Zealand
Mastitis in cows is a significant factor affecting the dairy industry and cow welfare in New Zealand and around the world. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or an urban pet owner who's recently taken on the responsibility of caring for dairy cattle, understanding this disease can help you improve the quality of life of your herd.
Symptoms of Mastitis in Cows
Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder tissues in dairy cows, usually caused by bacteria that infect the cow's mammary gland. The bacteria, or pathogens, can infect cows both during the dry period and in lactation, making it a persistent issue for dairy farmers and a major reason for economic loss in the dairy industry.
The symptoms of mastitis in cows can range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors. These symptoms may include changes in the milk, such as clots, flecks, or alterations in colour or consistency. On the physical side, you might observe swelling, reddening, hardness, heat, and pain in the udder. In some cases, the affected cow might also display signs of general illness like fever, reduced milk yield, and reduced appetite.
How to Detect Mastitis in Cattle
Foremilking, or stripping milk from a cow and examining it prior to milking, is the best method for detecting early cases of mastitis. This technique allows for early identification of changes in the milk, which can be the first sign of mastitis. Visual examination of the udder also forms part of the detection process.
Mastitis in Cows Treatment: A Natural Approach
It's crucial to understand when cows get infected and the source of infections. This will allow you to focus on preventing new cases of mastitis in your herd.
If the disease does occur, it’s important to be quick with identification and treatment. At Natural Pet, we specialise in natural remedies designed to work with a cow's body, presenting a reduced risk of potential harm.
Shop our natural mastitis remedies for cows today.
Mastitis in Cattle FAQs
How can you tell if a cow has mastitis?
Identifying mastitis in cattle involves a combination of different detection methods. One effective way to detect mastitis in cows early is to examine the foremilk before milking. This process involves stripping milk from a cow and checking it for changes in colour, consistency, clots, or flecks.
A physical examination of the udder is another important detection method. The udder should be visually inspected for signs of mastitis, such as swelling, reddening, hardness, and heat. Keep in mind that these changes in the udder are only usually visible fairly late in the disease progression, so only relying on this method can lead to delayed identification and treatment, which can increase the risk of disease spread.
We recommend keeping an eye out for symptoms at all times so you can administer mastitis in cows treatment quickly if needed.
What kinds of mastitis in cows treatment do you offer?
There are a few remedies in our lineup at Natural Pet to choose from. For instance, Bryonia is useful when the cow"s quarter is hard, and there's little to no milk. Belladonna 200c is an ideal mastitis in cows treatment for fast-onset mastitis accompanied by fever and restlessness. MB Nosode is a preventative measure against mastitis, which is helpful if your cow's cell count is over 150k.
If you have any questions about which mastitis in cows treatment is right for you, please reach out to the team at Natural Pet.
What"s the difference between milk fever and mastitis in cows?
If you"re worried about your cow having mastitis or milk fever, it's key to know their signs. For mastitis, your cow might have abnormal milk-like clumps or changes in colour, along with swollen or painful udders. On the other hand, milk fever or hypocalcemia is a calcium deficiency issue that usually affects cows around calving time.
Milk fever comes in two forms: clinical and subclinical. In its clinical form, the cow won't be able to stand properly and will feel cold to the touch. On the other hand, a cow with subclinical milk fever can stand and function pretty normally but will be more susceptible to diseases, including mastitis. Signs can include lower appetite, poor health, and performance issues. Early symptoms can be as subtle as cold ears, shuffling feet, and wobbliness. A rapid heart rate and shivering can also be tell-tale signs.
Natural Pet makes both mastitis and milk fever remedies to suit your needs.
