What is Mastitis in Cows?
Mastitis in cows is the inflammation of the udder, most commonly caused by bacterial infection entering through the teat canal. It is one of the most common and costly diseases in dairy herds, directly impacting milk quality, yield, and overall farm profitability.
When infection occurs, the cow’s immune system responds, leading to swelling, damage to udder tissue, and changes in milk composition. This can result in reduced milk output, higher somatic cell counts, and potential milk rejection.
Mastitis doesn’t just affect the individual cow — it has a knock-on effect across the herd, increasing labour, treatment costs, and culling risk if not properly managed.
Mastitis is generally classified into two main types:
- Sub-clinical mastitis – no visible signs, but reduced milk quality and elevated somatic cell counts. This is often the most damaging as it can go unnoticed.
- Clinical mastitis – visible symptoms such as clots in milk, swelling of the udder, heat, pain, or changes in the cow’s behaviour and performance.
Early detection, good hygiene, and strong immunity are key to controlling mastitis and protecting herd performance.
Symptoms of Mastitis in Cows
Subclinical:
- Reduced milk production
- A somatic cell count (SCC) of over 200,000 cells per ml
Clinical:
- Changes in milk quality
- Udder Swelling
- Sick, unsettled cows
Causes of Mastitis in Cows
- Mastitis in cows occurs when bacteria get into the cow’s udder which causes an infection.
- These bacteria can be introduced in many different ways such as poor milking procedures, milking machine faults, teat injuries, and direct exposure to bacteria in the environment.
Problems from Mastitis in Cows
- Mastitis in cows has a huge impact on milk production and can be fatal.
- Subclinical mastitic is difficult to detect and contain.
- Mastitis can be fatal.
Help Prevent Mastitis in Dairy Cows: Practical Steps to Improve Udder Health
Helping prevent mastitis in dairy cows is essential for improving milk quality, reducing treatment costs, and maintaining overall herd performance. The most effective approach combines strong management, hygiene, and consistent nutrition.
1. Reduce Stress and Improve Cow Flow
Good stockmanship is the foundation of mastitis control. Minimise stress and ensure smooth cow movement through the milking parlour. Calm cows experience less teat damage and are less susceptible to infection.
2. Maintain Clean Housing and Environment
Cleanliness is one of the biggest factors in mastitis prevention.
- Provide dry, comfortable beds at all times
- Keep udders clean before milking
- Scrape passageways, collecting yards, and high-traffic areas regularly
Reducing bacteria in the environment directly lowers infection pressure.
3. Protect Teat Condition and Milking Routine
Healthy teats are your first line of defence.
- Regularly teat score a percentage of the herd
- React quickly to any teat damage
- Check milking machine settings — vacuum levels, pulsation, and liner condition
- Keep milking time efficient — ideally under 1 hour
Good milking hygiene is critical. Where needed, use a pre-dip disinfectant to reduce bacterial load.
4. Focus on Calving and Transition Management
The transition period is a high-risk time for mastitis.
- Maintain excellent hygiene in calving pens
- Manage transition diseases such as milk fever, which can weaken immunity and teat muscle function
A strong start post-calving reduces problems later in lactation.
5. Monitor Herd Health and Identify Risks Early
Early detection and prevention are key:
- Use fore stripping to identify clinical cases quickly
- Regularly review mastitis records and patterns
- Watch for underlying issues like lameness or disease, which can impact immunity
Understanding when and where mastitis occurs helps target the problem.
6. Support Immunity Through Mineral Nutrition
Strong immunity is critical in reducing mastitis incidence.
Key minerals such as Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E play a direct role in supporting the cow’s immune response and udder health.
However, it’s not just about supply — it’s about consistent daily intake and absorption.
Precision mineral nutrition, delivered consistently through systems like water-based dosing, ensures every cow receives what she needs — every day — helping to:
- Improve immune function
- Reduce mastitis risk
- Support overall herd health
Buy Now
Immunity Boost
Used to boost recovery in sick or well animals. Helps increase immunity all year round.
Buy NowUse With
Request a Callback
If you’re interested in learning more about the TERRA NutriTECH Mineral Range and Dosing systems, enter your details and one of our team will call you back.
Contact