Heat stress in combination with Udder health
Food, warmth and moisture are necessary for bacteria to multiply.
Research shows that leukocytes (white blood cells) in the body are less active when an animal experiences (heat) stress. The natural defenses are compromised and bacteria are lurking. If a cow is already subclinically infected, the cell count increases even more drastically when she experiences (heat) stress. An indirect consequence of reduced feed intake is a reduced resistance, but bacteria grow extra quickly in a barn with high temperatures. Environmental bacteria multiply rapidly, increasing the infection pressure in the stalls and in the calving shed. A mastitis outbreak therefore often takes place with low resistance and high bacterial pressure (Melkveebedrijf, 2017).
In the summer months, the coliform germ is a major annoyance, why is this bacterium more common in the warm months? Cow loungers are the perfect place for bacteria to multiply (Hipra, 2019). Costs associated with coliform bacterial infection are loss of milk (possibly even 15 minutes), antibiotic costs (read veterinary treatment (udder infusion)) and removal of infected animals and the associated replacement costs (H. Van Loo, 2007).
After calving in the warm (summer) months, many farmers notice that the freshly calved cows have an increased somatic cell count. The number of animals that have recovered from a chronic udder infection in the dry period also decreases (Veehouder Veearts, 2016). During or immediately after a warm period, many vets often see severe udder infections such as E. Coli or Klebsiella (these are environmental bacteria). In the worst case, this can even cause death in the infected animals.
Topro Udder Bolus
The Topro Udder bolus contains natural plant extracts based on garlic (molecules isolated from garlic extracts). The bolus is intended to support udder health and general health and has a release time of approximately 21 days.
