Stem cell research shows promise as natural mastitis treatment

In the early 1990ies, when I was a young veterinary student, an eminent professor from a distinguished veterinary school gave several undergraduate courses on herd health and production management at …

Mastitis is one the most common and costly diseases of dairy cattle, hence widely studied globally. It is the inflammation of one or more quarters of the mammary glands, mostly caused by various microorganisms. Based on whether gross changes in milk (such as watery, serous, or purulent milk, presence of clots, flakes, or blood), gross changes in the udder (such as painful or inflamed udder) and animal are seen or not, mastitis is categorized either into clinical or subclinical. With the introduction of Automatic Milking Systems (AMS), the sensors can measure milk parameters every time the cow goes for milking.

Tiny Acres Holsteins in Prince Edward Island, Canada was the proud recipient of not one, but two prestigious milk quality awards this year. Owner Wade Bryanton and his son Logan attribute their success to a strong nutrition program and genomics, as well as to the dedication and commitment of their employees and herd health management team. They work closely with their veterinarian and nutritionist, and are consistently in Canada’s top-five genetic Holstein herds. Wade Bryanton shares his management strategy and explains how they’ve reached and maintained such high standards of excellence.