Consequences of Summer Mastitis on Dairy Farm Productivity

Abstract

Farming in an area where summer mastitis is endemic means a higher risk of loosing young stock.

The number of animals that will be affected by summer mastitis during one season can not be predicted, not even approximately. So the farmer tends to take measures every year to minimize losses at a level that reasonable losses can be overcome. Farming for optimal results depends on a number of factors such as: area, land situation, number of cows, amount of labour, milk-quotum, milk price, etc.

Adapting farming to the risk of summer mastitis means that from an economical point of view the optimal farming situation is not achieved. Compared to summer mastitis-free areas this means a lower income. This is so for years without summer mastitis. In years where animals are affected by summer mastitis, extra financial losses, such as reduced value of affected animals, are added to the already existing losses.

As costs, related to farming in summer mastitis-areas, are different for every farm situation, it is not possible to give an overall figure. More detailed calculations have to be made. On the other hand a farmer is willing to spend some money on prevention of summer mastitis to relieve his mind from a constant burden.