Is SDCT right for my Farm?
Many, but not all, farms are at the right stage with their mastitis management practices to adopt this approach. Since it’s a matter of herd health, it is essential to consult your veterinarian before making any changes. Once you make plans to implement SDCT, it is necessary to understand that cows must be enrolled in the program systematically using specific criteria.
A SDCT program WILL NOT be successful if cows in your herd are enrolled subjectively or randomly. Success requires a systematic and objective approach. For example, cows enrolled subjectively would be where the farmer uses his/her own judgement that “this cow looks high risk for mastitis” without the data behind it. A farmer who enrolls cows enrolled systematically will look at their cow’s SCC or history of having had mastitis previously.
Adaptable for Small & Large Farms
Adaptable for small and large scale farms alike, farms that are good candidates for SDCT meet the following criteria:
-
Ability to implement new management strategies;
-
Bulk Tank SCC continually less than 250,000 cells/ml;
-
No Strep ag in the herd;
-
Routine monitoring for Staph aureus and maintaining a low level of <2% in the herd;
-
Regular DHIA testing;
-
Routine detection and recording of clinical mastitis (easiest if in DC305);
-
Use of systematic dry-off lists (easiest if in DC305);
-
Monitoring of subclinical and clinical mastitis and/or bulk tank culture surveillance; and
-
Routine use of internal or external teat sealants at dry-off that are administered by diligent and trained staff with good hygiene and excellent technique.