What is an effective method for reducing the risk of mastitis in dairy cattle?

Improved sanitation practices are critical in reducing the risk of mastitis in dairy cattle. Mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland, is often caused by bacteria that can enter the udder through contaminated equipment or unhygienic practices during milking. By maintaining a clean milking environment and ensuring that equipment is sanitized properly, the likelihood of bacterial infections can be significantly minimized. This includes regular cleaning of milking machines, maintaining clean bedding, and ensuring clean and dry conditions for the cows.

Effective sanitation also involves proper handling of the cattle before and after milking, including washing teats with an appropriate sanitizing solution to reduce bacterial load. This comprehensive approach to sanitation helps create an environment less conducive to the pathogens that cause mastitis, thereby promoting better udder health and overall milk quality.

Other options, such as increasing feed intake or minimizing milking frequency, do not directly target the prevention of mastitis, and while lowering water availability can negatively impact cow health and milk production, it does not contribute to the prevention of infections like mastitis.