Evaluation of udder health parameters of organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota

Authors

  • L. J. Michels Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • S. M. Godden Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • B. J. Heins Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • J. E. Lombard USDA:APHIS:VS:CEAH, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  • U. S. Sorge Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20133836

Keywords:

National Organic Program, dairy cattle, antimicrobials, dry cow, clinical mastitis, bulk-tank somatic cell, bacteria counts, udder health

Abstract

The National Organic Program emphasizes the importance of disease prevention and does not allow organic dairy herds to use antimicrobials for dry cow therapy or for treatment of clinical mastitis. At present, little is known about the impact of these regulations on udder health or management practices on organic dairies in Minnesota. The objectives of this pilot study were to describe bulk-tank somatic cell and bacteria counts, udder health variables, and milking and udder health management practices of organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota, and to compare udder health variables and management practices between organic and conventional herds.

Cover image of the 46th Conference Proceedings: An image of cattle standing in a field during th day. They are looking rather indignantly at the camera. Yellow background.

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Published

2013-09-19

Issue

2013

Section

Research Summaries 3

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