Evaluation of Bulk-Tank Culture for the Identification of Major Contagious Mastitis Pathogens on Dairy Farms

Authors

  • D. Kelton University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
  • D. Alves Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario, Canada
  • N. Smart University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
  • A. Godkin Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario, Canada
  • P. Darden University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro19995502

Keywords:

Bulk-tank milk, bacterial pathogens, culture results, cow-milk cultures

Abstract

From May 1997 to December 1998, 40 Ontario dairy veterinarians and 60 dairy producers participated in the Sentinel Herd project. Composite milk samples from all lactating cows were collected and cultured every 4 months. Bulk-tank milk samples were collected from each farm on the day of the fourth herd culture. The objective of this analysis was to describe the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in the bulk-tank samples, the variability of culture results among the repeated samples, and the association of the bulk-tank culture results with the results of the corresponding cow-milk cultures.

Cover image of the 33rd Conference Proceedings: Herd of Holstein cattle grazing in a field. Large barn and silos in background. Yellow background.

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Published

1999-09-23

Issue

1999

Section

Research Summaries 1