Upholstered Freestalls as an Aid to Control of Coliform Mastitis

Abstract

Acute coliform mastitis is a notoriously difficult condition to treat successfully, hence prevention is the most effective tool for us to use. Recent studies have confirmed previous clinical impressions that a major source of the infectious organism, Klebsiella pneumoniae, is sawdust bedding. Various approaches have been advocated to avoid using sawdust for comfort stalls. These include rubber mats, straw, sand, cement, and various combinations of those. One of our clients has conceived of an alternative bedding system which for lack of a better term I call the upholstered freestall. it is apparent that the concept of upholstered freestalls is a workable solution to the coliform mastitis dilemma. Perhaps in the future even more durable material will be found which will give added longevity to the installations.