Association of Cow and Quarter Level Factors at Dry Off and New Intramammary Infections in the Dry Period

Abstract

<p>Data from 300 cows and 1,178 quarters were analyzed to determine factors associated with new dry period intramammary infections (IMI). Teat-ends that were cracked and teats that did not close during the dry period were 1.7 and 1.8 times more likely to develop new IMI, respectively. The level of milk production on the last day of lactation significantly influenced new IMI and teat canal closure. More (P<0.05) cows (36%) producing 21 kg of milk developed new IMI than cows (18%) producing less. When milk production was 21 kg or higher, teat canals were 1.8 times more likely to remain open. These data provide new insight into mastitis risk factors and new management areas for cows prior to dry off.</p>