To ensure your cows are producing milk at their optimum rate, they need to be both happy and healthy. Cows whose udders are left exposed to harmful bacteria risk infection which is likely to cause pain and discomfort and possibly long-term udder health issues which will bring their production to a halt, harming your profit.
To prevent the risk of disease and consequential antibiotic resistance, the best option is to use an udder care solution, one which can act as a barrier against bacterial invasion, or one that can massively reduce bacterial numbers on your herd’s teats.
As we move into the Spring season, cows are often left to graze in the fields which means they are susceptible to new sources of bacteria which weren’t previously present when housed in cubicles.
Spring can also mean wet and muddy conditions, especially in regions that see a lot of rainfall. Throughout this season, your cows will be more likely to come into contact with mud and manure which can harbour some of those harmful bacteria.
Genus ABS experts on udder health
Nancy Thorne, GB Valiant Manager at Genus ABS, comments: “The grazing period can pose a big risk to cows in terms of udder health, as the level of environmental control we have decreases. When cows are housed indoors, regular scraping of passageways, fresh bedding and cubicle maintenance prevents the build-up of mastitis causing pathogens.
“When outside, these pathogens have far more opportunity to grow, especially under your cow’s favourite tree or shady spot. A good grazing rotation paired with an effective pre and post milking teat disinfectant can help to combat these seasonal pressures.”
By using an udder care solution, such as Valiant, you can effectively protect your cows from disease whilst enhancing the quality of your milk, due to the reduction in bacterial count.
Valiant is the udder care range provided by market-leading genetics company, Genus ABS. By using this solution, you can be confident that your herd is receiving the best level of protection, both in the parlour and between milkings.
Available in both pre-milking and post-milking variations, Valiant uses a powerful combination of chlorine dioxide and lactic acid rather than the active ingredients used by many alternative products. The Valiant formulations are extremely resistant to the negative influence of organic matter and reduce the number of threatening bacteria to negligible levels.
What are farmers saying about Valiant and udder health?
Nigel Parris, Devon
Nigel Parris operates a 150-cow all-year-round calving herd in the South of England. Understanding the importance of using effective udder care solutions, Nigel has been using Valiant Foam Ultra (pre-milking solution) and Valiant Everyday (post-spray product) for more than two years.
“I really like the products, especially because they are so easy to use! The foam is very effective at cleaning the cow’s teats and I have also seen an improvement in teat condition since using it.
“Since using Valiant, my mastitis rates have dropped significantly and remain consistently low. I would recommend Valiant to anyone.”
Specialists from Genus ABS have been advising Nigel on the best practices for preventing udder-related issues, advice that has further contributed to the decline in disease cases across his herd.
Ms Thorne added: “Nigel is one of many customers that utilise our Valiant contract service. Customers signed up to a Valiant contract pay a fixed monthly direct debit payment for their annual allowance of teat dip product.
“The Valiant then arrives on farm with pre-scheduled deliveries across the year. Our fixed direct debit solution helps with cash flow and the pre-scheduled deliveries take the worry out of remembering to order your teat dip in time. For Nigel, annual udder health reviews with our team of experts were a great way for him to track the progress of his herd’s health.”
Join Nigel’s success today by using Valiant on your herd. Click here to learn more and get in touch with one of our experts today.
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