Mastitis prevention is transforming farming

29 Apr 2024

Supporting both global trends and local needs, the team at GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand, alongside their animal health and dairy hygiene subsidiary FIL, are pioneering a transformation in bovine mastitis prevention through a partnership with Farm Medix. This is a significant shift from using antibiotics in dairy farming.

These Kiwi pioneers are at the forefront of addressing the challenges in our dairy industry with their innovative solutions.

“Together, we are leading the way in technological advancements, providing leading solutions to combat mastitis in dairy farming,” says Craig Lowry, Head of Sales & Service from GEA Farm Technologies New Zealand.

“Our commitment to continuous research and development ensures that our technologies are effective and developed to meet the specific requirements of New Zealand dairy farmers.”

Through collaboration, GEA and FIL provide tailored solutions to address mastitis prevention challenges, while Farm Medix offer mastitis management and diagnostic solutions. Their combined focus on preventing bovine mastitis by encouraging better prevention practices and providing farm-specific solutions is reducing the need for antibiotics – while improving farm profitability and carbon emissions.

“Kiwi innovations are proactively transforming mastitis prevention supporting farmers and our dairy industry objectives of lowering our environmental impact,” says Natasha Maguire, Chief Scientific Officer from Farm Medix.

“From comprehensive farm assessment to whole herd cow-level mastitis testing, Farm Medix empowers farmers to troubleshoot mastitis effectively. We offer dairy farmers evidence-based solutions that leverage the gold standard of microbiology to detect pathogens, address underlying root causes, reducing both bulk tank somatic cell count and cases of mastitis. Our holistic approach includes innovative surveillance tools to keep herd health under control,” says Natasha.

“Our collaboration with Farm Medix has increased our focus on mastitis prevention to new levels,” says Craig.

“We’re working with dairy farmers, applying the knowledge and resources they need to effectively prevent mastitis and champion sustainable farming practices.”

The comprehensive solutions encompass state-of-the-art automatic teat spraying technology, scientifically formulated udder health products, and forensic mastitis testing. These tools play a pivotal role in supporting cow welfare, elevating milk quality, improving efficiencies, and ultimately increasing farm profitability.

The tangible benefits of this Kiwi collaboration are evident in real-world scenarios. Farmers nationwide are experiencing remarkable improvements in mastitis management and farm profitability:

• Tim Rivers, a farmer from Central Otago, witnessed a significant reduction in mastitis cases after working with FIL on mastitis prevention after calving, resulting in savings of around $49,000.

• Sarah Smart from Oamaru achieved her farm’s lowest ever somatic cell count averaging 100,000 SCC and resolved a seven-year mastitis problem with forensic mastitis testing.

• Andrew Pritchard, a farmer from Taranaki, reduced his farm’s SCC from 150,000 to 90,000, and enhanced milking efficiency with GEA’s automated mixing and in-bail teat spraying.

• Bryan Holmes from Matamata lowered his farm’s SCC from 250,000 to 150,000 with forensic mastitis testing and improved teat spray protocols.

• Dean Malcolm, a contract milker from Canterbury, saved approximately $10,000 in six months by implementing GEA’s in-bail teat spraying, resulting in lower somatic cell counts and fewer clinical mastitis cases.

GEA, FIL, and Farm Medix strongly advocate for proactive mastitis prevention strategies. By focusing on minimising bacterial exposure, maintaining teat health, and optimising milking processes, they are improving milk quality and herd productivity. With the outcomes including reductions in antibiotic usage, somatic cell count and physical labour.

Through ongoing support and education, GEA, FIL, and Farm Medix are supporting dairy farmers to implement effective mastitis prevention protocols. With access to training, resources, and tailored guidance, farmers gain invaluable insights and tools to enhance their farm’s performance and ensure the long-term health of their herds.

In the drive to create sustainable dairy farming practices, GEA, FIL, and Farm Medix are pioneering evidence-based solutions and providing support to dairy farmers, not only in New Zealand but also worldwide.