Simple steps to reduce mastitis in early lactation

30 Jun 2026

Getting cows off to the right start after calving can make a big difference to udder health for the rest of the season. According to Mike Robinson, FIL National Sales Manager, it often comes down to getting the basics right – and doing it consistently through calving.

“Those early milkings are when cows are most vulnerable. With a bit of planning before calving, and a consistent routine in the shed, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of infection and set cows up for a successful lactation,” says Mike.

Below are some simple but effective steps to follow:

Pre-calving:

1. Springers: Pre-spray springers with an iodine-based teat spray at 3400 ppm, with 12–15% emollient.

First milking:

1. Preparation: Wear clean milking gloves and disinfect hands between cows using a bucket of hot water mixed with FIL Antigerm Disinfectant.
2. Pre-spraying: Pre-spray freshly calved cows with an iodine-based teat spray (3400 ppm, 12–15% emollient). Iodine is preferred for its broad-spectrum activity and fast action. It also helps soften dirt on the teat, making it easier to remove.
3. Tail trimming: Trim tails while allowing time for the iodine to work. Keeping tails short helps reduce the spread of environmental pathogens onto the udder.
4. Teat wiping: Clean each teat with FIL Milker’s Wipes to remove dirt and reduce bacteria. Use a fresh wipe for each quarter and pay close attention to the teat barrel and teat end. This is a critical step that is often overlooked.
5. Fore-stripping: Strip 2–3 streams of milk from each teat and check for flakes or clots, which can indicate early mastitis.
6. Cup attachment and alignment: Attach the cups and ensure the unit hangs squarely under the udder to promote even milk-out and reduce liner slips.
7. Post-spraying: After milking, apply an iodine-based teat spray with 12–15% emollient and a minimum of 3450 ppm iodine to help protect the teat from infection.

Prior to transitioning cows to the supply vat:

1. Withholding: Withhold colostrum cows from the vat for 8 milkings - that’s 8 days for once-a-day (OAD) or 4 days for twice-a-day (TAD).
2. RMT: RMT cows before they are graduating to the bulk milk silo. If there’s a reaction, follow up with Farm Medix Fresh Cow Dry Cow tests to help identify the pathogen and guide treatment decisions.

If you’d like a hand with your milking procedures after calving or on-farm training with your farm team on these procedures, get in touch with your local FIL Area Manager here.