Simple steps to reduce mastitis this calving

17 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 at those first milkings – 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.