ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CNS-INFECTIONS AT CALVING AND FIRST LACTATION -MILK PRODUCTION AND SOMATIC CELL COUNTS IN DAIRY HEIFERS

摘要

Blanket prepartum antibiotic treatment of heifers has been proposed as an effective method in reducing the risk of intramammary infections (IMI) at parturition. Whether this is a necessary measure resulting in a more productive first lactation will depend on what pathogens are involved. Differences in pathogen virulence and capability of persisting into lactation are of key importance. It still remains to be determined whether CNS, causing the majority of IMI in peripartum heifers, actually have a negative impact on milk yield and udder health. This study explored the association between the presence of CNS-infection in fresh heifers and first tllactation milk production and somatic cell count (SCC).