Metritis

I got an interesting email talking about dairy cattle. As the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Is it possible there are “weak links” in your fresh cow treatment protocols that could set your dairy up for vulnerabilities, either for antibiotic residues or lack of efficacy?

 

You can decrease your risk of residues and cost of treatment by improving your fresh cow program in three key areas: identifying and treating sick cows, implementing treatment protocols, and drug use, storage and handling.

 

Here are some questions to help identify and strengthen potential weak links in your fresh cow treatment program. Veterinarian Dr. Steven LeBlanc: “Producers should be aware that metritis is a common disease and an important disease to the cows that are affected. It makes the whole cow sick. If we ask why some cows get it and others don’t, there are some risk factors that are fairly obvious, difficult calving and retained placenta being two of the big ones. So, if you have a sick cow after birthing, keep in mind metritis and get in touch with your veterinarian.