The effect of conventional milking practices on milk quality and the prevalence of mastitis on an Irish dairy farm setting

Abstract

Abstract : In this thesis the effect of conventional milking practices on milk quality and the prevalence of mastitis in Irish dairy farms will be studied. The thesis will start with an introduction to the topic focusing mainly on the relevance of the study. A literature review containing results and views on previous research in relation to factors affecting somatic cell count, mastitis, reproduction and mastitis, and milking routines, will follow the introduction. The materials and methods section will proceed this chapter containing details on the physical factors of the farms studied and details on the sampling procedure used to conduct the study. Next, the results will be presented which were obtained during the study in a suitable format. The findings will then be discussed and compared to previous research in relation to milk quality and somatic cell count, the use of teat disinfectant, dry cow and heifer management, and milking parlour hygiene.