Management Quote by Joanne Stepaniak
““The USDA’s “Dairy Management Practices” report indicates that approximately one in seven dairy cows in the United States suffers from clinical mastitis, a painful bacterial infection of the udders that is exacerbated by accelerated milk production. In advanced stages, mastitis can be fatal; it is the second leading cause of death in dairy cows who die prior to slaughter. Mastitis, termed a “production disease,” is one of the most frequent and costly afflictions in intensive dairy production. In fact, mastitis is, and has been, such a common and financially catastrophic ailment that the dairy industry established the National Mastitis Council in 1961 specifically to study and combat this disease.””
About This Quote
Source Report: USDA Dairy Management Practices, 2020
Mastitis is a common, painful disease in dairy cows caused by intensive production, leading to high mortality and economic loss.
In simple terms: Mastitis hurts cows and costs the dairy industry.
Improve animal welfare and reduce production pressure.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dairy farm management
- veterinary care
- policy development
- consumer awareness
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist to high‑yield dairy farming?
- How can farmers reduce mastitis without sacrificing profit?
Balancing productivity with animal wellbeing is challenging.