Mastitis is the most common and costly disease in dairy cattle, causing significant pain and suffering. Prevention through hygiene, housing and milking management is essential for cow welfare.
Mastitis is one of the most significant welfare problems in dairy farming. Cows with clinical mastitis show clear pain behaviors and reduced willingness to be milked. Prompt identification, treatment and prevention protocols are welfare-critical. Moving to less intensive systems with lower stocking densities and longer dry periods significantly reduces incidence.