Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Strategies for Controlling Mastitis in Heifers During the Periparturient Period

Intramammary infections (IMIs) in unbred and pregnant dairy heifers were once thought to be very infrequent. However, during the last 2 decades, several studies have shown that IMIs in heifers occur frequently during the prepartum and peripartum periods. Many of these infections can persist for long periods of time, may be associated with elevated somatic cell counts (SCC), and may impair mammary development and affect milk production after calving. The purpose of this communication is to review literature published on the prevalence of mastitis in heifers, potential risk factors associated with heifer mastitis, and to describe results of different approaches that have been taken to control mastitis in heifers.