In this video, you will learn how dairy products get from the farm to your fridge. Then you will learn how to make a delicious chocolate chia pudding.

The control of environmental mastitis pathogens, such as Klebsiella spp., is a daunting task. Klebsiella is an environmental organism commonly found in manure and organic bedding. Due to the nature of these bacteria, emphasis needs to be placed on prevention of infections, rather than on treatment.

The control of environmental mastitis pathogens, such as E. coli., is a daunting task. E. coli is an environmental organism commonly found in manure and organic bedding. E. coli mastitis is typically associated with a quick onset and often severe clinical signs. Due to the nature of these bacteria, emphasis needs to be placed on prevention of infections, rather than on treatment.

Serratia spp. are Gram-negative environmental mastitis pathogens that are commonly found in soil and plant matter, including feed. Additionally, teat disinfectants can become contaminated with these organisms on-farm. Serratia spp. are commonly resistant to chlorhexidine gluconate disinfectants, so herds experiencing problems with Serratia mastitis should choose an alternative active ingredient. Due to limited cure rates, emphasis needs to be placed on prevention of these infections rather than on treatment.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a contagious mastitis pathogen that is extremely difficult to control by treatment alone. The spread of S. aureus can occur through milkers' hands, washcloths, teat cup liners, and flies. Successful control is gained only through prevention of new infections and culling of infected animals.

Low stress cattle handling techniques are methods of working cattle using the cattle’s natural instincts to move them. Cattle have evolved with the natural instinct or tendency to move away from pressure. A skilled handler can use an animal’s flight zone, point of balance, and cattle’s natural way of learning; pressure and release, to move cattle without increasing the animal’s level of distress during the working process.

Dairy farmers are usually subject to net income fluctuations due to volatility in both milk and feed prices. Risk management tools, such as hedging milk prices in the futures market, may be used to protect dairy farmers against milk price volatility. Alternatively, dairy farmers selling milk in Virginia can buy Virginia milk commission base (MCB) to obtain higher milk prices and, therefore, sustain or increase net cash flows.

This video intends to help stakeholders improve their silo face management practices, prevent spoilage and waste! Learn to properly face bunker silos.

Typically, feed costs are directly related to milk production, so the more you feed, the more you produce. However, milk production is not necessarily related to profitability. Production-oriented management, which focuses on maximizing outputs (i.e., milk yield) through increased utilization of inputs (i.e., feed), does not necessarily ensure the dairy business will be profitable.

Streptococcus dysgalactiae has the unique characteristic of being considered both a contagious and environmental pathogen. These organisms can spread from cow to cow at milking time, and are also commonly found in the cow’s environment. A successful control program includes prompt treatment of cases, the use of proper milking procedures and dry cow therapy.

The incidence of Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis in the United States has been significantly reduced in recent decades. However, some farms continue to struggle with the control of this contagious pathogen. A successful control program includes prompt treatment of cases, the use of proper milking procedures and dry cow therapy.

Mastitis cases caused by yeast and mold are typically sporadic and are usually not a significant issue in a herd. Yeast form white or cream-colored colonies that can easily be confused with coagulase-negative staphylococci. Gram staining will differentiate yeast from CNS; yeast are two to three times larger than CNS and typically exhibit budding. Mold colonies can have a fluffy texture and exhibit several different colors.

Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) and Staphylococcus hyicus are mastitis-causing pathogens that originate from skin flora. CNS infections are usually mild and subclinical, and result in a two- to three-fold increase in somatic cell count. Proper milking procedures including the use of efficacious post-milking teat disinfectants and milking clean, dry teats will help to reduce the number of new infections.

Corynebacterium bovis is a contagious mastitis-causing pathogen. It is mildly pathogenic, and will usually cause only a mild increase in SCC and a slight reduction in milk production. Efficacious post-milking disinfectants will dramatically reduce the infection rate from C. bovis, and dry cow therapy is very effective in eliminating C. bovis.

Enterobacter spp. are environmental mastitis-causing pathogens. The spread of Enterobacter spp. occur primarily through environmental contact, particularly when teats come in contact with manure or contaminated bedding. The primary way to prevent infection by Enterobacter spp. is by keeping cows clean and dry to decrease exposure, as well as proper teat sanitation prior to milking.

Mycoplasma spp. are a contagious mastitis-causing pathogen. Infected cows typically have mastitis in multiple quarters and exhibit a dramatic decrease in milk production. A Mycoplasma spp. mastitis outbreak can be preceded by a respiratory disease event in bovines of different ages on the farm.

Pasteurella spp. are contagious pathogens that are seldom reported as a cause of bovine mastitis. Mastitis caused by Pasteurella spp. usually appears as a thick, creamy-yellow, viscous secretion, sometimes with a foul odor. The spread of Pasteurella spp. is not fully understood, but most likely is cow to cow. Preventing teat injuries and removing infected cows are the main ways to prevent and control this pathogen. Pasteurella spp. do not respond well to antibiotic therapy and can result in death; thus, prevention is key.

Proteus spp. are uncommon environmental mastitis pathogens that have been known to cause outbreaks. Little is known about how Proteus spp. infect the mammary gland, however procedures effective in controlling coliform mastitis pathogens should apply to Proteus spp. as well. Proteus spp. typically cause chronic infections that do not respond well to antibiotic therapy.

Prototheca spp. are mastitis-causing pathogens that are classified as achlorophyllic algae. Mastitis infections from Prototheca spp. can occur at any time but will most likely occur when cows have access to wet areas such as stagnant ponds. Because Prototheca spp. are contagious, once a cow becomes infected, other cows are at risk during milking. Prototheca spp. can cause chronic infections that do not respond to current antimicrobial therapies.

Pseudomonas spp. are environmental mastitis-causing pathogens. Pseudomonas spp. has been isolated from milking parlor drop hoses, and is known to cause mastitis through the use of water during milking. Prevention and control of Pseudomonas spp. is based on reducing the exposure of cattle to infected water sources. Pseudomonas spp. does not respond well to antibiotic therapy, thus prevention is key.

Authored by Turner Swartz, former Ph.D. student, Dairy Science, Virginia Tech, and Christina S. Petersson-Wolfe, Associate Professor & Extension Dairy Scientist, School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech. First published April 2016, last reviewed January 2026.

Mastitis cases caused by yeast and mold are typically sporadic and are usually not a significant issue in a herd. Yeast form white or cream-colored colonies that can easily be confused with coagulase-negative staphylococci. Gram staining will differentiate yeast from CNS; yeast are two to three times larger than CNS and typically exhibit budding. Mold colonies can have a fluffy texture and exhibit several different colors.

Environmental Streptococci and Enterococcus spp. are environmental organisms commonly found in organic matter, including bedding. Enterococci are also commonly found in silage inoculants and are associated with plant matter, such as dairy feed. Due to the nature of these bacteria, emphasis needs to be placed on prevention of these infections, rather than focused on treatment.

Streptococcus uberis is an environmental organism commonly found in manure and other organic matter, including bedding. Poor udder cleanliness, inadequate stall management, and damaged teat ends also appear to increase the risk of spreading S. uberis to uninfected cows. These infections are often difficult to cure, and emphasis needs to be placed on prevention rather than treatment.

In this issue: Spring is here! Don't release the cows too soon!; Serotonin aids in the prevention of postpartum hypocalcemia in dairy cows; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Beyond Boundaries and Inclusion and Diversity at Its Best; Beating the Heat with a Slick Hair Coat; Upcoming Activities

In this issue: Too Busy to Plan: Estate Planning and My Spice Cabinet; Transcriptome analysis of the bovine mammary gland under heat stress conditions; Upcoming Activities

In this issue: Technological advances in bacterial identification; Ruminal fiber passage rate: A double-edged sword for cattle methane emissions? SDBII note; Upcoming Events

In this issue: The most important nutrient!; The role of adipose tissue in metabolic adaptation during the transition period of dairy cows; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Transition Cow Health Affects Pregnancy Loss; Refining Nutrient Efficiency in Dairy Farming through Precision Feeding Practices; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Beef-on-Dairy Calf Production in Virginia; Cash-basis Schedule F Income Statement—Friend or Foe?; Upcoming Events.

In this issue: Impact of Dairy Farms on the Environment: Feeding Strategies to Reduce Nitrogen Excretion; News from the Forage Quality and Management Program; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Time for a Biosecurity Check on Your Farm; Enhancing Dairy Cow Welfare: Supporting Isolation Behaviors around Calving; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Every Second Counts; Does Milk Replacer Composition Impact Calf Gastrointestinal Health?; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Heat stress affects everyone!; Scours in dairy calves: a common but dangerous condition; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Colostrum Management and Storage for Healthy Calves; DHI and Herd Management Goals – HOLSTEINS – August 2024; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: New Educational Programs on Risk Management for Dairy Famers; The Dry Period: What to Consider; Upcoming Events

In this issue: Genomic Testing - 15 years in; Weaning calves successfully; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Differential Somatic Cell Count: A Potential Tool to Improve Mastitis Detection; Enhancing Herd Management with Protocols; Upcoming Events; Notes

In this issue: Chasing the Elusive Hydraulic Leak; Copper Supplementation Sources: Which One to Choose for Dairy Cattle?; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Replacement management: Are you doing it effectively?; Avian Influenza A (H5N1): The outbreak of Bird Flu in U.S. Dairy Cattle; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Optimizing Double-Ovsynch: Timing Is Everything; In Utero Heat Stress Limits Milk Yield for Generations; Upcoming Events; Notes

In this issue: The Importance of Controlling Contagious Mastitis Pathogens in Dairy Herds; Timing Matters: How Daily Cycles Impact Milk Production in Dairy Cows; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

Special Calf Issue: Is It Time for a Change; Milk vs. Milk Replacer: Which Is Better for Calves; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Year-End Moves for Dairy Farmers; Are Enough of Your Replacements Graduating? Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

"The purpose of ration formulation is to provide animals with the energy and nutrients they need to meet their physiological requirements. To accurately meet energy and nutrient needs, nutritionists must know the concentration of digestible energy and digestible nutrients from the ration. This information depends on understanding the digestibility of the ration consumed by the animal. This publication explains how digestibility can be estimated in live animals using markers. The goal is to help farmers and nutritionists interpret scientific publications in animal nutrition, which will assist them in making informed decisions for their nutritional management programs."

In this issue: Grant money available through the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative in 2026; Dairy Farm Lameness and Hoof Health Care; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Tick-Tock in the Barn: How internal clocks are associated with cow health during the transition period; Perfect Planting for Spring; Additional Notes

In this issue: Dhurrin-free sorghum: Science at the service of livestock production; Bovine Leukemia Virus in U.S. Dairy Herds: Disease Dynamics, Impacts, and Control Strategies; Upcoming Events; Additional Notes

In this issue: Hay Ash Content: Lessons from the Coalfields; From Crude Fat to Precision Feeding: The Role of High Oleic Soybeans in Dairy Nutrition; Upcoming Events

Virginia dairy farms can maintain milk production and improve their long-term sustainability by balancing their whole farm phosphorus imports and exports. The annual phosphorus mass balance is the difference in the quantity of phosphorus imported onto the farm (such as purchased feed, fertilizer, etc.), and exported from the farm (such as crops, milk sold, etc.) during a year.