The World's source for Bovine Genetics
SELECTIONS - Spring/Summer 2001
Mastitis Questions & Answers


By Heather J. Bessoff White, D.V.M.

You can’t eliminate mastitis but you can decrease the number of new cases on your dairy if you know how to control it. Dr. Heather Bessoff has 10 years of experience in the field of mastitis control, and is owner and principal veterinarian of Dairy Management Solutions, which provides on-farm milk quality support to dairy producers. She is available to assist you. Call her at (860) 693-0535 or e-mail: hbessoff@attglobal.net.

Question:
My staff usually does a good job mixing UDDERgold® PLUS, but sometimes the ratio of Activator and Base is off a little. Is this a problem and is there an easy way to be sure they are mixed evenly?

Answer:
Getting a little off on mixing probably won’t cause a problem, but it is best to use equal amounts of Activator and Base. One very easy method for mixing larger quantities is to use two one-quart mixing bottles and one gallon mixing bottle. Completely fill one quart bottle with Activator and the other with Base, then pour them into a gallon mixing bottle and shake thoroughly. Milkers can then refill their dip cups right in the parlor from the gallon jug. For mixing smaller quantities, mark the outside of the dip cup half way up the side. Instruct milkers to fill to the line with Base and then fill the rest of the way with Activator. They should be instructed to shake the cup thoroughly before using.

Question:
I notice, now that the weather is warming up, that UDDERgold PLUS is a lighter color yellow at the end of milking than when I first mix it. Is it still effective?

Answer:
During warmer times of the year, the bright yellow color might fade. Color has no effect on the germicide or UDDERgold PLUS barrier. The products are still effective for at least 12 hours after mixing. To help maintain color for better marking of teats, mix only enough dip to last for part of the milking, and mix fresh product when needed. Or, place the dipper in cool water. Don’t add more Activator or yellow coloring - you could change the effectiveness of the dips. You should also store the containers in a cooler area, rather than next to the milk pump or window.

Question:
I store the containers of UDDERgold PLUS and 4XLA® in the milk house where they are in sunlight all day. What happens to the Alcide products when they sit in direct sunlight for long periods of time?

Answer:
Intense heat or exposure to extreme sunlight can trigger the chlorite found in the Base of Alcide products to begin to degrade. In addition, heat and sunlight can cause condensation in a closed container. In the extreme, this may cause the materials in the products to become stratified, with the heavier materials settling on the bottom and water floating to the top. When pumps are used to fill dip cups, concentrated materials may be drawn off first and, when applied to teats, may potentially cause irritation. While these situations may only occur under extreme conditions, it is best to avoid storing Alcide products in intense heat and sunlight. Product that has been exposed to these conditions should be thoroughly agitated, and may be tested if there are any concerns about the product.

UDDERgold Contest Winners


In late January, United Marketing Service and Alcide Corporation recognized the Select Sires representatives who were Gold Club contest winners as a result of their sales efforts. Those recognized during the two-day training meeting included: (Front, L-R) Dave Ripp, Prairie State, Scott Courtney, Prairie State, Darryl Freisen, All West (Canada), Rob Speight, Southeast, Rentao Santuari, Italy, Dennis Kuehe, Minnesota, David Hahn, East Central; (Back, L-R) Harry DeWolf, Cache Valley, Brent Beeker, NorthStar, Marvin Correia, All West, Phil Carter, KABA and Tom Atkins, Select Sire Power.

UDDERgold® PLUS and 4XLA® are registered trademarks of Alcide Corp., Redmond, Wash., and are distributed by Select Sires. The manufacturer makes all claims, representations and warranties, expressed or implied.

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Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751