What practice is primarily used to prevent mastitis in dairy cattle?

• A. Feedlots
• B. Clean and sanitize teats
• C. Isolate sick animals
• D. Use of antibiotics

Answer: (B)

Preventing mastitis in dairy cattle primarily involves the practice of cleaning and sanitizing teats. Mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland, typically caused by bacteria entering through the teat canal. By ensuring that the teats are clean and sanitized, the risk of bacterial contamination is significantly reduced. This practice is critical not only before and after milking but also during any procedures that involve the udder.

The effectiveness of this practice lies in the prevention of pathogens from entering the udder, thereby maintaining udder health and milk quality. In contrast, feedlots, while important for feeding management, do not directly address the causes of mastitis. Isolating sick animals can help control the spread of infections but does not directly prevent mastitis from occurring in healthy cows. The use of antibiotics is a treatment method rather than a preventative measure; it may be used to treat existing infections but does not prevent them from developing in the first place. Thus, sanitizing teats stands out as the most proactive approach to preventing mastitis in dairy cattle.