Intramammary Infusion Procedures

Veterinary Medicine Extension

University of California, Davis

Intramammary infusions are an important part of mastitis treatment and control. Proper aseptic infusion procedures are necessary to maximize treatment effectiveness and prevent contamination of the quarter being infused.

Prior to infusion, you should take a milk sample for culture. It can be frozen for later use if the mastitis does not respond to treatment.

The following slides show what is generally accepted as proper infusion technique.

Suggested equipment:

Scrub teat ends until the pad or cotton comes off white and not brown from dirt or manure.

Use partial insertion tip when present.

Use partial insertion tip whenever possible.

It is not necessary to massage the antibiotic up into the gland.

Using more than on type of ID marking will insure that the cow is not milked into the tank.

Review the treatment records every so often to determine which antibiotics appear to be working successfully.

Consult your veterinarian for advice on treatment and withholding times for milk and meat in order to prevent residues.

Pictures adapted from:

Warren J. Gilson, Extension Dairy Scientist

James D. Strawer, Extension Editor

University of Georgia

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Sponsored by:Pharmacia & Upjohn