Optimization of Clinical Mastitis Records on Dairies.

Deriving value from clinical mastitis records requires accurate and consistent records and tools for efficient summary and analysis. Variation in clinical mastitis case definition or detection intensity across dairies does not preclude consistent data recording. Dairy management software can improve consistency of clinical mastitis records by prompting users for quarter(s) affected, treatment, and severity. User-defined record systems must establish and follow protocols for clinical mastitis data recording. All records must have the same information in the same order and use the same abbreviations. Clinical mastitis episodes should be recorded at the quarter level. Cow-level recording compromises record consistency and accuracy of outcomes.