There are several things that one can do to reduce the probability of mastitis in cattle. Some of these include to control horn flies, correct trace mineral deficiencies (especially copper and selenium), and vaccinate with a Staphylococcus aureous bacterin. If vaccinating, give a primer dose of vaccine to replacement heifers at six months of age followed by a booster in two weeks, then a booster every six months.
Beef producers can select for udder and teat conformation, as these traits are heritable (0.2 to 0.3 udder attachment and 0.5 for teat size). The reason for saying this is that teat and udder problems can lead to problems for the calf to properly nurse out the dam.
