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Scientific Program of the IDF Mastitis and Milking Technology Joint Conferences 2026
March 10
Optional short courses
Venue: Waterfront
Day Package Includes: Morning coffee break, lunch, afternoon coffee break and dinner.
09:30 – 10:00
Registration with morning coffee break
10:00
Course start
12:00
Lunch
14:30
Afternoon coffee break
16:00 – 16:30
Course conclusion
10.00 - 16.30 Optional short courses
Venue: Waterfront
Course participants will be awarded a certificate, if registered as a student and present an oral or poster at the conference. Participants of both courses will have the opportunity to participate in a study visit to Lövsta (SLU’s animal research facility) as a part of these courses. Aims of these courses are to equip dairy farmers, agricultural professionals, and researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective antimicrobial stewardship programs and sustainable milking technologies.
A
Room: 27
(Mastitis thematic area):
10:00-16:30
Precision udder health management with low use of antibiotics
Course Leaders: Josef Dahlberg (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden) & Dinah Selighson (Swedish Veterinary Agency, Sweden)
Course Overview: This short course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of antimicrobial stewardship in dairy farming, through Nordic examples and experiences. The course will cover the responsible use of antimicrobials to prevent resistance and ensure animal health.
10:00
Welcome
Speakers: Josef Dahlberg, SLU & Dinah Seligsohn, SVA
10:10-10:55
Dairy Farming in Nordic Countries and AMU
Herd size, production level, statistics on AMU, legislation on AM-prescription and sales
Speakers: Åsa Lundberg, Växa, Dinah Seligsohn, SVA
11:00-11:45
Bacteriological diagnostics, including the Finnish experience with qPCR
The importance of diagnosis before treatment, different methods for diagnosis
Speaker: Heidi Hiitiö, Pinehill Goblin Oy
11:50-12:05
Sponsor talk from Idexx
12:05-13:00
Lunch
13:00-13:45
Antimicrobial resistance
Situation in Finland and Sweden, changes over time, implemented actions
Speaker: Suvi Nykäsenoja, Finnish Food Authority
13:50-14:35
Dry cow therapy
Use of selective DCT in Nordic countries, including methods to dry off
Speaker: Päivi Rajala-Schultz, University of Helsinki
14:35-15:05
Fika
15:05-16:00
Antimicrobial policy
Why governmental authority’s /central organisations want a policy. Info on the newly updated Swedish policy. Case studies.
Speakers: Josef Dahlberg, SLU, Dinah Seligsohn, SVA, Åsa Lundberg, Växa
16:00-16:30
Closing session, summary of the day
Speakers: Josef Dahlberg, SLU, Dinah Seligsohn, SVA
B
Room: 24/25
(Milking Technology thematic area):
10:00-16:30
Progressive Milk Extraction
Course Leaders: Sabine Ferneborg (Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway) & Konstantinos Kakoulis (DeLaval International AB)
Senior teachers: Doug Reinemann (University of Wisconsin, USA), Rupert Bruckmaier (University of Bern, Switzerland), Ian Ohnstad (The Dairy Group, UK), John Upton,Teagasc, Ireland
Course Overview: This short course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of promoting animal well-being, efficient and sustainable practices in milking. Through a series of expert-led sessions attendees will gain valuable insights into possibilities with machine settings.
10:00-10:30
Welcome and introduction
Speakers: Sabine Ferneborg and Konstantinos Kakoulis
10:30-11:15
The contribution of physiology to successful milk harvest
Speaker: Rupert Bruckmaier
11:15-12:00
Current understanding of milking technology
Speaker: Doug Reinemann
12:00-13:00
Lunch
13:00-13:45
Milk flow profiles, cluster detachment and overmilking
Speaker: John Upton
13:45-14:30
Progressive Milking and milking time assessment
Speaker: Ian Ohnstad
14:30-15:00
Fika
15:00-16:15
Panel Q&A
16:15-16:30
Course conclusion and evaluation
Speaker: Sabine Ferneborg
19:00
Dinner in the restaurant at Waterfront. (If you have pre-booked)
