A national research network to promote mastitis control in Canada

Acquiring new knowledge and techniques by dairy farmers is critical to controlling mastitis. The Canadian Bovine Mastitis Research Network is a unique partnership that aims to advance mastitis control through integrated mastitis research and transfer. The Canadian dairy industry and 42 researchers in ten institutions organized the Network with a major objective of rapid and comprehensive transfer of its research results to producers. The Network funding model comprises foundational support from dairy producer organizations across Canada with substantially augmented governmental research funding. The Network programs research in consultation with industry to resolve gaps in knowledge and application and to optimize data collection, research resource sharing, and training of highly qualified personnel. The dairy industry participates in the Network (1) by providing leadership on the Board of Directors, (2) by contributing to scientific planning and evaluation, (3) by guiding the transfer of information to the industry, and (4) by collaborating in Network research projects. The industry's involvement in the Network program stimulates a sense of ownership and identity with the program, and an awareness and expectation of applicable research results. Governmental funding gives added-value to the industry's investment. The Network permits research on a national level and will produce results that reflect the mastitis situation across the full breadth of Canadian dairy production environments. This will enhance applicability and producer receptivity of the information and technology transferred by the Network..