This course provides an in-depth look at mastitis in dairy cows, focusing on the immune response, diagnostic tools, and economic considerations. Learners will explore the cellular and microbial basis of intramammary infections, practical tools for on-farm diagnosis, and the financial impact of mastitis on dairy operations. Through a systems-thinking approach, students will gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about mastitis prevention and treatment strategies.
Dairy Economics: Maximizing Profits through Milk Quality
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Describe the immune mechanisms involved in intramammary infections.
Analyze the economic impact of mastitis and evaluate treatment decisions using decision trees and cost models.
Apply diagnostic tools such as somatic cell counts and on-farm culturing.
Identify common mastitis-causing pathogens and their characteristics.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Recently updated!
August 2025
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 4 modules in this course
In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, take a closer look at the immune system’s role in defending the mammary gland. You'll explore both general and specific immune responses and identify common mastitis-causing pathogens like coliforms, staphylococci, and streptococci. This module equips you with the knowledge to understand and address intramammary infections.
What's included
10 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will learn how to diagnose and manage mastitis using practical tools and data. You'll explore cow-side tests like somatic cell counts and the California Mastitis Test, as well as on-farm culturing techniques. You'll also interpret DRMS reports to support decision-making. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply diagnostic strategies effectively.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 assignment
Understand the financial impact of mastitis at the individual case level. You'll explore both visible and hidden costs, and learn how decision trees can guide treatment choices. This module helps you evaluate the economic trade-offs involved in managing mastitis cases.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 assignment
Zoom out to the herd level to assess the broader economic implications of mastitis. You'll learn about the costs of culling, the concept of the loss expenditure frontier, and how to determine the economic optimum for mastitis control. This final module ties together biology, diagnostics, and economics for a comprehensive view of mastitis management. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!
What's included
9 videos4 readings2 assignments
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Instructor
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Status: PreviewThe Pennsylvania State University
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Frequently asked questions
Yes! Although completion of the Coursera course alone is not credit-bearing, it is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this course can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree.
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