Old bra helps cow with calf to avoid mastitis By Steven McKenzie

BBC Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter Published duration 11 May 2018

image copyright Graham Burnett image caption The bra has been used to relieve pressure on the cows udder

An old bra has been put to use in an effort to help a cow to avoid its udders becoming inflamed by a condition called mastitis.

A farming couple in Easter Ross in the Highlands came up with the idea.

The cow's calf was feeding from the front quarter of its udders, but not the back quarter which was filling with milk and becoming sore.

The bra can be used to cover either quarter to relieve the pressure on them.

A friend of the couple, fellow farmer Donald Ross, has been sharing an image of the set-up.

He said: "I like to share new ideas among the farming community.

"There is also a light side to it too. In Scotland, we've just come through a hard winter but we've retained our sense of humour through that."

Mr Ross added: "Using the bra is a technique that has been done in the interests of the cow's welfare. The fabric is soft and has been fitted using an elasticised band.

"The udders could be milked by hand, of course, to relieve the pressure. But there is the risk of this causing the cow further discomfort, and it kicking out and injuring the person milking it."