In around 30 dairy farms, the associations between human-animal relationship,
stress level, management and udder health were evaluated. The overall pattern (1)
confirms that frequent human-animal contact of pleasant quality contributes to
less fearful cows towards humans on a broad range of different farm types and
(2) shows that positive stockpersons’ attitudes and interactions that build a
positive human-animal relationship and allow early problem recognition can
positively influence udder health. Herds with lower stress levels showed better
mastitis curing capacity.