The bovine udder is equipped with innate defenses to identify and eliminate bacterial pathogens that are ubiquitous in the cow’s environment. Those defenses, which include macrophages, neutrophils and a multitude of secreted bactericidal factors, are very effective at protecting the mammary gland from bacterial infection to the point they can eliminate a bacterial challenge without a detectable inflammatory response. Despite the effectiveness of mammary immunity and good hygiene and management practices of dairy farms, dairy cows remain susceptible to mastitis, particularly in the early postpartum period. The cumulative effect of physiological stressors of parturition on the immune system is well known and is arguably a key factor for increased risk of mastitis in postpartum dairy cows. Mitigation of hypocalcemia and negative energy balance, support of antioxidant systems, feeding of prebiotics and use of immunostimulants have been documented to bolster aspects of innate immunity. A major beneficiary of these various nutritional and therapeutic strategies within the immune system is the neutrophil. We know neutrophils are critical in defense of the mammary gland, and that calcium, energy and oxidant status affect function of mature neutrophils in circulation. Yet, the processes guiding neutrophil development are not fully appreciated in dairy cows and undoubtedly are affected by physiological stressors of parturition. Furthermore, although innate immune function often is focused on current status of the cow, programming of innate immunity begins early in life and is modulated over her lifetime. Therefore, efforts to maximize innate defense of the mammary gland should include consideration of developmental programming in addition to the use of nutritional and therapeutic strategies documented to have a positive impact on innate immunity.