Effects of mastitis on milk production and composition in dairy cows

Abstract

Mastitis is the biggest economic problem in dairy industry. Mastitis also causes animal welfare problem and it is a thread to food safety and security. A baseline survey involving small-holder dairy farms was conducted to identify the correlation between mastitis (mammary inflammation) and cow’s productivity. The performance of cows, in terms of milk production, milk composition, as well as mammary inflammation levels were observed. The research was conducted in Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 103 lactating cows in the 2nd to 3rd month of lactation and parity were used. California Mastitis Test was used to analyse the inflammation level of mammary gland. Milk protein, fat and lactose contents were determined with Lactoscan Milk Analyzer. Milk production was recorded daily at morning and evening milking. The result shows statistically negative correlation (P<0.0001) between the level of mammary inflammation and milk production (r = -0.59) as well as milk protein (r = -0.55), lactose (r = -0.51), and fat contents (r = -0.46). It is concluded that, when the mammary infection in cows increased, milk production and milk components will be decreased.