Incidence of mastitis and bacterial findings at clinical mastitis in Swedish primiparous cows—Influence of breed and stage of lactation

Abstract

Mastitis is a common disease also among primiparous dairy cows. Identification of the extent and type of problem is important to initiate correct control measures. In Sweden, unique national production and disease databases are available. The main aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of mastitis, measured by the annual incidence of veterinary-treated clinical mastitis (VTCM) and geometric mean of monthly milk somatic cell count (SCC) recordings in Swedish primiparous cows in relation to older cows during 2002–2006 with emphasis on breed differences. Other aims were to study differences between primiparous and older cows in the distribution of bacterial findings at clinical mastitis, and the occurrence of VTCM and bacterial findings in relation to stage of lactation using data from a Swedish field study performed 2002–2003. Descriptive statistics and univariable analyses were used in the investigations. During 2002–2006 approximately 10% of Swedish primiparous cows experienced VTCM each year, while the geometric mean SCC of Swedish primiparous cows was approximately 65,000 ml −1. Both parameters were lower than in older cows. Primiparous cows of the Swedish Red (SR) breed had better udder health than cows of the Swedish Holstein (SH) breed. The overall distribution of udder pathogens was similar in primiparous and older cows. In primiparous cows, most VTCM occurred during the first week after calving, and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus dysgalactiae were the most common udder pathogens during this period. Better control measures directed at these infections are warranted around calving to reduce the risk of mastitis in primiparous cows.