Mastitis prevention and control: Integration of microbiological and management approaches

Abstract

Mastitis is a common cause of reduced dairy productivity in cows and poor milk quality. This paper considers a set of approaches based on microbiological studies and risk analysis aimed at reducing the number of cows with mastitis and improving milk quality. The study is aimed at examining microbial agents isolated from the milk of sick cows and means of ensuring udder health, and identifying the main dangers that arise due to errors in the implementation of mastitis prevention measures. The study included microbiological tests of milk, wipes and udder dipping using chromogenic media. For a qualitative risk assessment, a survey of consulting managers and veterinarians was conducted. The paper presents the results of microbiological tests of 115 samples of milk, 45 reusable napkins, and 111 samples of udder dips using conventional and chromogenic media. The most common microorganisms in milk samples were Streptococcus spp. 34.4% (S. agalactiae and S. disgalactiae), Staphylococcus aureus 31.1%, and Escherichia coli 28.9%. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. it is associated with infectious mastitis, and Escherichia coli – with sanitary mastitis. To reduce the incidence of mastitis, it is important to apply targeted measures aimed at various categories of pathogens. Udder wipes were contaminated with pathogens associated with the development of mastitis. The use of laundry detergent containing bactericidal components is crucial to minimise contamination of reusable udder wipes. Among the dips under study, 40.6% of the samples had a complete bactericidal effect, and 9.9% had no bactericidal effect. 3 factors of high risk of environmental mastitis and 6 factors of sanitary mastitis were identified. The results of the studies were tested on two dairy farms. Correction of high-risk risk factors led to an increase in the quality of milk in terms of somatic cells and the number of bacteria. The results obtained can be useful for improving the system of prevention and optimisation of mastitis treatment on dairy farms