Prevalence and analysis of risk factors of udder and teat health disorders in free-grazing and zero-grazing small holder dairy cows in south wollo, Ethiopia

Abstract

Udder and teat health disorders (UTHDs) cause profound economic loss and have a major influence on dairy cows’ welfare and productivity. This study was carried out to identify the prevalence and risk factors of UTHDs and to investigate a potential association with clinical mastitis (CM). The prevalence of UTHDs in this study was 28.4%. The UTHDs identified were CM (15.1%), teat ulcer/cracks (7.6%), udder wound (7.3%), teat end lesions (3.1%), teat papilloma (2.6%), pendulous udder (2.3%), hyperthelia (1.6%), athelia (1.0%), udder abscess (1.0%), teat stenosis (0.8%), teat gangrene (0.8%) and udder impetigo (0.8%). A significantly higher prevalence of UTHDs was identified in Holstein-Friesian (HF) cross breeds (P < 0.001; OR = 0.134) than indigenous breeds; in cows between 4-5 years of age (P < 0.001; OR = 11.666) compared to > 7 years; in cows with good BCS (P = 0.007; OR = 0.263) than those with poor BCS and in milking (P < 0.001; OR = 4.682) and dry cows (P = 0.003; OR = 4.226) than pregnant cows. Prevalence did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the locations and management systems of herds. In addition, the occurrence of CM was associated with teat ulcer/cracks (P < 0.001; OR = 0.036), udder wound (P < 0.001; OR = 0.068); teat end lesions (P = 0.008; OR = 0.142); pendulous udder (P = 0.031; OR = 0.153) and udder impetigo (P = 0.040; OR = 0.058). A statistically insignificant difference was found in the prevalence of UTHDs between free-grazing and zero-grazing smallholder dairy herds. The study identifies teat ulcers/cracks, udder wounds, and teat end lesions as risk factors for CM.