Abstract
The dynamics of somatic cell counts during the first 10 days in milk were compared among udder quarters of cows with intra-mammary infection at the time of calving and those with no infection present. The study group consisted of 81 cows calving at the Kansas State University dairy research herd between July of 1998 and February of 1999. Cows with an intramammary infection had greater, average, somatic cell counts at calving, and this difference continued throughout the 10-day period. Using a breakpoint of 1,000,000 somatic cells/ml at calving to select animals for culture would have correctly selected 81% of the quarters that were actually infected with major mastitis pathogens.
Highlights
Mastitis is the most costly disease of dairy cattle because of economic losses from reduced milk production, treatment costs, increased labor, milk withheld following treatment, premature culling, and decreased genetic improvement
The dynamics of somatic cell counts during the first 10 days in milk were compared among udder quarters of cows with intra-mammary infection at the time of calving and those with no infection present
The study group consisted of 81 cows calving at the Kansas State University dairy research herd between July of 1998 and February of 1999
Summary
Mastitis is the most costly disease of dairy cattle because of economic losses from reduced milk production, treatment costs, increased labor, milk withheld following treatment, premature culling, and decreased genetic improvement. Clinical mastitis is characterized by abnormal milk, with or without additional signs of illness. Subclinical mastitis is defined by intramammary bacterial infection without signs of abnormal milk or illness, and may, be more difficult to recognize. The pathogens that cause mastitis may be classified as those that are contagious in nature and primarily spread from cow to cow and those that are acquired from the environment. The risk period for new infection varies with the pathogen involved. New infections with contagious pathogens are more likely to occur during the milking period, and new infections with environmental pathogens are more likely to occur during involution of the udder during the early dry period ( the environmental Streptococcus ssp.) and during the period surrounding calving (E. coli)
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