California Mastitis Test Research Articles

SNP Analysis of TLR4 Promoter and Its Transcriptional Factor Binding Profile in Relevance to Bovine Subclinical Mastitis.

Bovine mastitis is a complex infectious disease that develops in the mammary gland, predominantly caused by a bacterial infection of mammary tissue. Genetic variability of mastitis is well established and depends upon different quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to mastitis resistance or susceptibility. The susceptibility is often attributed to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the variable cow breed genomes. Several global investigative attempts have resulted in studies mapping mastitis to the variations in the relevant genes. Reports have been attributed to dramatic genetic expression changes in Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) genes in mastitis-positive cows. However, the mechanism behind this variable genetic expression of TLR4 genes has been studied poorly. The present study aims to investigate SCM through various screening tests like somatic cell count (SCC), electric conductivity (EC), pH, and California mastitis test (CMT) in milk samples. This study also aims to investigate possible mechanisms behind this variable expression of TLR4 by comparative SNP evaluation and transcriptional factor profile mining. So that the important genetic mutations and effects thereof can be exploited in selecting specific breeds with higher mastitis resistance and milk yield. Seventy Holstein Frisian (HF) crossbred dairy cows were selected in the present study. The animals were screened based on various diagnostic tests (SCC, pH, EC, and CMT). Blood samples (5mL) were collected for extraction of DNA followed by amplification of PPR1 and PPR2 of the promoter region and 5'UTR of the bovine TLR4 gene using specific primers. Sanger's enzymatic DNA sequencing technique sequenced the amplified PCR products. Further, the identification of SNPs was done through various bioinformatic tools used in this study. The findings of the present study revealed that CMT, EC, pH, and SCC could be used for the early detection of subclinical mastitis. In the present study, a significant increase in the EC, pH, and SCC in milk samples of animals affected with SCM was found in comparison to the healthy animals. The present study also revealed 16 SNPs falling in TLR4 promoter and 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) sequences in mastitis-positive genotypes compared to reference genomes. The study also investigates the potential transcriptional factor program deployed in response to variable mastitis development resistance. In the present study, the allelic and genotype frequencies of all SNP variants in the three regions viz., PPR1, PPR2, and 5'UTR, were the same indicating the absence of heterozygous condition at the respective loci. The present study has wide applicability for researchers developing mastitis-resistant breeding programs and the data generated may aid in the selection of better genetic breeds. The transcription factor binding profiles can serve as concrete leads about the studies on bovine mastitis at the molecular level and may also aid global research groups working on transcription factor (TF)-based molecular pathology of mastitis.

Review on Current Diagnostic Methods of Bovine Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammalian gland, and it is a commercially significant ailment in the dairy industry worldwide. Based on the source, it can be either contagious or environmental; on the other hand, clinical and subclinical mastitis are based on their severity. The most important step between disease etiology and cure is accurate disease diagnosis. A cost-effective, dependable, and quick diagnostic instrument is essential for udder health management. Therefore, the objective of this article is to review current diagnostic methods for bovine mastitis. The diagnostic methods include clinical diagnosis, microscopically examined specimens, conventional methods, power of hydrogen (pH) tests, microbial culture, molecular methods, and those based on emerging technology. Conventional methods like the strip cup test, California mastitis test, Wisconsin mastitis test, somatic cell count test, and electrical conductivity test are used as screening tests that are not specific to any pathogen. Microbial culture-based methods are the gold standard for identifying mastitis pathogens and are frequently used, but they have some drawbacks. Advanced molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction and its version, loop-mediated amplification, are used for the identification of causative agents at the strain level. Emerging technologies such as infrared thermography and biosensors have the potential to match or surpass the diagnostic methods mentioned above concerning sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and realism. Emerging technologies are growing at a fast pace to diagnose human cases, but applications for the veterinary market, and specifically, for the diagnosis of mastitis, remain limited. Both specializations in training and experience in the interpretation of results are needed for implementing advanced technologies for efficient mastitis diagnosis and improving udder health management. It should be better to adopt and employ advanced diagnostic methods, such as advanced molecular tests and emerging technology.

Occurrence of mastitis before and after homeopathic treatment in dairy cattle, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bovine mastitis is an infectious disease that impacts milk production, leads to economic losses and public health problems. It can present in subclinical and clinical forms, with subclinical being the most common. Currently, there is concern about the health of dairy cattle and alternatives are being sought for the treatment of bacterial infections, as those available may have low efficacy, promote antimicrobial resistance and/or have toxic effects. From a One Health perspective, multiple sectors must work together to control the rise in antimicrobial resistance. Regarding animal production, this implies changes in some traditional agricultural practices (WHO, 2022; OIE, 2022). According to Rabello et al. (2020), resistance to antimicrobials for Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis has recently increased compared to studies published in previous periods, in Brazil. In this context, homeopathy can represent an important therapy. In our study, two dairy herds in the state of Rio de Janeiro were evaluated, regarding the presence of mastitis, in two subsequent periods: 1- Control Stage (CS): using antibiotic therapy, and 2- Experimental Stage (ES): homeopathic treatment (Nosode 30CH). The CS took place from February to April 2022 and the ES from May to July 2022. For the analysis of the treatments, the animals were evaluated with the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and the milk from the positive mammary quarters, that presented mastitis, were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification. During the CS, 7 CMT were performed, and the same number in the ES. The occurrence of subclinical mastitis in the CS in 1681 analyzed quarters was 36.4% (n= 608), while in the ES, in 1290 analyzed quarters, subclinical mastitis was 26.5% (n= 335). There was a reduction (p<0.0001) in the occurrence of subclinical mastitis after homeopathic treatment. In both stages Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent microorganism.

Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Major Bacterial Pathogens causing Bovine Mastitis on Selected Dairy Farms in and around Harar, Ethiopia

Aim Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland, is a complex and costly disease in dairy herds. The main aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of mastitis and associated risk factors for bacterial pathogens in lactating dairy cows. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out. The study was conducted in Harar town and its district from November 2016 to April 2017. A total of 384 (264 crossbreds and 120 Holstein Frisian) milking cows were tested using the California mastitis test (CMT), direct diagnosis of obverse clinical mastitis, and bacterial culture in Harar City and its district. Results The result of the study indicated the prevalence of mastitis at the cow level was 58.60% (225/384), out of which 10.7% (41/384) and 47.9% (184/384) were clinical and subclinical, respectively. The quarter-level prevalence was 34.1% (513/1536); from this, the clinical and subclinical forms were 8.7% (131/1536) and 25.4% (382/1536), respectively, while 2% (31/1536) had blind teats. From 341 culture-positive samples, the following bacteria were isolated: Out of the total, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) (28.5%) was the most prevalent isolate, followed by Streptococcus species (27.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (21.4%), Escherichia coli species (14.4%), Micrococcus species (5.3%) and Corynebacterium species (2.9%). Age, parity, breed, production, and hygiene were significant associated risk factors, whereas management risk factors such as house types, milking systems, farming systems, and treatment history do not have a significant association with the prevalence of mastitis in the study area at this level of significance. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, a thorough screening of high-producing and aged cows should be needed; optimum space should be required for those cows kept in intensive and closed houses to reduce the risk of contagious mastitis; attention should be paid to the informal use of drugs; and further research should be needed to view other risk factors for mastitis

Clinical and Subclinical Bovine Mastitis: Staphylococcus aureus Isolation and Identification from Dairy Farms Located in and Around Hawassa Town, Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Mastitis is an expensive disease of dairy cattle in most countries, including Ethiopia. The most commonly recovered bacterial pathogen from mastitis milk is _Staphylococcus aureus_ in dairy herds worldwide, with huge economic losses in the dairy industry. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and identify _Staphylococcus aureus_ from bovine mastitis milk. Additionally, risk factors associated with the occurrence of mastitis were determined. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 on dairy farms in and around Hawassa town. A total of 250 lactating cows were examined for clinical and subclinical mastitis from randomly selected dairy farms. Clinical signs and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) were used to identify clinical and subclinical mastitis, respectively. RESULTS: During the study period, 50.8% of cows had mastitis, of which 4.8% and 46% showed clinical and subclinical mastitis, respectively. The quarter-level prevalence was 27.4%; of which the clinical form was 2.9%, while the subclinical mastitis was 24.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association among cows of different age groups, lactation stages, and farm hygienic status with the occurrence of mastitis (p < 0.05). A bacteriological study targeting _S. aureus_ was conducted with all (n=127) milk samples collected from clinical and subclinical mastitis cows. Bacterial identification targeting _S. aureus_ was done, and this agent was identified in 60 (47.2%) milk samples. This pathogen was found to be higher (47.8%) in subclinical than in clinical (41.6%) mastitis. CONCLUSION: This study showed that mastitis was prevalent in dairy cattle of the study area, with a higher case of _S. aureus_ in subclinical mastitis. However, the recovery of _S. aureus_ in nearly half of the mastitis milk indicated the possible presence of other pathogens. Therefore, further study to recover other potential pathogens commonly causing mastitis can be a good approach.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mastitis among Dairy Buffaloes from the Departments of Antioquia and Córdoba, Colombia

Background: Mastitis is the most common disease among dairy buffaloes worldwide, and it significantly affects the economic profitability of buffalo farms as well as animal welfare and public health.
 Methods: This study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 at the Colombian departments of Antioquia and Córdoba, where 41% of the country’s total buffalo population is concentrated. Overall, 1,018 dairy buffaloes, including 603 in Antioquia and 415 in Córdoba, distributed among 11 farms, were assessed in the study. These animals were evaluated using the California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) to determine the presence of subclinical mastitis (SM). They were considered positive for SM when the results of CMT were higher than traces and SCC was >200,000 cells/mL.
 Results: The total prevalence of the disease was 7.9%, and microbiological culture was performed on the samples obtained from the SM-positive animals. The main isolated bacterium was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Furthermore, risk factors affecting milking routine, hygiene, and farm facilities were determined. Manual milking, milking in the barn, non-disinfection of milkers' hands, etc., were identified as risk factors for the disease.
 Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale study of mastitis among buffaloes in Colombia.

Microbiological diagnosis and antimicrobial resistance profile of bovine mastitis causing agents in the municipality of Placas, Pará, Brazil

The study was carried out in the region of Placas, Pará. Objective: identify the main causing agents of mastitis, as well as evaluating the resistance profile of the isolated agents against antimicrobials. Methods: Ten properties were evaluated, where 161 animals were submitted to the California Mastitis Test (CMT) for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, and milk samples were collected from positive animals and led for culture and antibiogram. Results: In total, 31.06% of the animals were positive for CMT. The main agents identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus bovis. The antibiogram indicated resistance to Penicillin, Ceftazidime and Cephalothin. Conclusion: The properties surveyed showed a high rate of subclinical mastitis, regarding antimicrobial resistance, in general, all agents showed high resistance.

Environmental and Breed Risk Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Dual-Purpose Livestock Systems in the Arauca Floodplain Savannah, Colombian Orinoquia.

The aim of this study was to assess the environmental and breed risk factors associated with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in cows in the dual-purpose livestock system of Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia. Milk samples were taken from 1924 mammary quarters, corresponding to 481 cows on 28 different farms, and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied. Risk factors associated with SCM were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. The response variable was the presence (1) or absence (0) of SCM. Breed was included as a genetic risk factor, and daily milk production, number of cows in production, lactation month, calving number, cow age, climatic period, and body condition were included as environmental risk factors. The analysis of the odds ratio (OR) of significant effects indicated that the factors significantly associated with the presence of SCM were the number of cows (OR = 2.29; p = 0.005), milk production (OR = 0.88; p = 0.045), and the Taurus-Indicus breeds (OR = 1.79; p = 0.009) and composite breed (OR = 3.95; p = 0.005). In this study, the occurrence of SCM was determined by the following risk factors: number of cows, milk production, and breed. Likewise, the highest prevalence seemed to occur on farms with less technological development and sanitary management of producers from the lowest socioeconomic stratum.

Multi-criteria decision analysis for supporting the selection of subclinical mastitis screening tests to use in large- and small-scale dairy farms in Türkiye.

The production of high-quality and safe milk is closely associated with the udder health of dairy cows. While there are many mastitis diagnostic tests/methods available, choosing the most appropriate diagnostic test for a sustainable udder health control program could be a challenge. This study was aimed at selecting tests for the screening of subclinical mastitis on small- and large-scale dairy farms in Türkiye, using multi-criteria decision-making methods. An integrated approach employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) together was used to select subclinical mastitis screening tests for on-farm use. While the AHP determines the weights of the evaluation criteria, the TOPSIS provides a final ranking. Nine different subclinical mastitis screening (SCM) methods (DeLaval somatic cell counter, PortaSCC test, California mastitis test (CMT), rapid culture, portable/hand-held electrical conductivity meter, infrared thermography, leukocyte esterase strip test, milk pH, UdderCheck test) were analyzed on the basis of five selection criteria (the market availability of the test, the diagnostic accuracy of the test, the cost of the test, the cow-side use of the test, and the practicality of the test). The selection criteria were determined based on literature review and stakeholder input. The weighting of the criteria with the AHP was based on the pairwise comparison of the criteria by stakeholders. The criteria were weighted from 1 to 9 according to their relative importance as follows: "1: equally important," "3: moderately important," "5: strongly important," "7: very strongly important," "9: extremely important," and "2, 4, 6, 8: intermediate values." Final ranking of SCM tests with the TOPSIS was based on the stakeholder evaluations of fulfillment of the criteria by the alternatives. The most appropriate screening test for both large- and small-scale dairy farms was determined to be the CMT. The CMT is a very useful, easy to perform, and low-cost tool for detecting subclinical mastitis. Being a major element of udder health control programs, the CMT, if regularly used on dairy farms in Türkiye, would enable the culling of chronically infected animals and the reduction of mastitis-associated economic losses. Furthermore, regular CMTs would contribute to reducing milk SCC and improving milk quality. In conclusion, multi-criteria decision-making methods not only provide a systematic approach that may assist both veterinarians and farmers in deciding on the best choice among the different tests available for the screening of subclinical mastitis but also offer potential benefits to policymakers, researchers, and other industry stakeholders.

Short milking tube thermogram analysis: an indicator of mastitis in Murrah buffaloes.

In the present study, thermal images of the short milking tube of the milking machine representing four udder quarters independently attached to a milking animal, along with pre-milking and post-milking udder and teat thermograms, were taken using a hand-held digital infrared thermal camera (DarviDTL007) during morning milking of lactating Murrah buffaloes (n = 132) to assess the mastitis status. California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk samples were carried out to screen the udder quarters as healthy, subclinical (SCM), and clinical mastitis (CM). The thermograms revealed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.19 and 3.72ºC in the mean values of short milking tube (SMT) surface temperature among SCM and CM quarters compared to healthy quarters, respectively. The mean values of udder skin surface temperature (USST) for pre-milking, milking, and post-milking of SCM and CM compared to healthy quarters showed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.17, 1.96, and 1.61ºC and 3.11, 2.88, and 2.73ºC, respectively. Similarly, compared to healthy quarters, the mean values of teat skin surface temperature (TSST) for pre-milking and post-milking of SCM and CM showed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.12 and 1.66ºC and 3.07 and 2.45ºC, respectively. Also, CMT and SCC results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.68-0.91, p < 0.01) with all the thermographic parameters. Thus, thermograms of SMT alone can be used as an efficient detection tool in assessing SCM among Murrah buffaloes.

Study of polymorphism of toll like receptor-4 gene in crossbred cattleand its association with somatic cell count

The present study was undertaken to study the TLR4 gene polymorphism in exon 3 and its association with somatic cell count in HF×Gir cows using PCR-RFLP. Sixty crossbred cows (40 affected and 20 normal) between 3rd to 5th lactation were selected from Bombay Gowrakshak Mandali, Betegaon, Maharashtra. The confirmation of mastitis was done with the help of California MastitisTest (CMT) and the blood samples of 40 affected animals were collected aseptically along with 20 normal animals. The mean of somatic cell score in normal cows ranged between 2.86 to 2.99 × 105 cells/ml, whereas for affected animal the range of somatic cell score was 3.45 to 5.72 × 105 cells/ml. The genomic DNA was isolated and exon 3 of TLR4 gene was successfully amplified by PCR using a specific primer. The PCR product was digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme. The PCR-RFLP of exon 3 with HaeIII enzyme revealed two genotypes ‘BB’ and ‘AB’ with band pattern 49 bp, 98 bp &amp; 196 bp (BB) and 49 bp, 98 bp, 196 bp &amp; 245 bp (AB), respectively. The mean of somatic cell score estimated for animals with genotypes ‘BB’ and ‘AB’ was 3.99±0.13 and 3.66±0.03, respectively. The twomean ‘t’ test analysis showed non-significant difference between somatic cell count with genotypes ‘BB’ and ‘AB’. It indicated that there was no association between the genotypes of exon 3 of TLR4 gene with somatic cell count in crossbred cows under present study.

Effectiveness of the California Mastitis Test (CMT), Reductase Test, and Alcohol Test for Dairy Cows Subclinical Mastitis Detection

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands caused by pathogenic bacteria Mastitis divided into 2 types, clinical mastitis which has symptoms of swelling and changes in the shape of the mammary gland, while subclinical mastitis does not indicate clear symptoms. Subclinical mastitis is a very high case in Indonesia, around 97-98%, while clinical mastitis is 2-3%. Effectiveness of the california mastitis test (CMT), reductase test and alcohol test to detect subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle. The number of samples taken was 60 samples of fresh dairy milk from 15 cattles in Medowo Village as much as 50 ml for each sample. The results showed that the test was very effective in identifying subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle. 15% positive results were obtained for subclinical mastitis using CMT, 10% of the milk quality was not good during the reductase test and 18.33% positive with the alcohol test from a total of 60 samples obtained.

Electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid of raw milk for the detection of bovine subclinical mastitis.

Bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM) is highly prevalent among dairy cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh to evaluate the performance of electric conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) tests for the detection of SCM. We randomly selected 108 milk samples from cows of different breeds in the primary milk-producing region of Pabna and Sirajgonj districts of Bangladesh. Samples were subjected to the California mastitis test (CMT), white side test (WST), electric conductivity (EC), TDS, and culture. A cow was considered positive for SCM if it tested positive in CMT, WST, and culture, whereas a cow was considered negative for SCM if it tested negative in all three methods. These gold standards have been used to evaluate the performance of the EC and TDS tests. The optimal EC and TDS cutoff values for the detection of SCM were determined using the "optimal cutoff" function in R version 4.3.1. The optimal EC cutoff value for SCM detection was found to be 6159 μS/cm or 6.16 mS/cm. A positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 31.2 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.905 were obtained for this cutoff value. The optimal cutoff value for TDS was 3100 mg/L of milk, which resulted in a positive LR+ of 45.5 and an AUC of 0.924. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the performance of EC and TDS tests in detecting SCM in Bangladesh. These results suggest that EC and TDS tests, which are inexpensive, rapid, and easy to conduct, can effectively detect SCM at the farm level.

Epidemiological Studies of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Goats in Lumajang Regency, East Java, Indonesia

Subclinical mastitis is an economically important disease in dairy goat farming. Lumajang is a center for dairy goats in East Java. However, routine examination of subclinical mastitis for screening tests has no data. This study aimed to provide prevalence data and identification factors that influenced subclinical mastitis. Therefore, this study was carried out as part of the national surveillance program. The research design is a cross-sectional study with simple random sampling. Samples came from 19 farms with a total individual sample of 224 dairy goats. Detection of subclinical mastitis using an undirect test with the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Identification of management factors and characteristics that can influence subclinical mastitis in dairy goat farms using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Lumajang District was 36.2%. There was a significant difference in subclinical mastitis in each village (p&lt;0.05). The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis was in Kandangtepus village. A farmer's characteristic factor that significantly influences subclinical mastitis is the farmer's experience. The aspect of livestock management that significantly affects subclinical mastitis is structured work management. Subclinical mastitis was prevalent in dairy goats in Lumajang District and requires prevention efforts. Prevention approach through education for farmers to increase knowledge, attitude, and socialization to improve livestock management.

An Assessment of The Risk Factors Associated with Subclinical Mastitis in Small Holder Dairy Cows and Large Mechanized Dairy Cows in Parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria

It appears that small holder dairy farmers as well as large mechanized dairy farmers in Kaduna State do not seem to be aware of the subclinical mastitis situation in their cows. A cross-sectional study was carried out with the objective of establishing the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and related risk indicators and to assess their contribution to the occurrence of subclinical mastitis. Three field procedures based on the principles of herd health and production management were followed: clinical inspection, farm management inspection and farm records inspection. The California mastitis test (CMT) was carried out on quarter milk samples to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. A total of 150 lactating cows from 30 herds were investigated. Clinical mastitis was detected in about 5.0% of the lactating cows, subclinical mastitis was found in 24.5% (about 25%) of the cows screened. Farm inspection revealed that, water scarcity, poor housing, hand milking, single udder towel and dairy labourers as most substantial (P &lt; 0.05) risk indicators. Overall, there was the epidemiological need to address such risk indicators.

Assessment of Mastitis Patterns in Serbian Dairy Cows: Blood Serum Metabolic Profile and Milk Composition Parameters.

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases in dairy cows, leading to substantial economic losses associated with decreased milk production and quality. Early detection of changes in metabolic and milk parameters is crucial for maintaining animal welfare and milk quality. This study aimed to detect patterns in metabolic and milk composition parameters in Serbian dairy cows affected by mastitis. It also examined the relationship between these factors in cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis, as well as in healthy cows. This study included 60 Holstein-Friesian cows with the same body score condition that were in the same lactation phase. They were divided into three groups of 20: clinical and subclinical mastitis and a control group of healthy cows. The categorization was based on clinical udder health and the California mastitis test. Blood serum metabolic profiles were measured using a Rayto spectrophotometer (Shenzhen, China), and milk composition was determined using MilcoScanTM (Foss, Hilleroed, Denmark) and FossomaticTM (Foss, Hilleroed, Denmark) instruments. Significant increases in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total protein, globulin, urea, total bilirubin, magnesium, and enzyme activity were noted in mastitis-affected cows compared to healthy ones. Additionally, mastitis-affected cows had higher total protein and globulin levels and increased somatic cell counts (SCCs), while albumin concentrations were decreased. Furthermore, a negative correlation between total protein and lactose suggested inflammation leading to reduced lactose levels due to cell damage, infection, and lactose use by mastitis pathogens. Hence, indicators of the energy and protein status of the metabolic profile, together with the chemical composition of milk, may be significant diagnostic tools for detecting, monitoring, and predicting the outcome of mastitis in cows.

Approach to Selective Dry Cow Therapy in Early Adopter Italian Dairy Farms: Why Compliance Is So Important.

Selective dry-cow therapy (SDCT) became mandatory in Italy on 28 January 2022. During 2020, a group of farms involved in a milk quality program began a pilot experiment with SDCT in order to understand its challenges and to identify areas for procedural improvements. The aim of this study was to describe the challenges and results of the SDCT in early adopters' herds with a special focus on treatment compliance. Retrospective data from 1911 cows from 11 dairy herds were evaluated. Somatic cell counts, clinical mastitis (CM) history, and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) were used as criteria for SDCT. Based on the dairy herd improvement test results and CM history, 48% of all cows should have received antibiotic treatments and internal teat sealants. Adding the CMT at dry-off increased the percentage of antibiotic-treated cows to 62%, with relevant variation among farms. Concerning treatment compliance, 21% of the cows were "non-compliant", suggesting the importance of monitoring treatment compliance. In conclusion, even if commonly used selection criteria for antibiotic treatments were used, the need for more education and in-depth monitoring of the SDCT adoption process was clearly identified. Close collaboration and agreement between veterinarians and farmers are key for SDCT adoption success.

Teat Health and Mastitis in Buffalo

Background: With a focus on the teat end microbiota and their molecular characterisation, the goal of the current study is to determine how teat health characteristics affect the development of this condition. Methods: Total 100 lactating dairy buffaloes of different parity were screened for mastitis. A battery of tests, including the California mastitis test (CMT), white side teat (WST), pH and somatic cell count (SCC), were used to screen buffaloes for mastitis. Samples that showed a strong positive reaction were chosen. Teat-end swabs collected for bacterial examination and analyse for molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis. Result: Significant correlation (P less than 0.01) was established between teat end score and all other teat parameters namely teat skin color score, teat roughness, teat chapping and teat condition score. The amplification of 16S r DNA by PCR with universal primer 27F-1492R which span nearly full length of 16 SrRNA gene with expected amplicon of 144-1500bp. If farmers are to be properly prevented, awareness among them must be raised. It was anticipated that if the microbial load were to decrease, so would the likelihood of contracting an infection. The udder health kit, which was made with locally created pre- and post-milking dips and cleaning chemicals, decreased the bacterial load, enhanced the teat health score and improved the milk profile and could thus be replicated for use in the field.

Prevalence of Camel Mastitis and Its Associated Risk Factors in and around Garowe District, Puntland, Somalia

Mastitis is one of the main issues that cause economic inefficiencies in dairy farms. It has numerous infectious and non-infectious origins and is divided into clinical and subclinical forms. A cross sectional study of camel mastitis was conducted on 88 lactating camels from Garowe District Puntland between May to August 2023 to estimate the prevalence and causes of mastitis, as well the risk factors involved on disease. Prevalence of mastitis was assessed by using California mastitis test (CMT) and bacterial cultured. The overall prevalence of mastitis at animal level was camels examined for mastitis was found a prevalence of 39.7% (35/88) in the current study. The overall quarter level prevalence was 47.7% (168/352). Among these 10(11.4%) and 25(28.4%) were found to be positive with clinical and sub-clinical mastitis respectively, based on clinical examination and mastitis indicator paper (Table 2). Regarding Result analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association (P&lt;0.05) among four the risk factors (tick infected, wound stage of lactation and poor hygienic). Tick infestation and udder lesions were significantly associated with camel mastitis (P &lt; 0.05). Bacteriological examination of CMT along with bacteriological culture methods were used. The study cultured a positive camel milk samples revealed that Staphylococcus spp was the major causative agents for both clinical and sub clinical camel mastitis (45.7%) followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (25.7%), E. coli (14.3%), Klebsiella spp. (8.6%) and Micrococcus (5.7%) respectively. The study demonstrated that camel mastitis is a problem which warrants appropriate control measures in order to improve the health of camels and quality of camel milk production in the study area. The isolation of genera of pathogenic bacteria from the camel milk samples suggests the need for strict hygienic measures during the production and handling of camel milk to reduce public health hazards. Furthermore, public education should be given to improve their awareness about the importance of proper herd health management and hygienic milking practices. In order to minimize the adverse effect of mastitis on the yield, quality of milk and zoonotic impact of the pathogen. The prevalence of camel mastitis in the study area was found to be significantly high. Therefore, implementation of integrated approaches has great importance in the study sites for the prevention and control of mastitis hence minimizing economic loss and prevents significant public health risks.

Ozone use in the treatment of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

This research communication paper addresses the hypothesis that the use of therapeutic alternatives for mastitis, such as intramammary ozone, can cure the disease with lower costs and without harmful residues for human consumption and without formation of microbial resistance like the ones caused by indiscriminate use of antibiotics in dairy farms. The study was performed in 36 mammary quarters from 12 dairy cows with subclinical mastitis grade three. The experimental units were randomly assigned into four groups and each group received a treatment. Treatments comprised (a) 20 μg/ml ozone gas; (b) 40 μg/ml ozone gas; (c) negative control treatment of 12.5 μg/ml ozonated saline and (d) positive control treatment of 100 mg of cephalexin + 100 mg of neomycin + 10 mg of prednisolone, all by intramammary injection. In all quarters, milk was collected before and after the application of treatments for California mastitis test and evaluation of milk composition, somatic cell count, and bacterial cultures. The results indicated that the use of intramammary ozone did have a therapeutic effect, and whilst this was less than that of antibiotics, ozone does confer some advantages. Treated milk had a good composition, the treatment cost was low, milk withdrawal may not be necessary and there is no risk of antibiotic resistance.