CMT Scores Research Articles

Seasonal assessment of mastitis using thermogram analysis in Sahiwal cows

“India is the world's leading producer of milk” and demands a non-invasive diagnostic tool like infrared thermography (IRT) to identify the costliest production disease, mastitis. It can form the basis of precision dairy farming. Therefore, the present study focuses on thermal imaging of the udder and teat quarters of Sahiwal cows during different seasons to identify subclinical (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) cases using the Darvi DTL007 camera. A total of 24–69 lactating Sahiwal cows were screened out using IRT regularly throughout the year. The intramammary infection status was further assessed using the CMT. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to develop the current study's cut-off for various thermographic parameters. The incidence for SCM and CM ranged from 26.47 to 38.75% and 17.83–22.79%, respectively during different seasons in Sahiwal udder quarters. The thermogram analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the mean values of the udder and teat surface temperature of Sahiwal cows between healthy, SCM, and CM during different seasons. The mean values of udder skin surface temperature (USST) during different seasons ranged between 29.07 and 36.91 °C, 31.51 to 37.88 °C and 32.42 to 38.79 °C among healthy, SCM, and CM-affected quarters, and correspondingly, the mean values of teat skin surface temperature (TSST) were 28.28 to 36.77 °C, 30.68 to 37.88 °C and 31.70 to 38.73 °C, respectively. Further results revealed an increase (p < 0.01) in the mean values of USST during winter, summer, rainy, and autumn as 2.44, 3.35; 0.97, 1.88; 1.06, 1.83; 1.29, 2.39 °C and TSST as 2.4, 3.42; 1.11, 1.96; 1.21, 2.19, 1.3, 2.4 °C of SCM, CM-affected quarters to healthy quarters, respectively, in Sahiwal cows. Thermograms showed a strong positive correlation with the CMT scores of SCM, CM cases, and healthy samples. Henceforth, irrespective of the seasons studied in the present work, IRT is an efficient, supportive tool for the early identification of subclinical mastitis.

Intramammary Infusion of Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) in Mastitis-Diagnosed Dairy Cows Naturally Infected by Staphylococcus spp. in the Late Lactation.

Infectious mastitis is the most prevalent health problem in dairy cattle that can result in permanent economic losses on dairy farms. The micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is a biocompatible active polyphenolic compound derived from flavonoid glycosides which exhibits several antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and phlebotonic properties. The goal was to assess the effects of an alternative therapy for mastitis based on MPFF intramammary infusions in late lactation in dairy cows naturally infected by Staphylococcus spp. The California Mastitis Test (CMT scores) was performed to detect mastitis-positive quarters in twelve dairy farms. All cows were screened for immune response by measuring somatic cell counts (SCCs; cells/mL) in milk samples from each quarter. In addition, bacteriological identification, pathogenic bacterial isolates, and total bacterial counts (TBCs; CFU/mL) were assessed before (day 0, last milking day) and after (day 3 post-calving) MPFF application. Antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the pathogenic isolated bacteria were evaluated. Finally, cure rates (%) were determined for each MPFF treatment. Around 15 mastitis-related genera were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus (25.2%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS; 22.4%) were the most prevalent pathogens. No statistical differences were observed in SCCs and TBCs after low, medium, and high MPFF dose administration in S. aureus-positive mastitis cases (p > 0.05). However, differences were observed in SCCs and TBCs after medium and high MPFF dose administration in CNS-positive quarters (p < 0.05). The pathogenic bacteria isolate reduction after MPFF applications showed a dose-response fashion (p < 0.01) while isolates obtained from controls and low MPFF-treated quarters remained similar, irrespective of the pathogen (p > 0.05). Sensitivity patterns were variable, although S. aureus remained resistant, irrespective of the MPFF dose. However, CNS showed a dose-response sensitivity pattern. Finally, the cure rate (%) on day 3 post-partum improved significantly using medium and higher MPFF doses in CNS-positive quarters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MPFF treatment was found to be more effective for CNS-positive cases in the late lactation due to noticeable dose-specific responses regarding somatic cells, bacterial counts, sensitivity patterns, and cure rates in dairy cattle.

MiRNAs in milk can be used towards early prediction of mammary gland inflammation in cattle

Considering the importance of early disease detection for reducing the huge financial and animal welfare impact of bovine mastitis globally, improved tools are urgently needed that can accurately detect early mammary inflammation. MiRNAs have demonstrated value as disease biomarkers, however, their potential for accurately detecting early mammary inflammation has not been examined in detail. To address this, we investigated the association between levels of four inflammation-associated miRNAs (bta-miR-26a, bta-miR-142-5p, bta-miR-146a and bta-miR-223) and CMT scores (0 to 3) obtained from a large number of individual quarter milk samples (n = 236) collected from dairy cows at different lactations (1 to 4). Initial analyses (n = 21 samples) confirmed that the levels of each of bta-miR-142-5p, bta-miR-146a and bta-miR-223 in whole milk were significantly correlated with mRNA levels of known inflammatory markers (HP, TNF, CXCL8 and IL1B) in milk cells (Rho ≥ 0.49, P < 0.005). Subsequent analyses (n = 215 samples) revealed a significant effect of CMT score on each of the four miRNAs analysed (P < 0.0001), characterised by a progressive increase in miRNA levels in milk as CMT score increase from 0 to > 1. Moreover, a significant effect of lactation number (P < 0.01) for bta-miR-26a, bta-miR-142-5p and bta-miR-146a was attributed to higher miRNA levels during lactation 1 than later lactations. Finally, by generating ROC curves we showed that bta-miR-223 and bta-miR-142-5p levels could identify early inflammatory changes in individual quarter milk samples (CMT1) with high accuracy (100% sensitivity, > 81% specificity). Our results provide novel proof of the value of miRNAs as early diagnostic biomarkers of bovine mastitis.

Bacterial content and associated risk factors influencing the quality of bulk tank milk collected from dairy cattle farms in Mandalay Region.

To investigate the bacterial content and risk factors associated with the hygienic quality of raw milk, a cross‐sectional study was conducted in four townships of Mandalay Region, Myanmar. From April to October 2017, bulk tank milk samples (n = 233) were collected from 233 dairy cattle farms located in Tada‐U, Pyin Oo Lwin, Meiktila, and Patheingyi Townships. From each farm, approximately 100 ml of bulk tank milk was collected and examined for bacterial content. Total bacterial count (TBC) and coliform count (CC) in milk samples were determined using milk agar and violet red bile agar. Of 233 milk samples, 68.2% (159/233) showed TBC higher than 1.0 × 105 cfu/ml, and 78.4% (183/233) showed CC higher than 100 cfu/ml. The mean value of TBC among 233 farms was 2.55 × 107 cfu/ml, ranging from 6.0 × 103 to 3.0 × 109 cfu/ml, whereas the mean value of CC was 1.59 × 105 cfu/ml, ranging from 10 to 8.4 × 106 cfu/ml. TBC tended to increase as CC increased in milk samples. The number of precautionary measures for milking operation, choice of cleaning materials, training experience of the farmers, cleanliness score of milking cows, and CMT scores of milk were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with TBC in bulk tank milk. Similarly, the number of precautionary measures for milking operation, choice of cleaning materials, training experience of the farmers, cleanliness scores of milking cows, CMT scores of milk samples, herd size, and type of milking practice showed significant association (p < 0.05) with CC in bulk tank milk. The effects of these potential risk factors should be minimized, farmers should be trained properly, and technical support should be provided, so that the quality of raw milk produced in Myanmar can be improved.

Estimation of somatic cell count, as gold standard to detect subclinical mastitis, in dromedary camel

The objective of the present study was to estimate cut-off point of somatic cell count (SCC) to detect subclinical mastitis using mathematical modelling in dromedary camel. Camel milk samples were collected from individual quarters (n=243) of 95 milking camels. Approximately five minutes prior to milking, camel received oxytocin (20 I.U, IM), the teat was washed and the camel calf was released to stimulate the dam. After 2 minutes, the suckling was interrupted and the teat was dried with tissue and sampling was conducted to perform CMT, and to collect milk for SCC. The range of SCC corresponding with CMT scores of 0, T, 1, 2 and 3 were 0-51000, 57000-108000, 116000-306000, 342000-1830000 and 2129000-8435000, respectively. The threshold values for SCC to detect subclinical mastitis in camel were calculated by considering two different approaches: frequentist analysis (306000 cells/ml) and Bayesian analysis (390000 cells/ml). In conclusion, SCC values beyond 306000 cells/ml could be considered as subclinical mastitis in camel.

Evaluation of Intracisternal Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment in terms of Bacteriologic and CMT Scores in Cows with Subclinic Mastitis

Evaluation of Intracisternal Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment in terms of Bacteriologic and CMT Scores in Cows with Subclinic Mastitis

Evaluation of plasma and milk haptoglobin concentrations in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows

The purpose of this study was to examine whether plasma and milk haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations could be an alternative method for the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of subclinical mastitis (SM) in dairy cows. In the study, 14 cows with subclinical mastitis (SM) in more than one udder quarter and 5 healthy control cows were used. Cows in the non-treated group (GNT; n=6) did not receive any treatment while cows in the treated group (GT; n=8) were treated with intramammary cefquinom sulphate on the second week. Healthy cows were evaulated as Control group (GC). Plasma Hp concentrations did not differ within groups and between groups (p>0.05). When compared milk Hp concentrations within groups, there was a slight increase in GT on the third week (p<0.05) and the concentrations in GNT and GC did not reveal any difference (p>0.05). A relationship between CMT scores, SCC values, plasma Hp and milk Hp concentrations was not established. It was concluded that plasma Hp and milk Hp are not useful parameters to diagnose and monitor the treatment efficacy of subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Somatic cell count and biochemical components of milk related to udder health in buffaloes

The 399 clinically healthy quarters from 101 Murrah buffaloes were analyzed for somatic cell count (SCC; DCC and microscope methods) and biochemical composition of milk in relation to udder health. The udder health revealed specific subclinical mastitis (SSM) in 7% and non-specific mastitis (NSM) in 49% of quarters. Latent infections comprised 1%. Staphylococci (43%), streptococci (39%) and corynebacteria (18%) constituted chief etiological agents in SSM. Electrical conductivity increased significantly both in SSM and NSM compared to healthy quarters. Significant effects for SNF and density were seen in SSM only. DCC and microscope depicted similar cell counts with a correlation coefficient of 0.89. The correlations of DCC with CMT and EC were 0.85 and 0.51, respectively. Quarters with negative CMT reactions had DCC values of < 3 × 105 cells/ml. The DCC means for negative, trace, and +1 to 2 CMT scores were 122, 238, and 593 (× 103) cells/ml, respectively. Lactose with discrimination ability of 83.76% was found better indicator of udder inflammation in buffaloes. Buffaloes unlike cows have low numbers of quarter infections, respond similarly as cows to udder inflammation but at different levels, and DCC may be effectively employed for expressing milk cell count in this species.

The potential of measuring serum amyloid A in individual ewe milk and in farm bulk milk for monitoring udder health on sheep dairy farms

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of measuring serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in milk of individual ewes and in farm bulk milk for monitoring udder health. Udder health was calculated by examining a randomly selected group of seven flocks at each farm visit by means of California mastitis test and bacteriological examination of 5749 milk samples. SAA was determined additionally in 267 randomly selected milk samples from six flocks. Thirty-one bulk milk samples from these farms were tested for SCC and SAA levels. Subclinical infections were detected in 29.5% of samples whereas no clinical infections were observed. Intramammary infected udder halves showed significantly elevated SAA concentrations (121.3 ± 25.3 μg/ml) in milk compared to the levels of healthy udder halves (8.0 ± 1.9 μg/ml; p < 0.001). SAA was significantly elevated in sheep with elevated CMT scores and positive bacteriological results. Bulk milk SAA levels ranged from 18.6 ± 6.7 to 37.4 ± 14.1 μg/ml and showed a positive correlation with bSCC ( r = 0.38, p = 0.018) but not with percent infected glands ( r = 0.022, p = 0.453). This study demonstrated that SAA levels in milk can be used to detect subclinical mastitis in individual ewes whereas further investigations are needed to determine the value of measuring SAA in bulk milk for monitoring flock udder health.

Study on blood gases, Acid-Base balance and the therapeutic evaluation of different protocol of treatment of mastitic cows

This study was planned to reveal the changes in blood gases and acid-basevalues in mastitic cows and to state the intravenous fluid therapy regimentreatment. A herd with a population of 150 lactating cows was screened forclinical and subclinical mastitis for a period of 6 months. Based on inclusion andexclusion criteria, twenty-eight cows with clinical mastitis were divided in threegroups (mastitic not treated (group M), mastitic treated with antibiotic only(group TA) and mastitic treated with antibiotic and fluid therapy (group TAF)and another five healthy cows (group C) served as controls. Blood gases, SCC,CMT scores, udder health status and cure rate were carefully investigated. Therewas significant differences between PO2, PCO2, BE, and HCO3-concentration inmastitic cows. Increased pH, BE, and HCO3- referred to metabolic alkalosiswhereas increased PCO2 indicate compensatory respiratory acidosis. The resultsof SCC in milk agreed to CMT scores, and to some extent to udder health statusamong the entire period of study. Cure rate was earlier in group TAF with lessnumber of treatment than in group TA. It has been concluded from this studythat administration of fluid therapy might be useful as an adjunct in case ofclinical mastitis in cows to get quick clinical recovery with less number oftreatments. However, the role of blood gases and acid – base status in mastitisshould be investigated in details.

Siyah-Alaca ve Esmer İneklerde CMT Skoru ile Bazı Süt Verim Özellikleri Arasındaki İlişkiler / Relationships Between CMT Scores and Some Milk Yield Traits in Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows

OZET: Bu calisma, Ataturk Universitesi Arastirma ve Uygulama ciftliginde bulunan Siyah-Alaca ve Esmer irk ineklerde CMT skoru ile bazi sut verim ozellikleri arasindaki iliskiyi belirlemek amaciyla yapilmistir. Arastirmada yaslari 4-9 arasinda degisen 50 bas Esmer ve 33 bas Siyah-Alaca inek kullanilmistir. Deneme hayvanlarina CMT uygulanarak CMT skoru ile, laktasyon sayisi ve donemleri arasindaki iliskiler arastirilmistir. Ayrica hayvanlarin toplam, 305 gunluk ve gunluk ortalama sut verimleri belirlenerek CMT skorunun verimlere etkisi incelenmistir. CMT pozitiflik oraninin laktasyonun ilk donemlerinde yuksek oldugu belirlenmistir (P<0.05), ancak faktorlere ait diger alt gruplarda istatistiksel olarak fark bulunamamistir. CMT skoru pozitif olan hayvanlarda negatiflere gore sut verim miktarlari daha dusuk (% 1.54) olmasina ragmen farklilik istatistiksel olarak onemsiz bulunmustur. Benzer calismalarla, mastitisten korunmada CMT tarama sonuclarinin da degerlendirilmesi ve yetistirme surecine dahil edilmesi ile saglikli suru ve saglikli uretim yolunda onemli ilerlemeler saglanacagi sonucuna varilmistir. Anahtar kelimeler: CMT, Sut Verimi, Siyah-Alaca, Esmer Relationships Between CMT Scores and Some Milk Yield Traits in Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows ABSTRACT: This research was undertaken for the purpose of determining relationships between CMT scores and some milk yield traits of Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss cows at Ataturk University Research Farm. For the research, 50 heads of Brown Swiss and 33 heads of Holstein Friesian cows aged 4-9 years were used. CMT was applied to the animals and relationships between lactation number and period with CMT score were examined. Moreover; total, 305-day and daily average milk yield records of the animals were determined and the effect of CMT score on these yield traits was investigated. CMT positive percentage was determined higher in cows at the beginning periods of the lactation (P<0.05), but for other milk traits, the differences among groups weren’t found to be significant. Despite the milk production of animals with CMT positive scores was lower (1.54 %) than the negative ones, difference was found to be insignificant statistically. It was concluded that, with more researches, there will be important progress on the way of healthy herds and production with evaluating CMT scores and taking into account it at breeding period for prevention of mastitis. Key words: CMT, Milk Yield, Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss.

Evaluation of milk quality of Alpine, Nubian, Saanen and Toggenburg breeds in Taiwan

The relationship between somatic cell count (SCC), CMT, bacteria and milk composition in 111 samples from 14 milking Alpine, 9 Nubian, 12 Saanen and 26 milking Toggenburg does in Taiwan were determined. The results showed that the average SCCs were 800–3300 × 10 3 cells/ml for four breeds, but SCC and CMT scores were significantly different between breeds ( p < 0.05), and the cumulative frequency distribution of SCC among four breeds passed the one million legal limit with 79.8% for Alpine and 73.0% for Saanen. These two breeds fit better in Taiwan than the other two breeds. The bacteria isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) highest at 34.4% and Streptococci lowest at 9.4%; the total prevalence percentage was 43.4%. Highly significant ( p < 0.001) negative correlations were shown between milk lactose content and milk SCC, while percent milk fat, protein and total solids percentages were positively correlated with milk SCC, implying that there were close relationships between SCC and goat's milk quality and quantity in Taiwan.

Ocorrência de mastite bovina em fazendas produtoras de leite B no estado de São Paulo

Durante o período compreendido entre os meses de Março/1991 e Fevereiro /1992 foi realizado um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar a prevalência da mastite bovina em 07 fazendas produtoras de leite tipo B de diferentes regiões do estado de São Paulo. Foram analisadas 1683 vacas que deram origem a 7695 resultados do CMT e das quais foram coletadas 983 amostras de leite para realização do exame microbiológico. A análise do CMT indicou 47,0% de vacas com CMT negativo, 15,1% CMT + e 37,5% CMT ++/+ + + . Os escores do CMT foram distribuidos segundo o número de lactação (1ª lactação, 2ª lactação e 3ª ou + lactações) e segundo o estágio de lactação (1-30 dias de lactação, 31-90 dias, 91-250 dias e &gt; 250 dias). A análise dos dados demonstrou que houve um efeito significativo (p &lt; 0,0001) tanto do número quanto do estágio de lactação sobre a % de vacas CMT + + /+ + + Com relação ao perfil microbiológico das fazendas estudadas, foram encontradas 501 (50,97%) amostras positivas de um total de 983 amostras avaliadas. Das amostras positivas, destacou-se o Staphylococcus sp (44,6%) seguido por Corynebacterium sp (15,0%), Streptococcus sp (8,2%). Leveduras/Fungos (5,4%), Bacillus sp (4,4%), E.coli (3,2%) e Klebsiella sp (0,2%). Se considerarmos o isolamento tanto em cultura pura quanto em cultura mista, a ocorrência de Staphylococcus sp passa para 55,6%, a de Corynebacteríum sp para 18,6% e a Streptococcus sp para 15,0%.

National survey of clinical and subclinical mastitis in Jamaican dairy herds, 1985–1986

Between April 1985 and August 1986, 89 Jamaican dairy herds with 10 or more cows were visited, 1,645 lactating cows were examined using the CMT test and 254 composite milk samples collected for bacteriological examination. Widespread management faults were noted, especially of milking machine usage and maintenance and the abuse of antibiotics. Fifty-six per cent of all quarters were found to have CMT scores of one or higher, 0.8% showed clinical mastitis and 3.2% were blind. The most common bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, was recovered from 31% of sampled cows. The resultant milk loss from clinical and subclinical mastitis was estimated to be 20% of the potential national production.

Hetacillin, a new approach to mastitis control

Potassium hetacillin, a derivative of 6-aminopenicillanic acid, showed in vitro bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative and -positive mastitis pathogens. Intramammary infusion of hetacillin (10 ml, containing the equivalent of 62.5 mg ampicillin activity, in stable groundnut oil gel) resulted in elimination of the pathogen in 81% of 619 cases treated; it was eliminated in 100% of Streptococcus uberis, 94% of Str. agalactiae, 80% of other streptococcal, 61% of Staphylococcus aureus, 86% of other staphyloccal, 63% of Escherichia coli, 78% of Klebsiella and 86% of Proteus cases. It was most effective against subclinical infections (89% elimination) followed by chronic (82%), acute (69%) and 'acute flare-up' (61%). Hetacillin was very effective when used in mastitis control studies involving 4 herds; it also significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.001) CMT scores of 473 cases studied. There was good agreement between in vitro and in vivo results. The potassium salt of hetacillin (International Nonproprietary Name and British Approved Name for 'Hetacin K') was highly effective in acute, chronic and subclinical forms of mastitis caused by all the major mastitis bacterial pathogens, and gave very gratifying results when used on a herd control basis.

THE CELLULAR CONTENT OF COWS MILK.

SummaryThe comparison of CMT score and direct microscope count on 1,187 quarter milk samples indicates some limitations in the use of the CMT as an indirect estimator of cell content in quarter milk samples. In these data a CMT score of one or less could be interpreted as good evidence that the sample contained less than one million cells per ml. CMT scores of 2.2 or more provide good evidence for cell counts in excess of one million. The intermediate scores range too widely in cell count to be interpretable in these terms.

Whey Protein Patterns of Milk from Cows with Experimentally Produced Mastitis

Summary Whey protein patterns were determined on milk samples from cows in which experimentally induced mastitis was being studied. In two trials in which the cows showed increased temperatures, decreased production, and grossly abnormal milk, there were marked changes in the whey protein patterns. In the third trial, the attempt to produce mastitis resulted in increased cell counts and CMT scores, but no other definite evidence of mastitis. The changes in the whey protein patterns of samples collected during this trial were slight. In the third trial, it appeared that increases in cell numbers and CMT scores were more sensitive than changes in whey proteins as indicators of inflammation of the mammary gland. Whey protein analysis may be useful in studying the physiological responses in attempts to experimentally induce mastitis under controlled conditions.