Detection Of Subclinical Mastitis Research Articles

A First Investigation into the Use of Differential Somatic Cell Count as a Predictor of Udder Health in Sheep.

Differential somatic cell count (DSCC), the percentage of somatic cell count (SCC) due to polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and lymphocytes (LYMs), is a promising effective diagnostic marker for dairy animals with infected mammary glands. Well-explored in dairy cows, DSCC is also potentially valid in sheep, where clinical and subclinical mastitis outbreaks are among the principal causes of culling. We pioneered the application of DSCC in dairy ewes by applying receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to define the most accurate thresholds to facilitate early discrimination of sheep with potential intramammary infection (IMI) from healthy animals. We tested four predefined SCC cut-offs established in previous research. Specifically, we applied SCC cut-offs of 265 × 103 cells/mL, 500 × 103 cells/mL, 645 × 103 cells/mL, and 1000 × 103 cells/mL. The performance of DSCC as a diagnostic test was assessed by examining sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under curve (AUC) analyses. The designated threshold value for DSCC in the detection of subclinical mastitis is established at 79.8%. This threshold exhibits Se and Sp of 0.84 and 0.81, accompanied by an AUC of 0.88. This study represents the inaugural exploration of the potential use of DSCC in sheep's milk as an early indicator of udder inflammation.

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<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.

Detection of subclinical mastitis using the rennet coagulation test as compared with the traditional methods

Detection of subclinical mastitis using the rennet coagulation test as compared with the traditional methods

Development of a prototype milk screening reagent for the detection of bovine subclinical mastitis using common detergents and Hibiscus sabdariffa petals

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland of female animals which can either be clinical or subclinical. Subclinical mastitis is that which cannot be diagnosed by physical assessment of the udder, however, it continues to reduce the quality and quantity of the milk leading to economic losses. Diagnosis and treatment of subclinical mastitis is therefore of paramount importance to the farmer, however, the commercially available California Mastitis Test (CMT) reagent commonly used to detect subclinical mastitis is expensive and not readily accessible especially in the rural agrarian communities. This work was conducted to develop a test reagent from locally and readily available materials that can be used by rural farmers in the detection of subclinical mastitis. Different concentrations (1.5%, 3% and 6%) of different household detergents dissolved in water extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo) have been explored for their suitability to detect somatic cells in cow milk. The reagents were mixed with mastitic and nonmstatitic milk while the test conducted with CMT served as control to which the results from formulated reagents were compared for sensitivity. It was found that a 3% detergent concentration in zobo can be used to obtain gel formation and a colour change from red to dark green corresponding to somatic cell counts and pH respectively, much like the CMT reagent. The test conducted revealed 53.57%, 46.42%, 42.85% and 42.85% of cows’ fore-quarter milk samples were positive to CMT, detergents A, B and C respectively. The combination of household detergent and water extract of Zobo can therefore be an alternative to CMT reagent in the detection of subclinical mastitis, especially in the rural areas. This indicates the potential of using these test reagents for subclinical mastitis screening. Further studies are suggested to standardize and patent this reagent as an alternative for subclinical mastitis diagnostic test.

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from subclinical mastitis in lactating ewes

This study was conducted for estimation of subclinical mastitis prevalence caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) in apparent normal lactating ewes in the areas around Baghdad (Al-Rasheed, Al-Yousifya, Al-Latifya). 400 milk samples from 200 ewes were collected and examined by California mastitis test (CMT), Bacteriological examination was done by culturing on Blood agar, Mannitol salt agar, Staph-110 agar and Chrome agar then bacteria examined by Gram stain and biochemical test. Antibiotic sensitivity test and molecular assay by PCR were done to detect methicillin- resistant strains with the phylogenetic study. The results showed that 49/400 samples gave positive to CMT in the field and positive to S. aureus isolation. The percentage of subclinical mastitis in ewes was 12.25% in this study. All isolated bacteria were resistant to methicillin 100%. The result of PCR revealed that 16.32 % (8/49) of the MRSA were possess mecA gene, while no isolate carried the mecC gene, PCR-product for 8 positive samples of mecA target gene were sequenced, analyzed, and reported in Genbank-NCBI and obtained accession number and became a reference to Iraq and the Middle East and the world. Ongoing work will add to this set more type strains are published and it is available for download at ID: MZ359756.1, M Z359757.1, MZ359758.1, MZ359759.1, MZ359760.1, MZ359761.1, MZ359762.1, MZ359763.1 (mecA gene). Seven samples that match the global results by 100%, and one sample contains a mutation at the site 1539, Nucleotide. Our conclusion revealed that detection of subclinical mastitis in sheep very important caused by S. aureus and all S. aureus was resistant to methicillin and some strains possess mecA gene. However, absence of mec A in other MRSA isolates requires detecting the alternative genetic possibilities related to the resistance profile and fragment of gene used.

Detection of subclinical mastitis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) using somatic cell count, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and lactate dehydrogenase activity

Clinical and subclinical mastitis (SCM), mostly related to intramammary infection (IMI), is prevalent in pastoralist camel herds. An IMI has implications for public and animal health as well as for household economy. As bacterial culturing is expensive, time consuming and impractical in a pastoralist setting, other early detection methods for SCM in camels need to be investigated. Somatic cell count (SCC) is the standard for detecting SCM in cattle. The udder health indicators of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity are useful as diagnostic markers in cow, sheep and goat milk; they could be of potential use in camel milk production. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of SCM in camels, and specifically to assess SCC, and NAGase- and LDH activity in camel milk. In addition, potential associations between SCM (defined by a California Mastitis Test (CMT) score ≥3 and no signs of clinical mastitis) and SCC, NAGase- and LDH activity were investigated. In total, 40 healthy camels without clinical mastitis were sampled in four herds in Kenya. Quarter milk samples were collected aseptically and screened using CMT. SCC was analysed using a direct cell counter (DCC, DeLaval), and NAGase and LDH activity was analysed using kinetic fluorometric measures. In total, 116 milk samples were tested with CMT and analysed for SCC. Of these, 88 were analysed further for NAGase and LDH. The median SCC was 151,000 cells/mL (IQR: 49,500–709,000 cells/mL), and median NAGase and LDH were 18.5 U/l (IQR:14.8–24.0 U/l) and 12.0 U/l (IQR: 8.5–16.2 U/l) respectively. All inflammatory markers (SCC, NAGase, LDH) were significantly associated with SCM (P < 0.001). In conclusion, SCC, NAGase and LDH are potential inflammatory indicators in camel milk that can be used for detection of udder quarters with SCM.

Changes in social and feeding behaviors, activity, and salivary serum amyloid A in cows with subclinical mastitis

The aim of this study was to identify detailed changes in behavior, and in salivary serum amyloid A (SAA), associated with subclinical mastitis. This included standard sickness behaviors, such as decreased activity, feeding and drinking (here labeled "core maintenance" behaviors), and less well-studied social, grooming, and exploratory behaviors (here labeled "luxury" behaviors). Luxury behaviors are biologically predicted to change at lower levels of mastitis infection and are, therefore, particularly relevant to detecting subclinical mastitis. Salivary serum amyloid A is a physiological marker of systemic inflammation, with levels in milk and serum already known to increase during subclinical mastitis. We investigated whether the same was true for SAA in cow saliva. Data were collected for 17 matched pairs of commercial barn-housed Holstein-Friesian cows. Each pair comprised a cow with subclinical mastitis (SCM) and a healthy control (CTRL), identified using somatic cell count (SCC; SCM: SCC >200 × 1,000 cells/mL; CTRL: SCC <100 × 1,000 cells/mL). SCM cows were selected for study ad hoc, at which point they were paired with a CTRL cow, based upon parity and calving date; consequently, the full data set was accrued over several months. Data were collected for each pair over 3 d: SCC (d 1), behavior (d 2), salivary SAA (d 3). All behaviors performed by the focal cows over a single 24-h period were coded retrospectively from video footage, and differences between the SCM and CTRL groups were investigated using the main data set and a subset of data corresponding to the hour immediately following morning food delivery. Saliva was collected using cotton swabs and analyzed for SAA using commercially available ELISA kits. We report, for the first time, that an increase in salivary SAA occurs during subclinical mastitis; SAA was higher in SCM cows and demonstrated a positive (weak) correlation with SCC. The behavioral comparisons revealed that SCM cows displayed reductions in activity (behavioral transitions and distance moved), social exploration, social reactivity (here: likelihood to be displaced following receipt of agonism), performance of social grooming and head butts, and the receipt of agonistic noncontact challenges. In addition, SCM cows received more head swipes, and spent a greater proportion of time lying with their head on their flank than CTRL cows. The SCM cows also displayed an altered feeding pattern; they spent a greater proportion of feeding time in direct contact with 2 conspecifics, and a lower proportion of feeding time at self-locking feed barriers, than CTRL cows. Behavioral measures were found to correlate, albeit loosely, with serum SAA in a direction consistent with predictions for sickness behavior. These included positive correlations with lying duration and the receipt of all agonistic behavior, and negative correlations with feeding, drinking, the performance of all social and all agonistic behavior, and social reactivity. We conclude that changes in salivary SAA, social behavior, and activity offer potential in the detection of subclinical mastitis and recommend further investigation to substantiate and refine our findings.

Relationship Among NAGase Enzyme Activity, CMT Score and Somatic Cell Count in Milk of Crossbred Dairy Cows with Sub-Clinical Mastitis in North-Western Province of Sri Lanka

The assay procedure for N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) was considered to be the most reliable, simple, and rapid enzymatic method for estimating the severity of mammary tissue damage. This study was carried out to assess the relationship of NAGase enzyme activity, California mastitis test score (CMTS) and somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk and the influence of breed, parity and age of the cow on NAGase activity. The results showed that prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) was 74.5% (41/55) in the population of cows tested. The isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus spp. (34%, 14/41), Escherichia coli (34%, 14/41) and Streptococcus spp. (32%, 13/41). The SCC showed a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with the activity of NAGase (R2= 0.796) and CMTS (R2= 0.709). A significant correlation was observed between the NAGase activity and SCC in SCM positive milk, where the correlation was stronger (R2= 0.748) in the former than in the latter. The parity (R2= 0.843) and age (R2= 0.758) of the cow also showed a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with enzyme activity. The mean SCC and enzyme activity of different crossbreds of the study population did not show a significant correlation, but mean values of SCC and enzyme activity were higher when an animal was phenotypically more related to European breeds (779– 1848 x103 SCC/ml;0.64 -0.89 μmole/min/ml) than tropical breeds (427–534x103 SCC/ml; 0.26-0.43 μmole/min/ml). It could be concluded that, the prevalence of SCM in crossbred cows in North-Western Province of Sri Lanka is considerably high. The determination of NAGase enzyme activity in milk could be used as a method for early detection of SCM more accurately than CMTS and SCC.

Milk from healthy or infected cattle as a source of multi-drug resistant, AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Drinking raw unpasteurized milk or products made from raw milk is a recent trend observed among the people due to their belief in enhancing nutritional properties and better taste. It poses a great risk of microbial transmission along with antibiotic resistance gene pool (extended spectrum beta-lactamase or ampC) among the consumers. The study was conducted to detect the occurrence of AmpC producing E. coli in raw milk samples collected from healthy and mastitic cattle in West Bengal. In total, 450 cow milk samples were collected from all the six agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. The samples were collected from healthy as well as infected cattle suffering with clinical or sub-clinical mastitis, irrespective of age and breed. The collected milk samples were tested with MAST INDEX reagent for the detection of sub-clinical mastitis. E. coli isolates obtained from cattle milk samples (n=450) were subjected to cefoxitin-cloxacillin double disc synergy test and PCR based confirmation of blaAmpC, class I integron and CITM genes. All the ACBL producing E. coli isolates were subjected for their resistance to other antimicrobials. All the levofloxacin and Co-Trimoxazole resistant ACBL-producing isolates were studied for PMQR, sul1, sul2, sul3 genes. E. coli was isolated from 205 collected milk samples (205/450, 45.6%). The phenotypical test detected 231/383 isolates (60.3%) were AMPC producers which were also found to possess blaAmpC. Comparison of ACBL-producing E. coli occurrence in cattle with mastitis, sub-clinical mastitis and healthy cattle revealed significantly higher occurrence rate in infected cattle than the healthy ones (p<0.05). Phenotypical antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates showed resistance against penicillin-G (100%), cefoxitin (100%), ampicillin (42%), co-trimoxazole (13.5%) and levofloxacin (5.2%). Out of 30 co-trimoxazole resistant isolates identified, 25 (83%) and seven (30.4%) isolates possessed sul1 and sul2 gene, respectively, whereas, four (13.3%) isolates possessed both sul1 and sul2 genes. Three levofloxacin resistant isolates possessed qnrS gene. This is the first systemic study with substantial numbers of milk samples from healthy and infected cattle depicting occurrence of ACBL-producing E. coli and linkage present in the isolates between the genes encoding ACBL and quinolone or sulphonamide resistance.

A Study on Udder Health Management Practices, Reproductive Disorders and Subclinical Mastitis in Buffalo Herds in Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Mastitis is an economically important disease of intensive buffalo dairy farming worldwide. Detection of subclinical mastitis (SCM) is important for its management and control. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of reproductive disorders, SCM and udder health management practices in the buffalo dairy farms of Bhola District, Bangladesh. Data on animal demographics, reproduction status, daily milk yield and status of California Mastitis Test (CMT) result were recorded. A total of 402 buffaloes were observed in two farms at Bhola district and among them 70 milking buffaloes were randomly selected for CMT. The overall prevalence of SCM in buffalo was 20.0%. Young age group of buffaloes was more susceptible for SCM and it was not significant difference. Parity and stage of lactation have no any effect on SCM. However, abortion case was more susceptible to SCM than other diseases but not any significant difference. During milking the milkers never use any antiseptic solution for washing the udder and never use any feed supply during milking. Among the isolated organisms Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli were found more frequent in the study area and gentamicin and ciprofloxaclin were most sensitive to the isolated organisms. From this study it was concluded that buffalo‘s udder was very resistance to SCM infection and udder management practice was very poor. Common antibiotics were resistance to isolated organisms from SCM case. Gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were found more susceptible against all four isolated organisms.

Sensitive and rapid lateral-flow assay for early detection of subclinical mammary infection in dairy cows

Detection of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in its initial stage can save great economic losses, improve milk quality and animal welfare. We have developed a semiquantitative lateral flow assay for the detection of SCM in dairy cows targeting myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme of milk neutrophils. A competitive immunoassay format was used, and colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNP) were prepared and used as a labelling agent. Monoclonal anti-MPO antibodies were used and assessed for its quality by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dot blot. Conjugation method for GNP and anti-MPO antibodies was standardised, and the conjugate was placed over the conjugate pad. MPO coupled with a carrier protein (OVA) and the species-specific secondary antibodies were placed on test and control lines, respectively. The developed assay was verified with 75 milk samples collected from healthy, SCM and clinical mastitis cows. It displayed a high sensitivity as it could detect MPO as low as 1.5 ng/ml, an accuracy greater than 97% and showed no crossreactivity when crosschecked with other milk proteins. The developed assay can be used as an alternative for SCM diagnostic tests where lab structure are available for obtaining the lysate of milk SCC.

Studies on early detection of sub clinical mastitis and its antibiogram in lactating dairy cattle

Studies on early detection of sub clinical mastitis and its antibiogram in lactating dairy cattle

Changes in the inline lactate dehydrogenase according to the cow’s production and reproduction status

The aim of the present study was to investigate inline lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) changes in clinically healthy dairy cows according to the number and stage of lactations, milk yield, and the reproduction status The LDH activity (μmol/min per litre) was measured using the dry-stick technology. A total of 378 cows were selected and classified according to their reproductive status into the following groups: fresh (1–44 days after calving); open (45–65 days after calving); inseminated (1–35 days after insemination); pregnant (35–60 days after insemination). According to their milk productivity, the cows were classified into the following groups: &lt;15 kg/d, 15–25 kg/d, &gt;25–35 kg/d, and &gt;35 kg/d. They were milked with a DeLaval milking robot in combination with a Herd Navigator analyser. The results showed that the inline LDH concentration had a tendency to increase along with the increase in the number of lactation periods (P &lt; 0.05). The highest level of LDH was observed in fresh cows 5–10 days in milk (DIM), and the highest LDH concentration was found in the milk of fresh cows. A positive statistically reliable relationship was found between the milk yield and LDH concentration (P &lt; 0.05); LDH and milk somatic cell counts (SCC) were positively related in all groups of cows, although LDH concentration and SCC were the highest correlated variables in inseminated cows (P &lt; 0.05). The present study shows that measuring LDH activity in milk is both easy and cost effective with high sensitivity and specificity, having a great potential as a diagnostic tool for detection of subclinical mastitis.

Mastitis Detection and Prediction of Milk Composition Using Gas Sensor and Electrical Conductivity

Milk is a complex raw material, and it requires a strict quality control. The analyses that milk undergoes upon its arrival to the dairy industry are essential for its quality control. However, some of these analyses are complex; expensive; and in some cases, subjective, such as the detection of sub-clinical mastitis. With that in mind, a portable device was developed with the objective to create a fast, accurate, and easy-to-use tool for the detection of mastitis and for the evaluation of the overall quality of milk. Samples of bovine raw milk were evaluated for acidity, composition, somatic cell count (SCC), and electrical conductivity, coupled with gas sensor MQ-135, responsible for detecting carbon dioxide and ammonium, and gas sensor MQ-3, responsible for detecting ethanol, benzene, methane, hexane, and carbon monoxide. Through the MQ-135 measurement, it was possible to determine the occurrence of mastitis milk with a 77% accuracy, while MQ-3 did not show promising results. Besides, it was also possible to estimate acidity, lactose, protein, ashes, and casein content with the use of our portable device, with a satisfactory level of accuracy when milk components were found within their normal range of variation. The sensor device developed shows potential to provide a fast decision-making tool in the dairy industry.

Subclinical mastitis in dairy camels in Algeria: Comparison of screening tests

The aim of the present study was to determine a threshold values and to assess the effectiveness of four indirect tests for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in dairy camels comparing with bacteriological culture. One hundred fifty three milk samples from 17 lactating camels were subjected to bacteriological culture, where 84 milk samples were positive, 47 were negative and 22 samples were considered as contaminated. A total of 131 milk samples were screened by pH, electrical conductivity (EC), California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC). The good combination of sensitivity and specificity were obtained with a threshold of 6.55, 7.2 mS/cm, score trace was considered as CMT (+) and 240 000 cells/ml for the four tests, respectively. The sensitivity of the SCC, pH, EC and CMT was 72.61, 66.66, 47.61 and 39.28 %; the specificity 70.21, 38.02, 59.57 and 72.34 %; percentage accuracy 71.75, 51.14, 51.90 and 51.14 %; and positive predictive value 81.33, 47.61, 67.79 and 71.73 %, respectively. The SCC was significantly correlated with bacteriological culture (r = 0.415, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Kappa value of SCC was higher than that of other tests (SCC &amp;gt; CMT &amp;gt; EC &amp;gt; pH). In conclusion, the results suggest that the SCC was the most accurate, reliable, diagnostic method compared to other tests used in this study after cultural isolation for the detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy camel under field conditions.

Quarter-wise prevalence of subclinical mastitis in crossbred cows

The present study was designed to determine the quarter-wise and animal-wise prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in crossbred Karan Fries (Holstein x Tharparker) lactating cows. For this purpose, the udders of 73 cows were screened by modified California Mastitis Test (mCMT) and EC measurements. The efficiency of detection of mastitis and non-mastitis by EC measurements was 86% and 93% respectively. Animal-wise prevalence was found 41%, while quarter-wise prevalence was 31.16%. Among mastitic quarters, prevalence of single quarter infection, two quarter infection, three quarter infection and all four quarter infection per animal, was 0.00, 26.66, 43.33 and 30.00%, respectively. Out of all quarters, maximum prevalence was found in right hind quarters (29.67%) followed by left hind (26.37%), left fore (23.07%) and right fore (20.87%).The same pattern was observed during EC measurements. Though EC showed similarity with CMT in the detection of subclinical mastitis, the research needs to be carried out on more number of animals.

Accuracy of two indirect diagnostic tests for detection of subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cattle

Accuracy of two indirect diagnostic tests for detection of subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cattle

Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in the Local Goats in the Province of Laghouat (ALGERIA)

Subclinical mastitis is a disease of the udder that passes mostly unnoticed. Or several germs associated with it and their presence in milk constitutes a major risk to consumer health. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in local goats in Laghouat region (Algeria). We undertook a study based on the detection of sub-clinical mastitis by Califirnian Mastitis Test (CMT) in 60 goats aged 1 to 9 years and weighing 18 to 45 kg of live weight and whose lactation number varies from 2 to 8. We found a prevalence of subclinical mastitis reaching 46.6%. A clearly significant difference (P &lt;0.05) is reported on this prevalence compared to age. The highest rate is recorded especially in goats aged between 3 to 7 years with 62% of detected subclinical mastitis, followed by the older goats (over 7 years) with a prevalence of 27%, and at the end the youngest goats (1-3 years) with a prevalence of 11%. A significant difference was also recorded between the different lactation ranks (P &lt;0.05). The goats having the highest rank of lactation were most affected by subclinical mastitis. Prevalence of 46%, 31%, 11% and 8% respectively are found for the 6th rank of lactation and more, 4 lactations, 5 lactations and 1 lactation. We noticed that the majority of diagnosed mastitis were caused by poor hygiene conditions. This study allows us to conclude that there is a high prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the local goats in the province of Laghouat (Algeria).

Field and Laboratory Study on subclinical Mastitis of She-Camels in South Egypt

milking she-camels reared in desert of Daraw and Shalateen cities (South Egypt) using California Mastitis Test(CMT) in association with conventional bacteriological examinations of their milk, was aimed in the present study.A total of 210 she-camels were examined and tested by CMT. The positive cases were sampled andbacteriologically analyzed. The obtained results concluded that CMT is a beneficial screening tool for detection ofsubclinical mastitis of she-camels. Bacteriological examinations supported the results of the screening CMT inmilking she-camels. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis of the examined she-camels in Daraw and Shalateenwas 25.69 % and 16.31 % respectively. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis is increased by increasing the age ofshe-camels. The most common mastitis pathogens isolated from milk of CMT positive she-camels were belongingto Gram positive bacteria rather than negative. Coagulase Negative one staphylococci was the predominate agentfollowed by E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae

Assessment of Lactate Dehydrogenase Enzyme Activity in Milk as a Marker for Detection of Subclinical Mastitis

Sub clinical mastitis is responsible for heavy economic losses throughout the world in dairy sector. The objective of present study was to investigate lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activity in milk for detection of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes Milk samples from 60 buffaloes, including 40 subclinical infected and 20 healthy were subjected to the estimation of LDH using a LDH activity assay kit. LDH concentration in milk of buffaloes having subclinical mastitis was reported to be high (1.88±0.91 μmole/ml/min) as compared to healthy animals (0.26±0.10 μmole/ml/min). The receiver operating characteristics analysis at cut off value of 0.44 μmole/ml/min for LDH activity exhibited sensitivity and specificity of 95% each and area under curve was 0.959. Results of the correlation matrix revealed significantly strong positive interdependence of somatic cell count with enzyme LDH (r = 0.722**; P <0.01). Measuring LDH activity in milk was found both easy and cost effective with high sensitivity and specificity indicating that LDH activity has great potential as a diagnostic tool for detection of sub clinical mastitis in buffaloes.