High Prevalence Of Subclinical Mastitis Research Articles

Status of subclinical mastitis in lactating cows of selected dairy farms in Bangladesh and farmers’ understanding of mastitis

Background: Subclinical mastitis, a disease that is economically important to dairy cows, affects milk production. Management of udder health is an essential element in the process of safe milk production. Consumption of milk with a high somatic cell count (SCC) may also pose a health risk to humans. Objectives. We aimed to evaluate the SCC method for the detection of SCM in dairy cows and to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards mastitis detection and control. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the current status of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in lactating dairy cows. The research work was also designed to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices about bovine mastitis. A total of 320 milk samples from 80 lactating cows were collected for physical examination and tested for subclinical mastitis using SCC. Results. Out of 80 lactating cows examined, 53 (66%, 95% CI: 55-76%) cows were diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. The average cow level SCC per ml of milk was 503101. According to the farmers’ self-report, 100% of farms practiced hand milking and 100% of milkmen washed their hands before milking. The majority of farms (90%) had brick floors. Most of the farmers (70%) knew about screening for subclinical mastitis. However, they never performed screening to detect subclinical mastitis. Conclusion. The high prevalence of SCM in dairy raised significant concerns about farm management, personal hygiene and biosecurity practices. Further study is needed to identify the etiologies of SCM and its associated risk factors.

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.

Prevalence of antibiotic residues in milk samples of small-scale dairy households in Bengaluru, India

This study aimed to estimate the burden of subclinical mastitis in community setting, animal handlers’ knowledge, attitude and practices on mastitis and antibiotic use, and to detect antibiotic residues in milk samples. A total of 211 households belonging to four clusters of Karnataka state in Southern province of India were selected through 30-cluster approach. A total of 380 milk samples were analyzed for Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) by California Mastitis Test (CMT) and antibiotic residues by spore-based and Charm Rosa tests. Animal handler’s basic knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on antibiotics use were recorded. SCM prevalence was found 42% in the study site; antibiotic residues were detected in 21% (79/380) of milk samples; 7.1% and 5.52% of samples had maximum residual limits (MRL) and Multi Drug Residues (MDR), respectively. Antibiotic residues were detected in 32.22% of the households. Majority of animal handlers heard about antibiotics (83.31%), 51% of handlers treated the animals on their own and 23% of them bought antibiotics without prescription. High prevalence of SCM in the study setting and antibiotic load in milk samples raise food safety concern. Regulatory measures for prudent antibiotic use and knowledge dissemination among animal handlers for clean milk production are the measures required to tackle the problem.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis, associated risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from milk of dairy cattle in Kajiado Central sub-county, Kenya.

Literature is scarce on the occurrence of bovine mastitis and antimicrobial resistance among dairy animals kept by pastoralists in the Kenya. A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from dairy cattle kept by farmers in Kajiado Central sub-county, Kenya. A total of 202 lactating cows from 40 farms were sampled. Milk from the cows was screened for SCM using the California mastitis test, and the bacteria present in the milk samples were determined using standard bacteriological methods. The sensitivity of the isolated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and Staphylococcus aureus against antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The prevalence of SCM at quarter- and cow-level was 31.7% and 53%, respectively. The prevalence of SCM was significantly higher (p<0.05) in exotic breeds of cattle and those kept under an extensive system of production. A total of 19 bacterial species were isolated with the majority being CNS (40.1%), S. aureus (15.8%) and Micrococcus spp. (10.4%). S. aureus isolates showed varied resistance to the tested antibiotics with the highest resistance being against ceftazidime (75%), amoxycillin (50%) and streptomycin (46.9%). Several S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxacillin (34.4%) and cefoxitin (12.5%). CNSs were more resistant against ceftazidime (79.1%), amoxycillin (34.6%) and oxacillin (32.1%). Majority (92%-100%) of the Staphylococcus spp. were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin a fluoroquinolone and augmentin. The high prevalence of SCM and bacteria resistant to antibiotics shows a need for animal health professionals and farmers to develop strategies for the management of mastitis and antibiotic resistance in dairy cows in the study area.

Impact of subclinical mastitis on uterine health, reproductive performances and hormonal profile of Zebu × Friesian crossbred dairy cows in and around Jimma town dairy farms, Ethiopia

A longitudinal observational study was carried out from January 2020 to July 2021 to assess the impact of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on reproductive performance and its association with uterine health of crossbred dairy cows. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) and cytobrush technique were used to screen subclinical mastitis and subclinical endometritis, respectively. Milk samples positive for subclinical mastitis were subjected to bacteriological analysis. Data from 84 clinically healthy cows collected and analyzed. The present study revealed a prevalence of subclinical mastitis of 51.2% (43 of 84). The mean days from calving to first service interval were significantly longer in subclinical mastitis positive cows than negative (control) cows (120.51 ± 24.5 and 85.15 ± 28.3, respectively) (P < 0.05). The mean number of services per conception was significantly higher in positive cows (2.51 ± 0.83) than in negative cows (1.59 ± 0.81) (P < 0.05). Lower conception and pregnancy rates at first services were observed in subclinical mastitis cows. Risk factors analysis revealed that prevalence of subclinical mastitis significantly differed with the parity and body condition score (P < 0.05). The current study revealed that subclinical mastitis was significantly and directly associated with subclinical endometritis (P < 0.05). Subclinical mastitis significantly decreased (P = 0.000) progesterone concentrations and increased (P = 0.001) the cortisol concentrations. Staphylococcus aureus were the most predominant bacterial isolates from subclinical mastitic milk, followed by coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) and streptococci. This study concludes a high prevalence of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus could inflict harmful effects on reproductive performance of dairy cows, emphasizing the relevance of mastitis control programs in dairy farms.

Etiological agents and bacterial sensitivity in subclinical mastitis in Brazil: a ten-year systematic review.

Considering the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis and its impacts on milk production, thematic studies are need to provide strategic data for its control. This study aimed at investigating the most frequent microorganisms associated with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in Brazil through compiling the occurrence of the etiological agents and their sensitivity to antibiotics. The systematic review includes articles published between 2009 and 2019. Fiftyseven articles evaluating 22,287 milk samples were selected. The number of publications and the sample size were not homogeneous among Brazilian regions. Most of the studies and sampling were conducted in Rio Grande do Sul, whereas no studies were found in some states in the north and mid‑west regions. The most frequent pathogen was Staphylococcus spp. It was isolated in all studies and had an average prevalence of 49% in the analyzed samples. Resistance to penicillin was the most frequent microbial resistance found in Brazil, with an average of 66% among the isolates evaluated. Moreover, bacterial resistance to cephalexin, cefoperazone, erythromycin, gentamicin, neomycin, penicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim increased over the research period. Given the territorial extension, the etiological diversity, and the lack of studies with a representative sample, the compilation of scientific data must be interpreted with caution. Regions where a greater number of studies were conducted and with numerous samples, such as the South, provided a comprehensive scenario that is closer to reality. Nevertheless, although decision making on the farm cannot be replaced by scientific studies, it can be supported by such efforts.

Detection of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cows of Diyala Province, Iraq

Mastitis continues to be one of the economically most important diseases in dairy farming. The present study conducted to investigate the clinical mastitis at cow and quarter level based on clinical signs and direct / indirect tests for subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in different area of Diyala Province, from November 2013 to April 2014. The total number of samples is 100 from 25 dairy cows. These samples is tested to physical and chemical examination, as well as Somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteriological examination. Eight (32%) of twenty five cows suffered abnormalities in consistency of milk in which clot, straw color, redness and non-symmetrical quarter of udder.Whenever, 68% of cows passing subclinical mastitis. The result show significant difference at (p&lt;0.05) represented by AMT (88%), WST (85%), chloride test (100%), increased pH (80%) and (97%) SCC. Total number of bacteria species isolated from infected cow by clinical and sub clinical mastitis were 40 isolate caused by gram positive &amp;19 caused by gram negative as follows, Staphylococcus aureus (80.0%) Coagulase negative Stapylococci (20.0%); Pseudomonas areaginosa (26.31%); Pasteurella Spp.(15.79%) , Escherichia coli (15.79 %); Klebsiella Spp.(15.79%) ;Salmonella Spp(15.79%) and Proteus Spp.(10.52%). The study show high prevalence of subclinical mastitis among dairy cattle raised in small private farms at Diyala Province districts.

Most common pathogens from cows with subclinical mastitis in northwestern Paraná, Southern Brazil and their antimicrobial susceptibility

Considering the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis and its impacts on milk production, thematic studies are needed and can provide strategic data for its control. This study aimed at investigating the most frequent microorganisms associated with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in the northwest State of Paraná, Brazil and its sensitivity to antibiotics. A total of 478 foremilk samples were tested. Streptococci were the most frequently genus observed (63%), followed by staphylococci (31%). Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguis, and S. uberis were the most frequently identified species. For Streptococcus spp., the antimicrobial resistance was higher for Ceftiofur, whereas for Staphylococcus spp. it was also possible to verify a high occurrence of resistance for Gentamicin + Amoxicillin. Our results strengthen the knowledge of the microbiological agent and antibiotic-resistance patterns of pathogens at regional level, targeting future strategies to reduce the environmental spread of pathogenic strains resistant to antibiotics.

Risk Factors Associated with Sub-Clinical Mastitis and Antibacterial Resistance in Small-Holder Dairy Farms of Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya

Introduction: Worldwide, there is a paucity of literature on subclinical mastitis, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from dairy animals kept in peri-urban areas. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) and the sensitivity of the isolated bacteria to selected antibiotics in dairy cows kept by small-scale farmers in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya. Simultaneously, a questionnaire was administered to determine and assess the risk factors associated with mastitis.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Milk was obtained from all quarters of 101 lactating dairy cows, sampled from 50 farms, and screened for SCM using California Mastitis Test. The samples were cultured and bacteria identified using standard bacteriological methods. Antibacterial sensitivity of Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli isolates were tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, against commonly used antibiotics.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of SCM at cow and udder quarter levels were 51.2% and 47.5%, respectively. The prevalence of the bacteria was Staphylococcus spp. (51.4%), Klebsiella spp. (40.5%), Pseudomonas spp. (34.6%) and E. coli (11.8%). The risk factors significantly associated with SCM were breed, parity, lactation stage, and milking hygiene. The highest prevalence of SCM was found in cows in late-stage lactation (78%) with the lowest in those in early-stage lactation (37.5%). A higher prevalence of SCM was found in cows housed in farm structures having poor hygiene (95%). The highest prevalence of SCM was in Friesian breeds (67.3%) and the least affected were the indigenous cows (27.3%). Cows in the fourth and higher parities were the most (64.7%) affected by SCM. Most of the Staphylococcus spp. isolates were found to exhibit resistance to oxytetracycline (73%) but had high sensitivity to gentamycin (69%). All E. coli isolates showed resistance to oxytetracycline while a 75% were sensitive to Chloramphenicol. In conclusion, the study showed that a large proportion of cows were affected by SCM, with the main causative agent being Staphylococcus spp.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study shows that antibiotic resistance was alarmingly high in the study animals. The predisposing factors should be further investigated with a view to developing necessary interventions.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis among dairy cattle and associated risks factors in China during 2012–2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bovine mastitis, especially subclinical mastitis (SCM), is one of the most prevalent and economically costly diseases in the dairy industry worldwide. Understanding the prevalence and spatial distribution of bovine SCM and its associated risk factors will facilitate the prevention and control of the disease.We reviewed published studies pertaining to epidemiological surveys of SCM among dairy cows during the past decade (2012−2021) in China from inception to March 20, 2020, with PubMed, Clinical Trial, VIP, CNKI and databases being used to identify English and Chinese articles.Therefore, we retrieved 41 studies related to epidemiological surveys of SCM among dairy cows, using our eligibility criteria. We demonstrated that the prevalence of SCM in dairy cows was 37.7% during the selected periods, indicating a slight increase in the incidence of SCM in a comparison between 2012 and 2016 and 2017–2021. The estimated prevalence of SCM was 36.4%–50.2% in the seven regions, which was no statistically significant difference. The highest prevalence of SCM was 72% in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the lowest prevalence was 19% in Hubei Province.The variation in diagnostic methods was not significant in the studies. Dairy cows' parity was a risk factor associated with the prevalence rate of SCM. Cow's age might affect the prevalence of SCM during the selected periods. This study may facilitate the control with specific strategies to reduce costs and antibiotics overuse, enhance food safety and public health.

Risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows reared in district Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir

Subclinical mastitis is associated with certain risk factors such as age, lactation stage, milk production and parity. A cross sectional study including 135 cross bred Holstein Friesian dairy cows was undertaken from June 2017 to January 2019 in surrounding villages of district Ganderbal in order to identify major risk factors. The overall prevalence of SCM was 81.48%. The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis associated with various risk factors was 48.1% (early lactation), 44.54% (5-7 years), 49.09% (&gt;10 litres per day) and 30.90% (3rd parity) respectively. In intensive system of rearing, prevalence was 66.36% whereas in extensive 33.63% was found. In present study, single quarter was affected in 61.81% of SCM infections. In milking method, knuckling and stripping showed more incidence of SCM. In present study, moderate form of mastitis was more predominant (40.9%).

Investigation of prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis of dairy buffaloes at Bhola district of Bangladesh

The subclinical mastitis is more serious and is responsible for much greater loss to the dairy industry in Bangladesh. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and identify the associated risk factors in randomly selected 200 lactating buffaloes (192 local and 8 crossbred) at some selected regions of Bhola district, Bangladesh during the period from March 2018 to February 2019. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed on each quarter milk sample of lactating buffaloes at field condition for the determination of subclinical mastitis in dairy buffaloes. Overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 10.50% (21/200). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) was comparatively higher in crossbred (12.5%) as compared to local breed (10.42%). The highest prevalence of SCM in dairy buffaloes was also found in late lactation period (12.82%), age group 7 to 18 years (13.46%), rainy season (11.1%) and 2nd parity group (10.74%). Moreover, the buffaloes graze in free range areas; large and medium sized farms; poor health conditions and other diseases of post parturient period increasing the susceptibility of SCM. For early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, CMT can be performed regularly as a control measures and emphasis should be provided on farm management practices; particularly on milking hygiene and udder sanitation.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 697-704

Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis among Small Ruminants and Isolation of Some Etiological Bacterial Pathogens in Jimma Town, Ethiopia

Subclinical mastitis in small ruminants is of concern due to the animal welfare, economic, public health, productivity, and livelihood impacts that it may pose. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to April 2018 in and around Jimma town, Southwest, Ethiopia; to estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis, to isolate bacterial pathogens responsible for the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, and to identify risk factors associated with the development of subclinical mastitis in small ruminants. Milk samples were collected from 186 apparently healthy lactating small ruminants, tested on the field with the California Mastitis Test, and samples tested positive were subjected to bacteriological examinations. Out of 372 milk samples collected, 92(24.8%) samples from 70 animals were positive by the California Mastitis Test and these were cultured on different media. Through bacteriological examinations, six isolates of bacteria were identified which include; S. aureus (8.1%), S. epidermidis (10.2%), S. intermidus (2.2%), S. hyicus (1.6%), S. agalactiae (3.2%), and E. coli (12.4%). The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis recorded was due to Staphylococcus species (22%) followed by E. coli (12.4%) and the least prevalence was due to S. agalactiae (3.2%). The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis among small ruminants was 37.6%. Age and parity number variations among small ruminants were found important in influencing the prevalence in statistically significant (P = 0.00) extents. The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis was recorded in old (24.7%) and in small ruminants having &gt;5 parity numbers (24.7%). The high prevalence of small ruminant subclinical mastitis in the study area suggests that intervention strategies their-goal-being prevention and control of subclinical mastitis should be designed; so as to improve the welfare of animals, to save people consuming the milk of small ruminants from zoonotic risks, and to harvest the diverse benefits that may be generated from small ruminant production.

Prevalence, Etiology, and Risk Factors of Mastitis in Dairy Cattle in Embu and Kajiado Counties, Kenya.

Bovine mastitis continues to be a leading cause of heavy economic losses in the dairy industry and a public health hazard globally. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, etiologies of clinical and subclinical mastitis, and associated predisposing factors in Embu and Kajiado counties in Kenya. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to 154 smallholder dairy farmers to collect data on management practices, animal factors, and disease history. A total of 395 dairy cows were initially screened for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test (CMT), and milk samples were aseptically collected. Both CMT positive and CMT negative samples were analyzed using conventional bacteriological isolation and identification procedures. In the present study, the overall prevalence of mastitis based on CMT and clinical examination was 80% (316/395), out of which 6.8% (27/395) was clinical mastitis, while 73.1% (289/395) was subclinical mastitis. Based on culture, the overall prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis was 51.6% (815/1580), 74.4% (294/395), and 76.6% (118/154) at the quarter, cow, and farm level, respectively. From the 1574 milk samples analyzed by cultured, 1016 bacteria were yielded. The predominant bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS), 42.8% (435/1016), and in decreasing order, Streptococcus species, 22.2% (226/1016), Staphylococcus aureus, 15.7% (160/1016), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5.1% (52/1016), and the least was Enterobacter species, 0.7% (7/1016), while 23.7% of the sample yielded no bacterial growth. Risk factor analysis revealed that milking mastitic cows last (p=0.002), using a clean udder drying towel for each cow (p=0.033) and previous history of mastitis (p=0.046) were significantly associated with presence of mastitis. The current study has shown a relatively high prevalence of subclinical mastitis with CNS as predominant bacteria. Therefore, control measures are urgently warranted. Management factors such as milking mastitic cows last, using a clean towel for udder drying for each cow, and culling mastitic cows should be considered and included in the Kenyan mastitis control programs.

Effect of floor on welfare of lactating cows in small farms of Sirajgonj district, Bangladesh

Animal welfare is a relatively new topic and there is a dearth of the report regarding the welfare assessment of dairy cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of floor surface of the dairy sheds on mastitis, skin lesions, cleanliness of body and lameness of lactating cow in smallholders’ production system. To conduct this study, 5 soil type floor, 5 brick paved and 5 concrete floors of small holder dairy units were selected in Sirajgonj district. From each shed, 5 numbers of dairy cows were selected preferably in the first lactation stage. A total 75 milk samples from three different types of the shed were tested for subclinical mastitis using a California mastitis test. The results showed that 40%, 28%, and 32% cows were CMT positive for subclinical mastitis in soil, brick made and concrete type floor, respectively. The prevalence of SCM was not significantly differences among the different types of floor (P&gt;0.05). Cleanliness and hygienic status of the muddy soil type floor were found to be significantly poor in comparison to that of brick made and concrete type floor of dairy farms. The prevalence of skin lesions in different body parts was higher in brick made (62%) and concrete floor sheds (88%) compared to soil bedded (31%) floor. Hair loses in the concrete and brick made floor was significantly higher (P≤0.01) in comparison with the muddy soil floor. The overall prevalence of lameness of the brick made (72%) and concrete type floor was higher (65%) than that of soil bedded shed (48%). There was a significant difference of lameness between soil type and brick made floor of the shed (P&gt;0.05). The study recommends that in order to reduce the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis, skin lesions and lameness in smallholder farmers require to improve floor conditions through regular cleaning of the floor or upgrade to the concrete floor using rubber mat.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(1): 87-95, April 2020

Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Bovine Subclinical Mastitis for Virulence Genes, Phylogenetic Groups and ESBL Production

Pathogenic E. coli associated with bovine mastitis are least studied group of microbes in India. Thus an investigation was carried out to know the occurrence of bovine subclinical mastitis and E. coli at different dairy farms. E. coli strains isolated from clinical and environmental samples were screened for virulent genes namely, eae, bfpA, iapH, aggR, elt, est, stx1/stx2; phylogenetic groups and for ESBL production. Findings revealed high prevalence of subclinical mastitis (45%). E. coli strains were isolated from milk, udder, milking machine, floor swabs, etc. Out of 81 E. coli, 38 (46.91%) were ESBL producers. The virulent genes in single or in combination were detected in 55 strains and eae gene was predominant (43.20%). The stx1/stx2 were detected in 2.47% samples. E. coli isolates fall under phylogenetic groups B1 (58.18%), A (23.63%) and D (18.18%). Phylogenetic group B2 was not detected. Dairy cattle could act as a reservoir of ESBL type diarrheagenic E. coli.

Subclinical Mastitis in a European Multicenter Cohort: Prevalence, Impact on Human Milk (HM) Composition, and Association with Infant HM Intake and Growth.

Background: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland. We examined the effects of SCM on human milk (HM) composition, infant growth, and HM intake in a mother–infant cohort from seven European countries. Methods: HM samples were obtained from 305 mothers at 2, 17, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days postpartum. SCM status was assessed using HM Sodium (Na): Potassium (K) ratio >0.6. Levels of different macro- and micronutrients were analyzed in HM. Results: SCM prevalence in the first month of lactation was 35.4%. Mean gestational age at delivery was lower and birth by C-section higher in SCM mothers (p ≤ 0.001). HM concentrations of lactose, DHA, linolenic acid, calcium, and phosphorous (p < 0.05 for all) was lower, while total protein, alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, albumin, arachidonic acid to DHA ratio, n-6 to n-3 ratio and minerals (iron, selenium, manganese, zinc, and copper) were higher (p < 0.001 for all) in mothers with SCM. There were no differences in infant growth and HM intake between non-SCM and SCM groups. Conclusion: We document, for the first time, in a large European standardized and longitudinal study, a high prevalence of SCM in early lactation and demonstrate that SCM is associated with significant changes in the macro- and micronutrient composition of HM. Future studies exploring the relation of SCM with breastfeeding behaviors and developmental outcomes are warranted.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Cow Mastitis among Small Scale Farmers and Dairy Farms in Western Tigray, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out from November 2017 to June 2018 to assess awareness status and management practice common among dairy cows owners and to determine the prevalence of bovine mastitis and its associated risk factors in four districts and nine kebelles of Western Zone of Tigray Regional State, North West Ethiopia. In this study, out of the 355 dairy cows and 1314 functional quarters examined, 99(27.89%) cows and 142(10.81%) quarters were found positive for sub-clinical mastitis on California Mastitis Test (CMT). In addition, from the 355 dairy cows and 1420 quarters examined, 88(24.79%) and 108(7.61%) cows and teats respectively, were found to be blind. From the total risk factors considered, statistically significant association (P&lt;0.05) was found in different breed, udder type and parity. Semi structured questionnaires surveys were distributed to 87(95.60%) males and 4(4.40%) females. According to the survey result, 76(83.52%) of the dairy cow owners housed their cows in open area with muddy or soily floor type. From the total 91 interviewed 32(35.16%) regularly dispose dung and cleaning of house. During the survey, udder management before and after milking was assessed. According to the response of 89(97.80%) milkers washed their hands prior to milking and 2(2.20%) did not. From the total 91interviewed individuals, 13(14.29%) milkers disinfect their hands before proceeding to milk the next cow while 78(85.71%) did not. During the survey, sequence of milking cows was assessed. Based on the response of respondents, 85(93.41%) of the milker did not follow sequence of milking and the rest 6(6.59%) milkers emphasized the need to follow the order of milking. The result of the present study indicated a relatively high prevalence of subclinical mastitis and with higher incidence of one or more nonfunctional teat which impose higher economic loss to the dairy owners. Lack of strategic control measures and improper attention to the health of the mammary glands contribute the higher infestation rate. Better management practices in milking and adequate housing with proper sanitation should be provided.

Aetiology and prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy herds in peri-urban areas of Kigali in Rwanda

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and associated risk factors in dairy cows in peri-urban areas of Kigali, Rwanda, and identify causative udder pathogens. A sample of 256 cows from 25 herds was screened with the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and udder quarters with CMT score ≥ 3 (scale 1–5) were milk sampled for culture and final bacteriological identification with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). All resultant staphylococci species were tested for beta-lactamase production with the clover leaf method. In parallel, herd bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC) of each herd was analysed using a portable device, the DeLaval cell counter. The prevalence of SCM was 43.1% at quarter level and 76.2% at cow level based on CMT test. Multiparous, Holstein cows were 2.50 (C.I = 1.32–4.71) and 10.08 (C.I = 1.54–66.13) times more likely to contract SCM infection than primiparous animals or cows of other breeds, respectively. The median and mean SCC of all herds were 1108 × 103 cells/mL and 1179 × 103 cells/mL, respectively. The most prevalent pathogens were non-aureus staphylococci (NAS; 40.2%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (22%) and less prevalent pathogens (6%). Samples with no growth or contamination constituted 30.4% and 1.4% of the diagnoses, respectively. The most prevalent species within NAS were S. epidermidis (38.2%) followed by S. sciuri (19.5%), S. chromogenes (9.8%), and nine less prevalent NAS species (32.5%). Out of 209 staphylococci isolates, 77% exhibited beta-lactamase production. The study shows that there is high prevalence of SCM and high herd bulk milk SCC in herds in Kigali, indicating udder health problems in dairy cows. Additionally, beta-lactamase production among staphylococci species was common. Improved milking hygiene and application of biosecurity measures, or a complete mastitis control plan, is required to lower the prevalence of SCM and minimize the spread of pathogens among dairy cows.

Genetic tools and techniques for fish improvement

Mastitis is an economically important disease in goats. In the present study, a total of 100 quarter milk samples were collected from 50 apparently healthy Sirohi Goats in Udaipur district. The culture examination of these samples revealed the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in Sirohi goats as 26 (26/100) % and 34 (17/50) % on udder quarter basis and animal basis, respectively. The highest prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed in 3rd lactation (50 %). Among the different isolates, staphylococci were found as most prevalent organism accounting for 37.50 (12/32) %, followed by streptococci 28.12 (9/32) %, E. coli 18.75 (6/32) %, bacilli 9.37 (3/32) % and Corynebacterium spp. 6.25 (2/32) %. The threshold values of modified California mastitis test, total somatic cell count and electrical conductivity in subclinical mastitic milk samples were observed to be +1, 1.0 million cells/ml of milk and 6.0 mS/cm, respectively.