Incidence Of Mastitis Research Articles

Effects of an immunomodulatory feed additive on body weight, production parameters, blood metabolites, and health in multiparous transition Holstein cows.

The study investigated the impact of feeding OmniGen-AF® (OG; Phibro Animal Health, Quincy, IL) from dry-off to week 4 of lactation at two doses on production performance and metabolic adaptation of multiparous Holstein cows. Forty-eight cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three treatments: OG was fed at 0g/head/day (CON), 60g/head/day (OG60), or 90g/head/day (OG90). No difference was observed in dry matter intake (DMI) throughout the experiment, whereas feeding OG tended to decrease the percentage body weight change (PWC) on week 2. Although colostrum yield was not affected by treatment, colostrum IgG production of OG90 tended to be higher than that of CON. OG supplementation did not affect overall milking performance but decreased milk SCC during the first 4weeks of lactation. In prepartum, OG supplementation decreased the concentrations of serum albumin and calcium, and increased serum globulin. OG supplementation tended to increase serum total protein, globulin, and calcium contents postpartum. Furthermore, reduced incidence of mastitis and udder edema were observed. In conclusion, supplementing cows with OG from dry-off period reduces or modulates the inflammation responses associated with parturition, potentially resulting in improved postpartum health, while feeding OG more than 60g/head/day did not warrant further benefits.

Review : Kejadian mastitis dan kaitannya dengan vitamin dan Trace Mineral Cu, Zn, Se

<p>Mastitis means inflammation of the udder and is a common disease among dairy cows worldwide. It is subdivided into clinical mastitis and subclinical mastitis, both influence milk quality and quantity, and mastitis is therefore of major economic concern for the farmer. The incidence rate of mastitis varies between herds and depends on the exposure to pathogens, environmental and management factors and the immune status of the cow. Mastitis is associated with release of free radicals, increased total oxidant capacity and decreased total antioxidants capacity in milk. Vitamin C, E, , α tocopherol, A, β-karoten and trace mineral (Cu, Zn, and Se) feeding, as an antioxidant, in dairy cows have shown appreciable protective effects by reducing the incidence of mastitis.The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of Vitamins C, E, α tocopherol, A, β-carotene, Cu, Zn, and Se in the incidence of mastitis.</p>

A Functionally Different Immune Phenotype in Cattle Is Associated With Higher Mastitis Incidence.

A novel vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) induced pathogenic antibody production in 5–10% of BVD-vaccinated cows. Transfer of these antibodies via colostrum caused Bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) in calves, with a lethality rate of 90%. The exact immunological mechanisms behind the onset of BNP are not fully understood to date. To gain further insight into these mechanisms, we analyzed the immune proteome from alloreactive antibody producers (BNP cows) and non-responders. After in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood derived lymphocytes (PBL), we detected distinctly deviant expression levels of several master regulators of immune responses in BNP cells, pointing to a changed immune phenotype with severe dysregulation of immune response in BNP cows. Interestingly, we also found this response pattern in 22% of non-BVD-vaccinated cows, indicating a genetic predisposition of this immune deviant (ID) phenotype in cattle. We additionally analyzed the functional correlation of the ID phenotype with 10 health parameters and 6 diseases in a retrospective study over 38 months. The significantly increased prevalence of mastitis among ID cows emphasizes the clinical relevance of this deviant immune response and its potential impact on the ability to fight infections.

FACTORS OF INFLUENCE ON THE MORBIDITY BY MASTITIS OF COWS

Diseases of mastitis of dairy livestock cause significant economic losses, exceeding losses from all non-communicable diseases combined. It leads to a sharp decline in milk production or interruption of lactation, premature culling of milking premature culling of dairy herd, large material costs. In addition, the problem of mastitis is of social importance, because when eating milk containing pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins, people, especially children, also have serious illnesses.
 The aim of the research is to determine the factors affecting the level of cow damage with mastitis.
 The research was conducted in 2014–2016 on dairy farms in Donetsk region. Average milk yield per cow per year in the farms was at the level of 4000–5055 kg of milk. Before the beginning of the experiment, a structural analysis of the dairy herds was carried out on the farms, taking into account the age of the cows, the physiological state, the stage of lactation, productivity and pedigree composition.
 Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in milk cows was carried out by mastidinovoy breakdown on control plates. The dependence of the number of hidden mastitis on such indicators as milk yield, lactation stage, elements of technology of keeping, age of animals and season of the year was taken into account.
 Research methods: experimental, supplemented by analytical studies, measurements, calculations and observations.
 It is showed that the structure of the herd of enterpriceses AgroPromservice, Bogoyavlinske, VostokAgro and Rossiya is approximately. It was found that with two-time milking their number was 20.5%, for two-time milking with milking it was 23.9%, and with three-time milking a day it was 17.6%.
 Influence of disinfection of the nipples of the mammary gland after milking with the drug "De Laval" "Dipal-concentrate" showed that with a double treatment the incidence of mastitis was 26.4%; When disinfectiont of the nipples of the breast after milking once a day, this indicator increases by 5.3%.
 Analysis of the disinfection of the teat with iodine and glycerin after each milking showed that the incidence of mammary gland hidden mastitis is reduced from 39.3% to 30.8%, that is, 8.5%.
 It was revealed that the incidence in the summer and winter periods ranged from 14.6 to 23.9%, in the spring and autumn periods from 19.5 to 36.9%.
 Studies have shown that the number of mammary gland diseases depends on the age of the animals, in particular, in primiparous animals it was less than in older cows.
 The most resistant to the disease are low-productive animals with a productivity of 3000 kg of milk and less for lactation (the number of diseases was 2.6–9.0%). With the increase in milk productivity from 4000–5500 kg of milk and more the number of diseases increases to 13.9–50.8%.
 Analysis of the presence of subclinical mastitis in farms, depending on the lactation stage of cows, indicates that the greatest number of hidden mastitis occurs in the second or fourth months of lactation, at 10–11 months of lactation and significantly decreases in the middle of lactation.
 Thus, the factors influencing the level of cow damage with mastitis were determined: milk productivity, lactation stage, milking and maintenance technology, animal age and season of year. The most influential factors are the productivity of animals and the technology of milking and keeping animals.

Abortion and other risk factors for mastitis in Iranian dairy herds

This paper forms a part of a series of studies aiming to estimate the costs of abortion in Iranian dairy herds. In previous studies we have determined mastitis as a significant risk factor for abortion. In order to provide a more reliable estimation of the costs associated with abortion in Iranian dairy herds, the risk of a cow getting infected with mastitis needs to be included. Data from 6 commercial herds and 32,191 cows was assigned to 3-weeks in milk (3-WIM) records from 1 to 567 d after calving (1st–27th 3-WIM). The effect of herd, parity, calving season, past incidence of abortion, cumulative FCM yield level (CFCML), past incidence of mastitis in previous 3-WIM periods (EMAS), days in milk (DIM) and their significant 2-way interactions on mastitis in current 3-WIM period (MAS) were evaluated using a logistic regression model. Mastitis rate (MR) in studied herds was on average 28.3%. Results show that herd, parity, EMAS, CFCML, calving season, and lactation stage significantly (P < 0.01) influenced the risk of MAS. The risk of MAS increased with lactation number. Cows with EMAS had 4.98 times greater risk of MAS compared to cows with no EMAS. Additionally, cows with medium-level CFCML (i.e. 2, 3, and 4) had a higher risk of MAS compared to cows on level 1 and 5. Calving during the spring significantly (P < 0.01) increased the risk of MAS compared to other seasons. Past incidence of abortion, however, was not significantly associated with MAS, but remained in the final model because of the interaction with other factors.It can be concluded that a risk factor analysis with all significant interactions is more informative than a model without the interactions, especially when making the optimal decision for a cow with given characteristics. Moreover, knowledge on the effect of influential factors on mastitis will be useful when designing mastitis control programs at herd or national level.

Extended lactation in high-yielding dairy cows. II. Effects on milk production, udder health, and body measurements

The objective of this prospective field study was to evaluate the effects of extending the lactation period of high-yielding dairy cows on milk production, udder health characteristics, and development of body condition. On 40 d in milk (DIM), an examination of the genital tract (transrectal palpation, sonography, vaginoscopy) was performed. Cows without signs of clinical endometritis were blocked by parity and were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 experimental groups with a voluntary waiting period of 40, 120, and 180 d, respectively (G40, n = 135; G120, n = 141; G180, n = 139). Mean daily milk and energy-corrected milk production did not differ between the 3 groups regarding the first 305 d or for the whole lactation (d 1 and up to dry off, culling, or 600 DIM). In late lactation (306 to 600 DIM), G40 had lower average productivity (23.8 kg) compared with G120 (26.5 kg), with G180 showing intermediate values (25.7 kg). The extended lactation groups showed greater persistency, as the rate of decline based on a Wilmink function was lower for G120 (c = -0.063 and -0.045 for milk and energy-corrected milk, respectively) and G180 (c = -0.061 and -0.047) compared with G40 (c = -0.071 and -0.056). We found no difference between the 3 groups regarding the evaluated udder health characteristics (somatic cell count, incidence of mastitis, and days off milk due to mastitis). More cows in G180 (7.9%) were culled due to low productivity compared with G40 (0.7%) and as a tendency compared with G120 (2.8%). Moreover, cows of G180 showed higher median body condition score at the time of dry off compared with cows of both G40 and G120 (3.50 for G180 vs. 3.25 for both G40 and G120). At the time of dry off, G180 cows also had greater backfat thickness (25.0 mm) compared with both G40 (22.2 mm) and G120 cows (21.6 mm). Based on our results, the extension of the voluntary waiting period of high-yielding cows up to 120 d has no adverse effects regarding milk production, involuntary culling, udder health, or BCS gain.

Effects of pegbovigrastim administration on periparturient diseases, milk production, and reproductive performance of Holstein cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of treating Holstein cows with pegbovigrastim on periparturient diseases, milk production, and reproductive performance while exploring the mode of action of an immunomodulatory protein. Cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatments, untreated control (CTR, n = 423) and pegbovigrastim (PEG, n = 417). At 7 d from the anticipated calving date (d -7), cows allocated to PEG received a subcutaneous injection of 15 mg of pegylated recombinant bovine granulocyte colony stimulating factor (pegbovigrastim injection, Imrestor, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN). A second injection was administered within 24 h after calving (d 0). Blood samples were obtained from a subset of cows (CTR, n = 103; PEG, n = 102) at -7 and 0, 3, 7, and 14 d relative to parturition. Samples were used for hemogram and quantification of haptoglobin, nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and trace and macro minerals. Vaginal cytobrush was performed on the same subset cows at d 0, 7, and 14 to assess the relative neutrophil count. Additionally, colostrum samples were collected to measure IgG, IgM, IgA, and lactoferrin concentrations. Postpartum disease occurrence was recorded from calving until 30 d in milk (DIM). Weekly milk yield was recorded for the first 12 wk after calving. Cows treated with PEG had a 3- to 4-fold increase in circulating polymorphonuclear leukocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte numbers, with a peak at 3 d after treatment followed by a gradual decline, but the counts remained significantly greater compared with CTR at 14 DIM. The administration of PEG did not affect the incidence of clinical and subclinical mastitis, retained fetal membranes, metritis, puerperal metritis, and endometritis. Primiparous cows treated with PEG tended to have lower odds of developing hyperketonemia than CTR [odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23 to 1.42]. Cows treated with PEG had higher odds of being diagnosed with lameness within 30 DIM compared with CTR (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.16 to 2.76); however, we found no significant differences by 60 DIM. Treatment with PEG increased the odds of displaced abomasum (OR = 8.27, 95% CI = 1.02 to 66.6). Cows treated with PEG had higher odds of being diagnosed with 1 or more clinical diseases compared with CTR cows (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.90). We observed no differences in linear scores or milk composition between treatments. Furthermore, primiparous cows treated with PEG produced more milk than CTR primiparous cows during the first 12 wk postpartum (PEG = 37.51 ± 0.66; CTR = 35.91 ± 0.65 kg), but no differences were observed on energy-corrected milk. Treatment did not alter reproductive performance; additionally, cows diagnosed with metritis or puerperal metritis and treated with PEG tended to have higher proportion of neutrophils in the vaginal mucosa when compared with CTR metritic cows. Although PEG treatment increased circulating polymorphonuclear leukocyte, monocyte, and lymphocyte numbers, as expected, it was detrimental to cow health because it increased morbidity.

Genetic analysis of subclinical mastitis in early lactation of heifers using both linear and threshold models

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) causes economic losses for dairy producers by reducing milk production and leading to higher incidence of clinical mastitis and premature culling. The prevalence of SCM in first-lactation heifers is highest during early lactation. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for SCM in early lactation in first-parity Holsteins. Somatic cell count test-day records were collected monthly in 91 Canadian herds participating in the National Cohort of Dairy Farms of the Canadian Bovine Mastitis Research Network. Only the first test-day record available between 5 and 30 d in milk was considered for analysis. The final data set contained 8,518 records from first lactation Holstein heifers. Six alternative traits were defined as indicators of SCM, using various cutoff values of SCC, ranging from 150,000 to 400,000 cells/mL. Both linear and threshold animal models were used. Overall prevalence of SCM using the 6 traits ranged from 13 to 24%. Heritability estimates (standard error) from linear and threshold models ranged from 0.037 to 0.057 (0.015 to 0.018) and from 0.040 to 0.051 (0.017 to 0.020), respectively. We found strong genetic correlations (standard error) among alternative SCC traits, ranging from 0.90 to 0.99 (0.013 to 0.069), indicating that these 6 traits were genetically similar. Despite low heritability, based on estimated breeding values (EBV) predicted from both models, we noted exploitable genetic variation among sires. Higher EBV of SCM resistance corresponded to sires with a higher percentage of daughters without SCM. Based on a linear model (all 6 traits), percentage of daughters with SCM ranged from 5 to 13% and from 19 to 33% for the top 10% and worst 10% of 69 sires with minimum 20 daughters in at least 5 herds, respectively. Spearman's rank correlations among EBV of sires predicted from linear (from 0.75 to 0.95) and threshold (from 0.74 to 0.95) models were moderate to high, respectively. Very high rank correlations (0.98 to 0.99) between EBV predicted for the same trait from linear and threshold model indicated that reranking of sires based on model used was minimal. In conclusion, despite low heritability, we found utilizable genetic variation in early lactation of heifers. Hence, genetic selection to improve genetic resistance to SCM in early lactation of heifers was deemed possible.

Efficacy of a terpinen-4-ol based dipping for post-milking teat disinfection in the prevention of mastitis in dairy sheep

ABSTRACTMastitis is the main cause of antibiotic use in dairy sheep. Post-milking teat disinfection is adopted to prevent intra-mammary infections. Use of chemical disinfectants is associated with biocide and antibiotic resistance. Terpinen-4-ol (T-4-ol), component of the Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, shows antibacterial properties without inducing resistance. Aim of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a T-4-ol post-dipping compound in preventing bacterial mastitis in dairy sheep. In two different farms, two groups of 35 ewes were recruited as experimental and control arm (exposed to chlorhexidine-based disinfectant). No differences were observed during the follow-up. In one livestock, during the first year, 30-day incidence of mastitis was significantly lower in the T-4-ol group. Post-milking teat disinfection with T-4-ol showed equivalent efficacy in terms of mastitis incidence. Disinfectants based on natural compounds for mastitis prevention could potentially reduce environmental pollution, avoid drug residues in milk and decrease the antimicrobial resistance development.

A genome-wide association study for mastitis resistance in phenotypically well-characterized Holstein dairy cattle using a selective genotyping approach.

A decrease in the incidence of bovine mastitis, the costliest disease in the dairy industry, can be facilitated through genetic marker-assisted selective breeding programs. Identification of genomic variants associated with mastitis resistance is an ongoing endeavor for which genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using high-density arrays provide a valuable tool. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Holstein dairy cattle associated with mastitis resistance in a GWAS by using a high-density SNP array. Mastitis-resistant (15) and mastitis-susceptible (28) phenotypic extremes were identified from 224 lactating dairy cows on commercial dairy farm located in Utah based on multiple criteria of mastitis resistance over an 8-month period. Twenty-seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for mastitis resistance were identified based on 117 SNPs suggestive of genome-wide significance for mastitis resistance (p ≤ 1 × 10-4), including 10 novel QTLs. Seventeen QTLs overlapped previously reported QTLs of traits relevant to mastitis, including four QTLs for teat length. One QTL includes the RAS guanyl-releasing protein 1 gene (RASGRP1), a candidate gene for mastitis resistance. This GWAS identifies 117 candidate SNPs and 27 QTLs for mastitis resistance using a selective genotyping approach, including 10 novel QTLs. Based on overlap with previously identified QTLs, teat length appears to be an important trait in mastitis resistance. RASGRP1, overlapped by one QTL, is a candidate gene for mastitis resistance.

The effect of dry cow therapy using systemic tylosin in combination with common intramammary medications on mastitis rate, cull rate, somatic cell count, and milk production in dairy cows affected with subclinical mastitis.

Aims:This study was performed to evaluate the effect of systemic tylosin on mastitis rates, cull rates because of mastitis, and quality and quantity of milk production in dairy cows affected with subclinical mastitis.Materials and Methods:A total of 130 California mastitis test (CMT)-positive cows were randomly selected and divided into four different treatment groups. All treatments were performed on the day of drying off. Cows in Group 1 (n=34) received 12 g of tylosin intramuscularly (IM) and intramammary (IMM) 400 mg novobiocin sodium and 200,000IU penicillin G procaine. Group 2 (n=33) received 12 g tylosin IM and IMM 280 mg benethamine penicillin, 100 mg penethamate hydriodide, and 100 mg framycetin sulfate. Group 3 (n=33) received IMM alone with 400 mg novobiocin sodium and 200,000 IU penicillin G procaine. Group 4 (n=30) received IMM alone with 280 mg benethamine penicillin, 100 mg penethamate hydriodide, and 100 mg framycetin sulfate. The incidence and severity of clinical mastitis (CM), incidence of chronic mastitis, and cow cull rate because of mastitis were recorded during the first 100 days in milk (DIM). In addition, somatic cell count (SCC) and milk production parameters including the average days to peak milk yield, the average milk yield at peak, the average milk yield during the first 100 DIM, and the average 305-corrected milk yield were reported.Results:The rate of CM was significantly (p≤0.05) less in Group 2 when compared between the current and previous lactations (30% vs. 64%). In Group 1 and 4, the rate of CM was decreased but not significant between the two lactations (59% vs. 79% and 63% vs. 77%, respectively) while in Group 3, the rate of CM was slightly increased (82% vs. 91%). When compared between the four groups in the current lactation, CM rate was significantly (p≤0.05) less in Group 2 compared to the other groups. A significant (p≤0.05) percentage of CM cases in Group 2 was classified as mild. In Groups 1 and 3, a significant (p≤0.05) percentage of CM cases was classified as moderate while severe clinical signs were recorded more significantly (p≤0.05) in Groups 3 and 4. The rate of chronic mastitis was significantly less in Group 1 and Group 2 in the current lactation compared to that in the previous lactation (6% vs. 12% and 0% vs. 6%, respectively). In Groups 3 and 4, the rate of chronic mastitis was not changed significantly when compared between the current and previous lactations. No cows were culled because of mastitis in Groups 1 and 3 while one cow was culled in each of Groups 2 and 4 during the first 100 DIM in the current lactation. The average milk yield during the first 100 DIM and the 305-corrected milk yield were significantly (p≤0.05) increased in Group 2 when compared between the previous and current lactations. Furthermore, cows in Group 2 produced significantly (p≤0.05) more milk during the first 100 DIM and significantly (p≤0.05) more 305-corrected milk yield compared to the other groups. In Group 2, the average SCC dropped significantly (p≤0.05) from 1,600,000 cells/ml at the start of the study to <200,000 cells/ml at 100 DIM.Conclusions:In dairy herds with subclinical mastitis, dry cow therapy of CMT-positive cows using a combination of tylosin (12 g, IM) and IMM administration of benethamine penicillin, penethamate hydriodide, and framycetin sulfate (Ubrostar; Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) may result in a significant reduction of the rate and severity of acute and chronic mastitis and cull rates due to mastitis within the first 100 DIM. Furthermore, treated cows may produce significantly more milk with less SCC during the first 100 DIM and therefore produce significantly more 305-corrected milk in the lactation following treatment.

The Incidence of Clinical Mastitis and Distribution of Microorganisms in Yangtze Dairy Farm

The Incidence of Clinical Mastitis and Distribution of Microorganisms in Yangtze Dairy Farm

Isolasi dan identifikasi Staphylococcus Epidermidis pada susu sapi PFH penderita mastitis subklinis di Wukirsari, Cangkringan, Sleman, DIY

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, can be occured clinically or subclinically. One of the causes of mastitis is &lt;em&gt;Staphylococcus epidermidis&lt;/em&gt;. This study was aimed to isolate and identify &lt;em&gt;Staphylococcus epidermidis&lt;/em&gt; in subclinical mastitis PFH dairy cows in Wukirsari, Cangkringan, Sleman, DIY. Sixteen milk samples were tested with a Californian Mastitis Test (CMT), followed by inoculation in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), planted on a blood agar plate plate (PAD) and Mac Conkey Agar (MCA) for 24 hours at 37&lt;sup&gt;0&lt;/sup&gt;C. The growing colonies were then grown on sugar sugar and nutrient agar (NA) media. Gram staining, catalase test, coagulase test and DNase test as bacteria confirmation.CMT test results showed 15 (93.75%) out of 16 positive milk samples suffered from subclinical mastitis. Results of isolation showed 1 (6.66%)of 16 positive samples infected with Staphylococcus epidermidis.The results of this study indicate that incidence of subclinical mastitis in the study area showed a high rate and is likely to be caused by inadequate management practices and milking procedures. The high incidence of subclinical mastitis is probably caused by other bacteria because only 6.66% is caused by &lt;em&gt;Staphylococcus epidermidis&lt;/em&gt;.

Short communication: Associations of udder edema with health, milk yield, and reproduction in dairy cows in early lactation

Udder edema (UE) is a common condition of cows around calving, but its effects are not well characterized. The objectives of this study were to determine the associations of UE with the incidence of health disorders and with milk yield and reproduction in dairy cows in early lactation. On 3 commercial farms, UE was scored weekly on 1,346 cows, on a scale of 0 to 3, from 1 wk before calving to 3 wk after calving. Among cows with complete UE scores, 30% never had edema, 12% had edema only prepartum, 11% had it only postpartum, and 48% had edema prepartum and in at least 1 wk postpartum. Udder edema was associated with a greater incidence of clinical mastitis before 30 d in milk (5 vs. 2%). Subclinical ketosis (blood β-hydroxybutyrate ≥1.2 mmol/L) was more prevalent at wk 2 (11 vs. 6%) postpartum among cows with UE. No association was observed of UE with other diseases or culling in early lactation. In a subset of 912 cows with complete UE and 3 test-days of milk yield data, differences were observed in yield at test d 1 among UE categories. Cows with UE only prepartum produced less milk (39.9 kg/d) than cows with UE postpartum only (42.4 kg/d) and cows with UE both prepartum and postpartum (41.6 kg/d), none of which differed from cows without UE (40.9 kg/d). Udder edema was not associated with the prevalence of anovulation, or the time to or probability of pregnancy at first insemination, yet to 300 d in milk, cows that had UE postpartum had a shorter time from calving to pregnancy than cows without UE. The associations of UE with health and productivity are mixed, and the mechanisms underlying UE and its effects merit further investigation.

Somatic cell count in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in sheep of different breeds

The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in sheep of different breeds and the values for somatic cell count (SCC) in milk for the diagnosis of the disease at lactation and weaning, a fundamental prerequisite for identifying animals in need of control measures. Milk samples were obtained from 1,457 mammary halves of Santa Inês, Texel, Ile de France, and Dorper sheep at two different periods, during the second week of lactation and at weaning. After teats antisepsis, the samples were collected, and identification of the infectious etiology of mastitis and determination of SCC were performed. Microorganisms were identified in 117/762 (15.3%) mammary halves in the second week of lactation and in 86/694 (12.4%) at weaning. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the etiological agents with the highest incidence alone and in association with other microorganisms, with percentages of 58.1% and 60.6%, respectively. The Santa Inês presented a higher incidence of subclinical mastitis when compared to the other breeds. The cut-off values of SCC for subclinical mastitis were determined at both sampling periods and varied according to stage of lactation, as well breed. These results illustrate the lack of a universal value that can be used for the diagnosis of mastitis and suggests the need for permanent follow-up in herds in order to control the disease.

Effect of incomplete milking during the first 5 days in milk on udder and reproductive tract health: Results from a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an incomplete milking on risk of mastitis and reproductive tract disease. Multiparous dairy cows (n = 878) from 13 commercial herds were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Cows were randomly assigned to either a control (milked conventionally) or a treatment group, which consisted of an incomplete milking (10-14 L of milk collected/d) from 1 to 5 d in milk (DIM). Quarter milk samples were collected at approximately 11 and 18 DIM to measure somatic cell count (SCC). Quarters were considered negative for intramammary infection if SCC was <100,000 cells/mL and positive if SCC was ≥200,000 cells/mL. To calculate intramammary infection incidence, negative quarters of the initial samples collected were tested again 1 wk later. This was done to deter incidence of positive quarters. To calculate elimination rate, positive quarters were tested again 1 wk later to detect mastitis elimination. Farmers recorded clinical mastitis events. Cows were also examined at approximately 35 DIM with a Metricheck device (Simcro, Hamilton, New Zealand) for detection of purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) and with an endometrial cytobrush for presence of leukocytes [endometrial cytology for smear (ENDO) and for leukocyte esterase test (LE)]. A threshold ≥3 was used to define a positive PVD or LE test, whereas a polymorphonuclear cell count ≥6% was used to define a positive ENDO. Five generalized mixed models with cow or herd as random intercepts were used to determine the effects of incomplete milking on odds of new intramammary infection, odds of intramammary infection elimination, and odds of a positive PVD, LE, or ENDO status. To investigate time until first clinical mastitis event, a Cox model with a herd frailty term was used. The odds of new intramammary infection and intramammary infection elimination for incompletely milked cows were 0.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49, 1.7] and 2.9 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.0) times those of conventionally milked cows, respectively. The hazard of clinical mastitis in incompletely milked cows was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.6) times that of conventionally milked cows. The odds of PVD, LE, and ENDO for incompletely milked cows were 1.4 (95% CI: 0.89, 2.1), 1.3 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.8), and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.7) times those of conventionally milked cows. These results suggest that incomplete milking during the first 5 DIM increases the odds of a decrease in SCC from 11 to 18 DIM but does not affect odds of increase in SCC in the same period. The incomplete milking had no effect on clinical mastitis incidence in the first 90 DIM or on reproductive tract health at 35 DIM.

Evaluation of Mastitis Impact on Lameness and Digital Lesions in Dairy Cows

AbstractObjective: This current study was done to find any correlation between clinical mastitis and lameness occurrence and incidence in dairy farms.Design: This prospective field trial was done on a case control study basis. Cows were divided into two mastitis and control group and lameness recorded and compared in both groups.Procedures: This current study was done during 9 month in a dairy herd with 800 milking cows. The mastitis scoring system was based on the International Dairy Federation definitions of mastitis severity from one to three. All cows were trimmed two times annually and also high locomotion score, lame and long toe cows referred for possible inspection and treatment. Records of sole ulcer (SU), white line disease (WLD), Toe Ulcer (TU), heel erosion (HE), digital dermatitis (DD) and interdigital necrobacillosis (INB) were assessed in this study. Data of the lesions up to three month after occurrence of mastitis was followed. 543 cows affected with mastitis were allocated to treatment and the same amount of the cows that didn’t show any mastitis during past three month allocated to control group.Results: Occurrence of mastitis reduce incidence of digital dermatitis significantly. Lameness except digital dermatitis were higher in mastitis group than control group (P<0.05).Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Mastitis can play a role in occurrence of claw horn lesions (CHL) and any control program of lameness in the herds with high incidence of CHL should precede with control program of other predisposing or causative factors of this condition. Mastitis besides other infectious causes as a predisposing factor can play a significant role on lameness.

The influence of BoLA-DRB3 alleles on incidence of clinical mastitis, cystic ovary disease and milk traits in Holstein Friesian cattle.

The major histocompatibility complex in cattle (BoLA) is regulated by genes that are closely related to the development of the immunological response to pathogens. The most polymorphic BoLA-DRB3.2 locus was analysed in 209 black-and-white Holstein-Friesian cows in Poland in order to a better explanation of influence of MHC on immunity to diseases in dairy cattle. A total of 23 alleles were identified, among which the *24, *16 and *22 alleles were observed with the highest frequency. These alleles were analysed in terms of their association with the occurrence of mastitis, ovarian cysts, retained placenta and uterine abscesses as well as their contribution to production traits (milk yield, protein and fat percentage in milk). It was determined that the BoLA-DRB3.2 *22 and *16 alleles were associated with a lower risk of clinical mastitis; however, a statistical significance was observed only for the *22 allele. Clinical mastitis was observed at a frequency lower by 8% in cows with one copy of the *22 allele compared to cows with 0 copies of the allele. The presence of the *22 allele in the genotype was also associated with higher milk yield, although this association was not statistically significant.

PENYULUHAN MASTITIS SUBKLINIS PADA SAPI PERAH DI DESA MEKAR BAKTI KECAMATAN PAMULIHAN KABUPATEN SUMEDANG JAWA BARAT

Subclinical mastitis is an inflammation of the udder that often attacks livestock, especially milk-producing livestock. The impact of the loss of subclinical mastitis is quite large, including a dramatic decrease in the quantity and quality of milk, but no pathological changes in cattle have been found. Mekar Bakti Village, located in Pamulihan Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, West Java, is one of the villages that is the center for producing milk in the Sumedang Region. The high incidence of subclinical mastitis encourages counseling regarding subclinical mastitis. Promotion activities were carried out by presenting material about subclinical mastitis with lecture techniques (power point slides), videos and discussion. In addition, efforts to increase livestock yields were carried out by giving information on the technique of making "Liquid Organic Cattle Fertilizer Intensification" (PITSA OC) and training in making pasteurized cow milk. This series of counseling activities is an effort to reduce the incidence of subclinical mastitis through increasing community knowledge.

Immunomodulant feed supplement to support dairy cows health and milk quality evaluated in Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production

The effects of an immunomodulant feed supplement (OmniGen-AF®) were evaluated on cow health, composition and quality of milk produced for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production. One hundred-ninety primiparous and multiparous Holstein and Crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned to either a control (CTR, n = 95) or a group fed 55 g/h/d of the supplement (TRT, n = 95), from dry off to 150 days in milk (DIM). Individual milk yield (MY) was recorded daily, and individual milk quality was analyzed monthly. Health events and involuntary culling were recorded. Daily feeding of the supplement did not produce any negative effect on composition and cheese making properties of milk used to produce Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Casein content in the milk of primiparous TRT cows increased after 90 DIM, and milk cheese-making properties, like coagulation time (LDG, r’) and aptitude (LDG, type) of cows fed the supplement were enhanced. TRT cows had fewer health related events (−21%) compared to CTR group, and multiparous TRT cows tended to have a lower somatic cell score (SCS) in the first 60 DIM than CTR (−0.6 pts). The incidence of clinical mastitis was observed to be lower in the TRT Holsteins cows than CTR (4 vs 11 cases). Involuntary culling was reduced in TRT group: supplemented cows had a lower culling rate within 60 DIM (1% TRT vs 7.4% CTR) and time of culling (DIM) occurred later (102.6 and 57 DIM for TRT and CTR, respectively). These results suggest that cow health and milk quality can be improved through an appropriate nutritional strategy and the use of an immunomodulator supplement like OmniGen-AF®. This combined nutritional strategy could have important implications for strictly regulated products like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, other PDO cheese or organic products. This strategy may provide a feeding option to better control animal health that is fundamental to satisfy the uprising consumer’s expectations in minimizing the utilization of antimicrobials.