Occurrence Of Subclinical Mastitis Research Articles

Occurrence of subclinical mastitis in goats at Jabalpur (M.P.)

Occurrence of subclinical mastitis in goats at Jabalpur (M.P.)

Breed and non-genetic risk factors associated with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in livestock systems of Arauca, Colombian orinoquia

ABSTRACT Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) is caused by several factors associated with the interaction of the individual cow, cow management, and the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the breed and non-genetic risk factors on the prevalence of SCM in cows from the dual-purpose livestock system on the floodplain of Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia. Milk samples were taken from the individual mammary quarters of 481 cows representing 28 different farms where the electrical conductivity (EC) test applied. To determine the factors associated with SCM, a multiple logistic regression analysis was used. The response variable was the SCM presence (1), or absence (0) obtained with the EC test. Breed was included as a genetic risk factor, and as non- genetic risk factors: number of cows in production, daily milk production, lactation month, cow age, climatic period, body condition, and calving number. The factors that were significantly associated with the SCM presence were body condition, climatic period, and breed (p < 0.05). Odds ratio (OR) analysis of significant effects indicates that for each unit increase in body condition, the OR of having animals with SCM is reduced by 71%. In the dry period the OR of animals with SCM increases by 150% compared to the rainy period. Composite breeds reduce the OR of SCM animals by 73%, compared with Indicus-predominance animals. In this study, the occurrence of SCM in extensive management systems in Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia, is determined by the risk factors of breed, climatic period, and body condition.

Economic losses caused by mastitis and the influence of climate variation on the occurrence of the disease in a dairy cattle farm in southern Brazil.

This study evaluated the economic impacts caused by mastitis in a small dairy farm with similar characteristics and production to most dairy farms in southern Brazil and investigated if climatic variations influenced mastitis occurrence in the region. A farm with, on average, 45 lactating Holstein cattle was monitored from November 2021 to October 2022, and data on mastitis cases, bulk tank milk somatic cell count, animal treatment costs, milk production, animal disposal costs, and production losses were collected. Monthly averages of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and rainfall in the region were obtained. The greatest loss was related to the drop in milk production, resulting in 63.8% of total losses, followed by animal disposal (29.5%), milk disposal (4.6%), and treating animals with mastitis (2.0%), totaling a 10.6% reduction in the annual gross income. There were negative correlations between the clinical mastitis rate and monthly RH and between subclinical mastitis and temperature; the occurrence of subclinical mastitis and average RH were positively correlated. Our findings showed that mastitis negatively impacted the economy and that climate influenced mastitis occurrence.

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

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

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

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

Analysis of the impact of risk factors on the occurrence of subclinical mastitis on dairy cattle farms in eastern Algeria

In order to study the effect of various risk factors on the prevalence of subclinical mastitis, we studied the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in 104 dairy cows (416 udders) from 18 bovine herds in three wilayas in eastern of Algeria using the California mastitis test (CMT) combined with bacteriological analysis. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of 27 risk factors related to the animal, its environment and milking practices on prevalence, as well as the effects of breed, age, stage of lactation, housing and litter type, hygiene level, season, mil production, vacuum level and elimination of first jets on subclinical mastitis frequency. A survey was carried out to collect data on cow numbers, breeds, type of breeding, housing, litter and the level of hygiene in farms, the method of milking and milking practices. The CMT combined with bacteriological examination was performed to detect subclinical mastitis, the Chi 2 test was used to test for difference between the means. Prevalence values were: 24% by CMT vs 17% by bacteriology analysis. Concerning udders, we recorded a rate of 10% vs. 8.7% respectively. The results of the survey show that the Holstein breed is the most exploited and affected (P&amp;lt;0.05). The number of dairy cows varied from 3 to 20 cows. In this study, 56% of cows were raised on farms built of cinder blocks, which had a lower rate compared to farms built of wood and reeds (P&amp;lt;0.001). Animal housing consisting of a concrete floor 33% vs. 36% raised with straw bedding and were more affected (P&amp;lt;0.001), litter is removed only once a day for 13% of cows, which is a factor that predisposes cows to this disease. The frequency is higher during early and late compared to mid-lactation phases (P&amp;lt;0.05); low udder conformation and the right side of udders also had an impact on this disease alongside animal hygiene (P&amp;lt;0.05), and cattle producing more than 12 litres per day were more susceptible (P&amp;lt;0.05). However, the frequency of mastitis was only slightly modified by the lactation number of cows. High and low vacuum level of milking machines and pulsation frequency predisposed cows more to this disease (P&amp;lt;0.05). In this study, cows milked manually were significantly more affected (P&amp;lt;0.05) particularly in summer and the winter, showing high rates (P&amp;lt;0.05).

Molecular Characterization and Gene Expression Of TLR4 Gene Associated with Mastitis in Goats

In this study characterization of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene of goats; detection of polymorphisms in the nucleotides, and determination of the association of identified genotypes with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis was done using chi-square and odds ratio. Analyzing gene expression using two-sided Student's T-test was also done. Results of Study 1 revealed high similarity (99%) of TLR4 nucleotide sequence of all breeds of goats with that of C. hircus (NM_001285574.1) and sheep (Ovis aries) sequences and slightly lower similarity with cattle (Bos taurus, and Bos indicus) (96%), and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) (95%). In Study 2, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed three genotypes with nine restriction patterns using AluI enzyme. Genotype AA has odds ratio of 0.28 and 0.08 in all breeds, and in Anglo-Nubian, respectively, with significant association (P0.05) that inferred 0.28 and 0.08 times greater probability in all breeds, and in Anglo-Nubian, respectively, for subclinical mastitis to occur than those of other genotypes. Genotype AB showed odds ratio of 3.83, 13.00 and 2.40 in all breeds, in Anglo-Nubian, and in Upgraded, respectively, with significant association (P0.05) that indicated 3.83, 13.00 and 2.40 times more likely in all breeds, in Anglo-Nubian, and in Upgraded, respectively, to suffer subclinical mastitis than those of other genotypes. Â In Study 3, genetic expression analysis showed a significant upregulation of TLR4 gene up to maximum of 3.63-fold in goats without subclinical mastitis compared to subclinically mastitic animals with only 0.65-fold which suggest a prompt role of TLR4 gene in the protection of animal against possible infection.Â

Risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis and its effect on physico-mineral features of camel milk.

This study was carried out to determine the risk factors implicated in camel subclinical mastitis as well as the physico-mineral features of camel milk, there by examining the effect of this disease on those parameters. Milk samples were obtained from 125 lactating multiparous she-camels (aged 10-12years) during early lactation from December 2020 to April 2021. The samples were screened for the presence of subclinical mastitis using the somatic cell count (SCC) test. In total, 73 (58.4%) samples showed the presence of subclinical mastitis, whereas the remaining 52 (41.6%) samples showed negative results for subclinical mastitis. Standard methods were used to appreciate the pH and mineral composition of the milk samples, such as Ca, Na, Cl, and K contents. In camels, unhygienic udder condition was identified as the major risk factor for the incidence of subclinical mastitis. Calf mortality and increased herd size were associated with a higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Tick infestations were also significantly associated with increased disease risk. Use of antisuckling devices, increase in milk yield, and weakness of body condition were identified as main risk factors and were primarily associated with the disease. However, udder lesions and deformities, milking frequency, and owner visits had no significant influence on the occurrence of subclinical mastitis. The overall mean pH value was 6.54 ± 0.01 and the mean values of Ca, Na, Cl, and K contents were 148.24 ± 2.55, 53.83 ± 1.52, 124.99 ± 1.80, and 240.22 ± 3.80mg/100g, respectively. When the level of milk from healthy animals and that from camels with subclinical mastitis (SCC > 2.4 × 105) were compared, it showed that Na and Cl contents were significantly increased (p < 0.05) with the increase in SCC (56.52 vs.50.07 and 128.26 vs.120.40mg/100g, respectively). In contrast, there were no notable changes (p > 0.05) in the Ca, K, and pH values. In conclusion, udder hygiene, calf mortality, herd size, tick infestations, use of antisuckling devices, higher milk yield, and body condition were identified as the major risk factors that predispose the camels to subclinical mastitis. Furthermore, an increase in the Na and Cl levels in camel milk was observed along with udder inflammation. Consequently, the elevated Na and Cl levels in milk can be a sign of subclinical mastitis in camels.

Cross-sectional study of cow comfort and management factors associated with subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

A number of environmental and contagious factors have been associated with subclinical mastitis (SCM), which is a common and costly problem for smallholder dairy farmers (SDF). We conducted a cross-sectional study on 118 cows in their first two months post-calving on 109 SDF in Kenya. The study objective was to investigate the relationships among various cow and farm management parameters and SCM specific to SDF. The stall floor comfort level was assessed through knee impact and wetness tests, and cleanliness on the leg and udder were also scored. Various mastitis prevention measures were also assessed (e.g., milking protocols, and use of teat dip and dry cow therapy). Individual quarter SCM was assessed on each cow using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to determine management factors associated with cow-level SCM. Farm-level, cow-level and quarter-level prevalence of SCM was 45.9% (50/109), 43.2% (51/118) and 21.9 % (103/471), respectively. The proportion of stalls scored as dirty was 33.1% while 49.1% of cows had dirty legs. Only 10.1% of farms were using either disinfectant teat dip or dry cow therapy (or both) to prevent mastitis. Low parity and poor stall hygiene were significantly associated with occurrence of SCM. At high daily milk yield, the probability of having SCM was higher in cows housed in a shed with a dirty versus clean alleyway, with no significant difference at low daily milk yield. From the study findings, we concluded that certain cow characteristics and comfort measures were associated with SCM and need to be incorporated in education plans for farmers in SDF.

Associação de fatores de risco selecionados com mastite subclínica bovina

A total of 695 Holstein Friesian lactating dairy cows were examined for the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and its association with selected risk factors in a private dairy farm at Fayoum district, Egypt. 444 lactating cows with 1145 quarters were found positive for SCM with prevalence of 63.88% and 41.18% at cow and quarter level respectively based on California Mastitis Test (CMT), Electrical Conductivity (EC) that had a mean value of 6.27 ± 0.066 mS/cm and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) with a mean value of 8.8×105± 9.2×103 cells/ml. The risk factors investigated in this study revealed that the highest percentage of SCM was observed in winter, in cows at the late lactation stage with a percentage of 32.21 and 59.91 respectively. The results concluded that the young age cows were exposed to SCM more than old ones. While the occurrence of SCM was higher in cows with 2nd, 3rd and 1st than those with 4, 5, 6th parity number. The analytical results also revealed that there is a highly significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between numbers of parity. However, there is no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between different stages of age, lactation and season as risk factors.

Diagnosis of clinical and subclinical mastitis in a rural property in Carambeí, State of Paraná

The aim of the present study was to diagnose clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis in a property in the municipality of Carambeí-PR. 86 dairy cows were diagnosed in two evaluations carried out on July 23 and November 4, 2020. The detection of clinical mastitis was performed by testing the black-bottomed mug, whereas the detection of animals with sub-clinical mastitis by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and laboratory analysis of bacteria and fungi present. In the first evaluation, 9.4% of the animals had mastitis, while in the second 5.16% of the herd. The milk of the animals that tested positive were submitted to laboratory analysis. In the first evaluation, they were diagnosed with an incidence of 15% Escherichia coli, 15% Prothoteca / yeast, 23% Staphlococcus aureus, 46% Streptococcus agalactiae. In the second evaluation, there was an incidence of 25% Enterococcus sp. and 25% S. agalactiae, the other animals showed 50% Staphlococcus non aureus. There was a higher occurrence of subclinical mastitis in the property, in both evaluations. There was a reduction from the first to the second evaluation in the incidence of cases of subclinical mastitis and the cases of clinical mastitis were resolved. Contributing to the lower disposal of milk caused by the high somatic cell count.

Effect of abiotic and biotic factors on subclinical mastitis occurrence in low-input dairy sheep production systems

This study aimed to explore the effect of abiotic [microclimate, management (MS) and milking system (MLS)] and biotic risk factors (microorganism group, age class of ewes, lactation month and ewe genotype) on the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in low-input dairy sheep farms. Samplings were carried out in 10 extensively and 10 semi-intensively managed low-input dairy sheep farms, with three milking systems: milking parlour machine (MPM), portable milking machine (PM) and hand milking (HM). Over two consecutive lactations, milk samples (n = 9624) were collected monthly in each farm, from 20 ewes (10 primi- and 10 multi-parous ewes). The ovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) DQA2 gene was genotyped for all sampled ewes (n = 800). Ambient air temperature and relative humidity were recorded hourly at each farm, in order to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI) affecting each sampled sheep. Daily milk yield (DMY) per ewe, pH, total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk samples were measured. The fixed effects of microclimate, MS, MLS, bacterial pathogen (microorganism group), age class of ewes, lactation month, involved in milk SCC and subclinical mastitis occurrence, were explored with linear mixed-effects (LME) models. Milk samples with SCC 400 × 103 (cells/mL) and ≥250/mL Colony Forming Units of one or two udder pathogens (in the microbiological examination) were defined as subclinical mastitis positive. Subclinical mastitis was found in 53 % (n = 1336) of microbiologically examined milk samples, with Staphylococcus spp. being the most prevalent amongst isolated pathogens. A positive correlation was found between SCC and TBC values (r = 0.687, p < 0.001, df = 1598). LME models revealed that subclinical mastitis prevalence was related to the age class of ewes (p < 0.05) and lactation month (p < 0.001), but not to MS or MLS (p> 0.05). MLS (p < 0.01), age class of animals (p < 0.05) and lactation month (p < 0.05) affected SCC of milk samples. The LME model, with SCC milk values ≥400 × 103 as dependent variables, revealed a significant effect of microclimate (β = 0.014, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001) and microorganism group [F(1,162) = 4.29, p < 0.001] on SCC. The MHC DQA2 allele B1 ("0602") was found at a lower frequency in ewes with subclinical mastitis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, microclimate and MLS (from the abiotic factors) and microorganism group, age class of ewes and lactation month (from the biotic factors) had a significant effect on milk SCC, while age class of ewes and lactation month (from the biotic factors) had a significant effect on subclinical mastitis occurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first report exploring the effect of microclimate (THI), PM milking and DQA2 gene on subclinical mastitis of sheep reared under low-input management systems.

Effects of Using an Alternative Bedding Composition on the Levels of Indicator Microorganisms and Mammary Health in Dairy Farm Conditions

The aim of this study was to compare an improved bedding composition with conventional straw bedding under farm conditions, regarding its effects on the influence of indicator microorganisms on the hygiene levels of cubicle floors and the occurrence of mastitis in dairy cows. Dairy cows were housed in newly built stalls divided into two parts, each with four subsections, and bedded cubicles arranged in three rows. Five stall subsections from each 9-bedded cubicle were selected for study, and 30 dairy cows were monitored according to the time intervals of bedding treatment for cubicles. In the first subsection (control), the cows were housed in bedded cubicles layered with straw up to a height of 20 cm. Sections 2–5 had alternative bedding (AB) as follows: fresh AB, AB 1 month old, AB 2 months old, and AB 3 months old, which were bedded one day before (fresh) and 1–3 months before the actual observation period, respectively. The alternative bedding per one cubicle consisted of ground limestone (100 kg), water (80 L), recycled manure solids (RMS; 15 kg), and straw (25 kg). After laying, the bedding was treated with a concrete selector to provide strength and sufficient resistance. A total of 180 bedding and 600 quarter milk samples were taken simultaneously from all five monitored subsections for microbiological determination. Comparing classical straw bedding with the alternate bedding showed a stabilizing effect by keeping the bedding thickness up to the floor barrier level, which had a beneficial effect by reducing the level of fecal contamination in the rear of the cubicle. Fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci were found to be reduced in one-day-old bedding as well as after the first, second, and third months. By evaluating the health status of the mammary glands, a positive effect was noted in reducing the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, which was reflected in a reduced number of infected quarters in the group of cows housed in cubicles for three months after use of improved bedding.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Milk of Goats with Subclinical Mastitis in Thika East Subcounty, Kenya.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in Thika East Subcounty, Kenya. Further the bacterial pathogens and their antibiogram were investigated. Farm level data on risk factors were obtained from 41 farmers using questionnaires. Milk was obtained from 110 lactating dairy goats and tested for submastitis using California Mastitis Test (CMT). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis at goat level was estimated to be at 50.9% using CMT, out of which 86.5% yielded bacteria on culture. The significant risk factors associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis were cleaning schedule (p=0.022, OD=1.047) and parity of the goat (p=0048, OD=1.37). Higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed for goats residing in houses cleaned at least once a fortnight. Does in the first parity were least affected. 169 bacterial isolates were obtained from culture, of which 52 isolates from major classes of isolated bacteria were tested for antibiotic sensitivity to six antibiotics. Fourteen different bacteria were isolated and identified from the milk samples. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (20.7%), Serratia spp. (19.5%), Citrobacter spp. (16%), Klebsiella spp. (11%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.7%), Enterobacter spp. (6.5%), Escherichia coli (5.9%), Proteus spp. (3%), Corynebacterium spp. (1.8%), Morganella spp. (1.8%), Streptococcus spp. (1.2%), Providencia spp. (0.6%), Micrococcus spp. (0.6%), and Staphylococcus intermedius (0.6%) were isolated and identified from the samples. All the isolates were resistant to Penicillin G, while 98% of the isolates were sensitive to Streptomycin. In conclusion, the study showed that a large proportion of goats were affected by subclinical mastitis, with the main bacteria being Staphylococci spp. and coliforms, and that most of the tested antibiotics can be used in the treatment of mastitis. Farmers need to be trained on improved control of mastitis through adoption of good dairy husbandry and milking practices.

Impact of milking modalities on the occurrence of subclinical mastitis and the anti-bacterial effect of honey on isolated bacteria (Escherichia coli)

Prevention of mastitis is a major concern in dairy cattle breeding, and is among the most costly diseases of dairy companies. The purpose of this study was to compare two types of milking practices; one using manual milk-ing and the other using mechanical milking to determine milking type consequences on the occurrence and spread of subclinical mastitis. One hundred dairy cows were brought to the slaughterhouse following a fall in milk production due to subclinical mastitis, of which 64 cows were mechanically milked and 36 cows were manually milked. After anti-mortem and post-mortem examinations, we found that 58% of cows in mechanical milking mode had mastitis. Amongst them 9% of cows had mastitis spread on the four teats. However, the rate was higher (68%) in cows where milking was done manually, of which 49% mastitis spread on the four teats. The bacterio-logical analyses was carried out regarding coliforms, Staphylococci and Streptococci on the raw milks of cows suspected of mastitis, irrespective of the mode of milking.. We chose E. coli and found that its resistance against antibiotics tested was important, except Gentamicin where the sensitivity was average with an inhibition zone of 1.6 cm. We then evaluated the effect of pure honey on the strain to see its antiseptic effect. We noticed the inhibition zone diameters of 2.2 cm. We also tested the effect of diluted honey, the results of which were not satisfactory because of the decreased antisep-tic activity possibly owing to decreased acidity of the honey.

Composição do leite e diagnóstico de mastite em caprinos

Background: Milk is one of the most used foodstuffs by humans in their diet. The quality of goat milk is already regulated by Law, which takes into consideration its physical-chemical and microbiological composition parameters. Several factors contribute for the alteration of the physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of caprine milk. These include breed, age, lactation phase and diet, among others. The health status of animals may interfere in the quality of the milk produced, both regarding food safety and milk processing and, for that reason, the identification of mastitis-causing agents is important, so that prevention and control measures can be implemented. The present study aimed at analyzing the occurrence of mastitis and the milk composition of dairy goats in a semi-intensive production system. Materials, Methods & Results : In a private goat farm with a flock composed of 32 female animals of breeds such as Saanen and Anglo-Nubian, raised on a semi-confined system, the diagnosis of mastitis was made through methods such as California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cells Count (SCC) and bacterial isolation. A total of 136 milk samples were analyzed, which were individualized per teat. Additionally, the study determined the volume of milk produced individually and the chemical composition of milk samples (fat, raw protein, lactose and total solids). In 37 (27.2%) samples, subclinical mastitis caused by CNS was identified. A negative response to CMT was observed in 125 (91.92%) samples. Only four samples presented a coincidence (OR=1.239) between CMT and bacterial isolation (P=0.7470). It was observed that the daily milk production ranged between 207.90 mL and 2.68 L. Moreover, it became clear that the milk production in half of the teats with subclinical mastitis was smaller (P=0.0026). A tendency to a significant reduction (p -1 ) during the sampling months. A significant concordance (P Discussion : Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland and, in the majority of cases, it is manifested in its subclinical form, having CNS as its main agent, both in Brazil and in other countries. Methods such as bacterial isolation, SCC and CMT are used for the diagnosis of mastitis. In the present study, no relation among these diagnostic methods has been found. This fact had already been reported in Brazilian literature. The herd configuration may have contributed for the occurrence of mastitis, since this disease is influenced by genetic factors and age. Moreover, its occurrence was higher in Anglo-Nubian females which, in addition to being older and consequently having undergone a higher number of lactations, presented an udder conformation with fragile ligaments and pending teats. Such conformation of the mammary glands may collaborate to the occurrence of infection. Mastitis is responsible for damages in the dairy production system, due to economical losses and reduction in the quality and volume of milk. However, the present study did not observe a variation in milk production due to bacterial contamination or an increase of SCC. A reduction in solid and fat contents did coincide with the beginning of the lactation period in Saanen goats; animals belonging to this breed tend to produce a higher volume of milk and, consequently, a smaller proportion of its components is observed. Based on the results obtained, the study concluded that the herd composition with regard to breed and lactation phase has an influence in the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, as well as in milk composition. Methods such as the CMT and SCC should be used carefully in the diagnosis of mastitis in goats.

PREVALENCE OF SUB-CLINICAL MASTITIS AT BANARIPARA UPAZILLA, BARISAL

A study was aimed to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis and also determine the other risk factors that intensify this condition. Prescribed questionnaire was used to take baseline information of the animals and farms and California mastitis test kit was used to determine the SCM in lactating cow at farm level. It appears from this study that an overall prevalence of SCM was 51.56% in milking cows at Banaripara Upazilla, Barisal. Crossbred cows were significantly affected with SCM than local breed lactating cows. The farm type affect significantly (p&lt;0.05) on the occurrence of this diseases. The prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in cow was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in 3rd (80%) parity compared to 1st (38.09%) and 2rd (45.83%) parity as well as non pregnant cows (55.55%) are more prone to infection than pregnant cow (46.43%). The farm floor condition and aged cows don’t have any effect on SCM. Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in high yielding (87.5%) cows than medium (70%) to low (33.33%) yielding cows. A well documented continued research and educational effort is required to increase producer awareness of cost due to mastitis to the dairy enterprise. From this study it was concluded that cow breed, farm type, parity of cows, physiological status of animal and milk yield per cow were found to be important risk factors associated with the occurrence of sub clinical mastitis in dairy cows. The occurrence of this disease remains a substantial problem for dairy producers.

Influence of lactation stages and rain periods on subclinical mastitis in meat producing ewes

ABSTRACT: Mastitis negatively influences the survival and weight gain of ovines for meat production. The purpose of this study was to investigate, in sheep for meat production, the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in ewes at the end of lactation and beginning of the consecutive lactation and to assess the composition and cellular characteristics of milk as a function of different rainfall indices. Mammary halves (821) of Santa Ines (479) and Morada Nova (342) ewes were examined. Milk samples were collected in two different moments of lactation: at weaning and postpartum of the consecutive lactation. Sample collection periods were called "dry" or "rainy" according to the rainfall index in the month immediately before the month of collection. The occurrence of subclinical mastitis at weaning in the Santa Ines and Morada Nova ewes were 16.4 and 12.6% in the dry period, and 17.7 and 23.5% in the rainy period, respectively. In the consecutive lactation period, the occurrences were 26.7 and 27.7% in the dry period and 41.8 and 39.1% in the rainy period, for the Santa Ines and Morada Nova ewes, respectively. Postpartum stage was critical for the occurrence of subclinical mastitis, as compared to that at the end of the previous lactation. Occurrence of the disease negatively influenced the SCC in the milk at the beginning of lactation and changed its composition, mainly in the rainiest periods, probably due to a difficulty in maintaining hygiene in the environment where the animals remained.

Influence of dirtiness and hyperkeratosis teat in occurrence of bovine subclinical mastitis

The influence of dirtiness and hyperkeratosis teat in the occurrence of subclinical mastitis was evaluated in cattle of Oliveira (MG) with 70 dairy cows in the summer and 77 in winter, 2012. The teats were classified through the hyperkeratosis degree and dirtiness level according to methods described in the literature. The detection of animals with mastitis was performed by California Mastitis Test. The prevalence teats with mastitis, hyperkeratosis and dirty were 37.6, 87.9 and 71.4% in summer, respectively. In winter, the prevalences were 39.6, 73.2 and 68.8%, respectively. Teats with hyperkeratosis have 8.3 times the risk of having mastitis that healthy teats (p0.05) the occurrence of subclinical mastitis. The maintenance of milking machine should be performed in cattle with a high prevalence of hyperkeratosis teat. The sources of dirt on cows teats should be detected in free-stall system.

Status of subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors in Indian water buffalo in Doaba region of Punjab, India.

Abstract Sub clinical mastitis in buffalo is considered as multi-factorial disease, which leads to huge economic losses by reducing the quality and quantity of the milk. It does not lead to any change in phenotypic expression, so diagnosed through various tests as California mastitis test, Somatic cell count, Electrical conductivity test etc. Although bacteria are considered to be the main causative agent for mastitis, beside this farm management practices are found to be associated with the disease. In the present study, the pathogens related to the occurrence of the disease were examined via bacteriological culture of milk sample of the animal. Animal wise prevalence of sub clinical mastitis was found to be (20.4%), out of this 7.8%, 9.8%, 2.8% were found to be effected with latent mastitis, specific mastitis and nonspecific mastitis respectively .On the basis of individual quarter, the highest prevalence was in LH (33.9%), followed by RH (24%) and RF (22.4%) and the least prevalence in LF (14.5%). The microorganisms isolated from sub clinical mastitis constituted Staphylococci (39%), Streptococci (31%), Corynebacterium (25%) and E. coli .(5%).Farm management associated determinants (Type of feed, type of floor, education of the owner, feeding after milking, type of labor) were studied in association with sub clinical mastitis. Out of these education of the owner , type of labor and feeding after milking were found to be significantly associated with disease occurrence (p<0.05). While looking at the animal determinants in association with sub clinical mastitis in the present investigation buffaloes with higher parity showed more risk of developing sub clinical mastitis. So the present investigation helps to understand the various risk factors for the occurrence of sub clinical mastitis in water buffalo in Doaba region of Punjab.