Subclinical Mastitis Research Articles

Microbiota Characterization of the Cow Mammary Gland Microenvironment and Its Association with Somatic Cell Count.

Subclinical mastitis is a common disease that threatens the welfare and health of dairy cows and causes huge economic losses. Somatic cell count (SCC) is the most suitable indirect index used to evaluate the degree of mastitis. To explore the relationship between SCC, diversity in the microbiome, and subclinical mastitis, we performed next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of cow's milk with different SCC ranges. The data obtained showed that the microbiota was rich and coordinated with SCC below 2 × 105. SCC above 2 × 105 showed a decrease in the diversity of microbial genera. When SCC was below 2 × 105, the phylum Actinobacteriota accounted for the most. When SCC was between 2 × 105 and 5 × 105, Firmicutes accounted for the most, and when SCC exceeded 5 × 105, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria accounted for the most. Pathogenic genera such as Streptococcus spp. were absent, while SCC above 2 × 105 showed a decrease in the diversity of microbial genera. SCC was positively correlated with the percentage of Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Paeniclostridium and negatively correlated with the percentage of Staphylococcus, Psychrobacter, Aerococcus, and Streptococcus. Romboutsia decreased 6.19 times after the SCC exceeded 2 × 105; the SCC increased exponentially from 2 × 105 to 5 × 105 and above 1 × 106 in Psychrobacter. Analysis of the microbiota of the different SCC ranges suggests that the development of mastitis may not only be a primary infection but may also be the result of dysbiosis in the mammary gland.

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.

First report on genotypic estimation of MRSA load in udder of nomadic sheep flocks affected with subclinical mastitis in Pakistan

Mastitis is one of the highly devastating issues responsible for production and economic losses in all dairy animals including sheep. This study was designed to investigate subclinical mastitis (SCM) associated with S. aureus in lactating nomadic ewes, along with the associated risk factors analysis. Furthermore, molecular characterization and antibiogram profiling of local methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates of ovine origin were also performed. A total of 384 milk samples (n = 384) were collected from 13 nomadic sheep flocks using a convenient sampling technique. SCM was evaluated using a Surf Field Mastitis test and the S. aureus was isolated using standard microbiological techniques. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used for phenotypic identification of MRSA while the mecA gene was tested through PCR. Study results revealed that SCM was prevalent at 34.37% while S. aureus association was recorded at 39.39%. MRSA prevalence was 36.53% and 21.15% using phenotypic and genotypic tests, respectively. The mecA gene sequences of study isolates showed maximum resemblance with already reported sequences from Pakistan, China, and Myanmar. MRSA isolates showed maximum resistance towards penicillin, ceftriaxone sodium, and trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole while gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and tylosin showed maximum efficacy. Risk factors analysis revealed that various flock management, housing, and host-related factors positively influenced the incidence of S. aureus-associated SCM. This study is the first report on the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA associated with SCM in lactating ewes in Pakistan. This study will help to devise effective treatment and control strategies for S. aureus-associated SCM.

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

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

Antilisterial activity of raw sheep milk from two native Epirus breeds: Culture-dependent identification, bacteriocin gene detection and primary safety evaluation of the antagonistic LAB biota

Raw milk from native small ruminant breeds in Epirus, Greece, is a valuable natural source of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains with superior biotechnological properties. In this study, two bulk milks (RM1, RM2) from two local sheep yards, intended for traditional Kefalotyri cheese production, were preselected for bacteriocin-like antilisterial activity by in vitro tests. Their antagonistic LAB biota was quantified followed by polyphasic (16S rRNA gene sequencing; IGS for Enterococcus; a multiplex-PCR for Leuconostoc) identification of 42 LAB (RM1/18; RM2/24) isolates further evaluated for bacteriocin encoding genes and primary safety traits. Representative isolates of the numerically dominant mesophilic LAB were Leuconostoc mesenteroides (10) in both RMs, Streptococcus parauberis (7) in RM2, and Lactococcus lactis (1) in RM1; the subdominant thermophilic LAB isolates were Enterococcus durans (8), E. faecium (6), E. faecalis (3), E. hirae (1), E. hermanniensis (1), Streptococcus lutetiensis (2), S. equinus (1) and S. gallolyticus (1). Based on their rpoB, araA, dsr and sorA profiles, six Ln. mesenteroides strains (8 isolates) were atypical lying between the subspecies mesenteroides and dextranicum, whereas two strains profiled with Ln. mesenteroides subsp. jonggajibkimchii that is first-time reported in Greek dairy food. Two RM1 E. faecium strain biotypes (3 isolates) showed strong, enterocin-mediated antilisterial activity due to entA/entB/entP possession. One E. durans from RM1 possessed entA and entP, while additional nine RM2 isolates of the E. faecium/durans group processed entA or entP singly. All showed direct (cell-associated) antilisterial activity only, as also both S. lutetiensis strains from RM2 did strongly. Desirably, no LAB isolate was β-hemolyrtic, or cytolysin-positive, or possessed vanA, vanB for vancomycin resistance, or agg, espA, hyl, and IS16 virulence genes. However, all three E. faecalis from RM2 possessed gelE and/or ace virulence genes. In conclusion, all Ln. mesenteroides strains, the two safe, enterocin A-B-P-producing E. faecium strains, and the two antilisterial S. lutetiensis strains should be validated further as potential costarter or adjunct cultures in Kefalotyri cheese. The prevalence of α-hemolytic pyogenic streptococci in raw milk, mainly S. parauberis in RM2, requires consideration in respect to subclinical mastitis in sheep and the farm hygiene overall.

Frequency of Some Important Exotoxin Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Samples Isolated from Bovine Mastitis in Tabriz City in 2022

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen resulting in treatment-resistant subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Examination of the frequency of some important virulence genes in isolates from bovine mastitis can be necessary for better management and recognition of infections caused by this bacterium. Objectives: This study was conducted on the frequency of some important exotoxin genes in P. aeruginosa samples derived from bovine mastitis in the city of Tabriz in 2022. Methods: This study was performed with 120 bacterial samples of P. aeruginosa that were isolated from clinical samples of bovine mastitis and were considered to investigate the frequency of some important exotoxin genes. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and the presence of exotoxin A, T, and U genes in P. aeruginosa samples was found by PCR method. Results: The frequency of exotoxin A, T, and U genes in P. aeruginosa samples was 18 (15%), 32 (26.6%), and 26 (21.6%), respectively, and 8 (6.6%) P. aeruginosa samples possessed all 3 intended genes simultaneously; while 76 (63.3%) P. aeruginosa samples lacked the tested genes. Conclusions: A relatively high frequency of exotoxin genes studied can be a serious warning to treat and control the bovine mastitis caused by this bacterium.

Multi-criteria decision analysis for supporting the selection of subclinical mastitis screening tests to use in large- and small-scale dairy farms in Türkiye.

The production of high-quality and safe milk is closely associated with the udder health of dairy cows. While there are many mastitis diagnostic tests/methods available, choosing the most appropriate diagnostic test for a sustainable udder health control program could be a challenge. This study was aimed at selecting tests for the screening of subclinical mastitis on small- and large-scale dairy farms in Türkiye, using multi-criteria decision-making methods. An integrated approach employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) together was used to select subclinical mastitis screening tests for on-farm use. While the AHP determines the weights of the evaluation criteria, the TOPSIS provides a final ranking. Nine different subclinical mastitis screening (SCM) methods (DeLaval somatic cell counter, PortaSCC test, California mastitis test (CMT), rapid culture, portable/hand-held electrical conductivity meter, infrared thermography, leukocyte esterase strip test, milk pH, UdderCheck test) were analyzed on the basis of five selection criteria (the market availability of the test, the diagnostic accuracy of the test, the cost of the test, the cow-side use of the test, and the practicality of the test). The selection criteria were determined based on literature review and stakeholder input. The weighting of the criteria with the AHP was based on the pairwise comparison of the criteria by stakeholders. The criteria were weighted from 1 to 9 according to their relative importance as follows: "1: equally important," "3: moderately important," "5: strongly important," "7: very strongly important," "9: extremely important," and "2, 4, 6, 8: intermediate values." Final ranking of SCM tests with the TOPSIS was based on the stakeholder evaluations of fulfillment of the criteria by the alternatives. The most appropriate screening test for both large- and small-scale dairy farms was determined to be the CMT. The CMT is a very useful, easy to perform, and low-cost tool for detecting subclinical mastitis. Being a major element of udder health control programs, the CMT, if regularly used on dairy farms in Türkiye, would enable the culling of chronically infected animals and the reduction of mastitis-associated economic losses. Furthermore, regular CMTs would contribute to reducing milk SCC and improving milk quality. In conclusion, multi-criteria decision-making methods not only provide a systematic approach that may assist both veterinarians and farmers in deciding on the best choice among the different tests available for the screening of subclinical mastitis but also offer potential benefits to policymakers, researchers, and other industry stakeholders.

Longitudinal Study of Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococci from Cases of Subclinical Mastitis in Sheep in Greece: Incidence and Risk Factors.

The present paper extends a previous publication on a field study of subclinical mastitis in sheep and focuses on the following laboratory characteristics of the staphylococcal isolates: antibiotic resistance and association with biofilm formation. The specific objectives of the present study were (a) to describe the incidence of isolation of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci from cases of mastitis throughout the milking period in dairy sheep flocks and (b) to identify relevant risk factors, which would contribute to the sustainable control of the infection. Staphylococcal isolates from subclinical mastitis were evaluated for antibiotic resistance to 18 antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance was detected in 57 of the 179 staphylococcal isolates from subclinical mastitis (31.8%). Resistance was recorded against 11 antibiotics, most often against ampicillin (63.2% of resistant isolates), penicillin (63.2%) and tetracycline (47.4%). Isolates resistant to ampicillin and penicillin were recovered in all 12 farms. Twenty-one multidrug-resistant isolates (11.7%) were also recovered. The incidence risk of isolation of staphylococci resistant to at least one (any) antibiotic throughout the study period was 23.8%. The incidence risk of isolation of staphylococci resistant to oxacillin was 5.0%; that of isolation of multidrug-resistant staphylococci was 8.8%. With regard to increased incidence risk of isolation of staphylococci resistant to at least one (any) antibiotic and increased incidence risk of isolation of staphylococci resistant to oxacillin, the omission of anti-staphylococcal mastitis vaccination of ewes emerged as a risk factor. With regard to increased incidence risk of isolation of multidrug-resistant staphylococci, the following variables emerged as risk factors: (a) higher number of antibiotics used on the farm for the treatment of mastitis and (b) younger age of lambs taken away from their dam. Most biofilm-forming antibiotic-resistant staphylococci were recovered from farms where anti-staphylococcal mastitis vaccination was not applied (55.9% versus 44.1% from farms where anti-staphylococcal mastitis vaccination was applied).

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.

Short milking tube thermogram analysis: an indicator of mastitis in Murrah buffaloes.

In the present study, thermal images of the short milking tube of the milking machine representing four udder quarters independently attached to a milking animal, along with pre-milking and post-milking udder and teat thermograms, were taken using a hand-held digital infrared thermal camera (DarviDTL007) during morning milking of lactating Murrah buffaloes (n = 132) to assess the mastitis status. California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk samples were carried out to screen the udder quarters as healthy, subclinical (SCM), and clinical mastitis (CM). The thermograms revealed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.19 and 3.72ºC in the mean values of short milking tube (SMT) surface temperature among SCM and CM quarters compared to healthy quarters, respectively. The mean values of udder skin surface temperature (USST) for pre-milking, milking, and post-milking of SCM and CM compared to healthy quarters showed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.17, 1.96, and 1.61ºC and 3.11, 2.88, and 2.73ºC, respectively. Similarly, compared to healthy quarters, the mean values of teat skin surface temperature (TSST) for pre-milking and post-milking of SCM and CM showed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.12 and 1.66ºC and 3.07 and 2.45ºC, respectively. Also, CMT and SCC results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.68-0.91, p < 0.01) with all the thermographic parameters. Thus, thermograms of SMT alone can be used as an efficient detection tool in assessing SCM among Murrah buffaloes.

Frequency of non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci species isolated from quarter clinical mastitis: A 6-year retrospective study

Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci (NASM) are the most frequently isolated bacterial group from bovine milk samples. Most studies focus on subclinical mastitis caused by NASM; however, NASM can cause clinical mastitis (CM) as well. We evaluated retrospective data from 6 years (2017-2022) to determine the species and frequency of NASM isolated from quarter bovine CM. The data was comprised of microbiological results from quarter CM samples routinely submitted to Quality Milk Production Services at Cornell University for microbial identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 9,909 microbiological results from 410 dairy herds were evaluated. Our results showed that 29 distinct NASM species were identified, with the 8 most prevalent NASM species being Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus simulans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus sciuri (now Mammaliicoccus sciuri), Staphylococcus agnetis/Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus borealis, and Staphylococcus xylosus. The NASM distribution remained similar among seasons, but the frequency of NASM CM cases was higher during the summer. Our results showed different patterns of variations in the isolation frequency over time, depending on the bacterial species: increasing or decreasing trends, cyclic fluctuations, and, except for Staphylococcus borealis, a significant seasonality effect for our study's most prevalent NASM. This study showed that Staphylococcus chromogenes remains the most frequent (43%) NASM species identified from bovine CM, followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus (18%), and Staphylococcus simulans (12%).

Characteristics of bacterial contamination of the mammary gland secretion of lactating cows with subclinical mastitis

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in lactating cows is a common disease characterized by a change in the composition of mammary gland secretion, especially due to an increase in number of somatic cells in it over a long period of time. Etiologically, this disease arises as a result of the pathogenic effect of mixed infections caused mainly by bacteria of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. It should be noted that due to high prevalence, reduction of milk yield and changes in the physical and chemical properties of milk of cows, SCM is a more important problem than clinical forms of mastitis. Thus, the aim of the work was to determine the main causative agents of SCM in lactating cows and their resistance to antibiotics in order to justify the feasibility of using alternative means in the schemes of therapy and prevention of this disease. During the bacteriological examination of mammary gland secretion, streptococci were differentiated by morphological and cultural-biochemical properties, and the pathogenicity of staphylococci was determined by the ability to coagulate rabbit blood plasma in the conditions of the testing laboratory of Smartbiolab LLC (Kharkov) in 2019–2021. Subclinical mastitis in lactating cows was determined using a sample with 5 % dimastine and a thermographic study. Before taking milk samples, the udders were wiped with 70 % alcohol, and the milk was expressed in sterile tubes. The samples were transported in plastic boxes with cooling elements (at a temperature of 8–10 °С) and were examined no later than 4 hours after the moment of selection. The results of research in selected samples Streptococcus spp., which has β-hemolytic properties, was found in 42.9 % of samples, E. coli with hemolytic properties in 28.6 %, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus in 14.2 % each. The detected pathogens were characterized by the following indicators of antibiotic resistance: E. coli isolates were insensitive to 8 antibiotics (ampicillin, penicillin, streptomycin, neomycin, spectinomycin, spiramycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol), and Streptococcus spp. (penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin + clavulonic acid, streptomycin, norfloxacin, gatifloxacin, lincomycin) and Staphylococcus aureus (ampicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, ceftiofur and lincomycin) up to 7, respectively.

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&lt;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.

Effectiveness of the California Mastitis Test (CMT), Reductase Test, and Alcohol Test for Dairy Cows Subclinical Mastitis Detection

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands caused by pathogenic bacteria Mastitis divided into 2 types, clinical mastitis which has symptoms of swelling and changes in the shape of the mammary gland, while subclinical mastitis does not indicate clear symptoms. Subclinical mastitis is a very high case in Indonesia, around 97-98%, while clinical mastitis is 2-3%. Effectiveness of the california mastitis test (CMT), reductase test and alcohol test to detect subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle. The number of samples taken was 60 samples of fresh dairy milk from 15 cattles in Medowo Village as much as 50 ml for each sample. The results showed that the test was very effective in identifying subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle. 15% positive results were obtained for subclinical mastitis using CMT, 10% of the milk quality was not good during the reductase test and 18.33% positive with the alcohol test from a total of 60 samples obtained.

Electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid of raw milk for the detection of bovine subclinical mastitis.

Bovine subclinical mastitis (SCM) is highly prevalent among dairy cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh to evaluate the performance of electric conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) tests for the detection of SCM. We randomly selected 108 milk samples from cows of different breeds in the primary milk-producing region of Pabna and Sirajgonj districts of Bangladesh. Samples were subjected to the California mastitis test (CMT), white side test (WST), electric conductivity (EC), TDS, and culture. A cow was considered positive for SCM if it tested positive in CMT, WST, and culture, whereas a cow was considered negative for SCM if it tested negative in all three methods. These gold standards have been used to evaluate the performance of the EC and TDS tests. The optimal EC and TDS cutoff values for the detection of SCM were determined using the "optimal cutoff" function in R version 4.3.1. The optimal EC cutoff value for SCM detection was found to be 6159 μS/cm or 6.16 mS/cm. A positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 31.2 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.905 were obtained for this cutoff value. The optimal cutoff value for TDS was 3100 mg/L of milk, which resulted in a positive LR+ of 45.5 and an AUC of 0.924. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the performance of EC and TDS tests in detecting SCM in Bangladesh. These results suggest that EC and TDS tests, which are inexpensive, rapid, and easy to conduct, can effectively detect SCM at the farm level.

Isolation, Identification and Risk Factors of Escherichia coli Bacteria in Dairy Goat's Milk Subclinical Mastitis in Siliragung District, Banyuwangi Regency

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland which can cause a decrease in milk production and income for farmers. Subclinical mastitis is mastitis without clinical symptoms but can result in a decrease in the quality of milk production. One of the main pathogens that cause mastitis is Escherichia coli. The risk factors for the occurrence of mastitis, both clinical and subclinical mastitis, can cause a decrease in milk production caused by several factors, including genetic, feed, and environmental factors. This study aims to determine the presence of subclinical mastitis in dairy goat milk in Siliragung District, Banyuwangi Regency. Sample testing was carried out at the SIKIA Instrument Laboratory, Airlangga University. Isolation was carried out using EMBA media (Eosin Methylene Blue Agar) for further identification consisting of Gram staining and biochemical tests. One of the biochemical tests used is the IMViC (Indole Methyl red Voges-Proskauer Citrate Test). The results of isolation, observation of characteristics, and identification of bacteria in the research that was carried out showed that 8% (5/62) of the samples tested were positively identified as Escherichia coli. The results showed that the risk factors for causing subclinical mastitis included cleaning the cage bedding, washing hands before milking, milking out, teat dipping, and medication.

Isolation, Identification and Risk Factors of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria in Dairy Goat Milk with Subclinical Mastitis in Siliragung District, Banyuwangi Regency

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands that can cause a sharp reduction in milk production and income for farmers. Subclinical mastitis is mastitis without clinical symptoms but can result in a decrease in the quantity and quality of milk production. One of the main pathogens that cause mastitis namely Staphyloccocus aureus. S. aureus become the biggest problem of mastitis because the cure rate is classified as very low. The risk factors for the occurrence of mastitis, both clinical and subclinical mastitis, can cause a decrease in milk production caused by several factors, including genetic, feed and environmental factors. This study aims to determine the presence of subclinical mastitis in milk of dairy goats with sufferers in Siliragung District, Banyuwangi Regency. Sample testing was carried out at the SIKIA Instrument Laboratory, Airlangga University. Isolation was carried out using MSA (Mannitol Salt Agar) media for further identification consisting of Gram staining and biochemical tests. Some of the biochemical tests used are the catalase test, the coagulase test and the VP test. The results of isolation, observation of characteristics and identification of bacteria in the research that has been carried out show that 64.51% (40/62) of the samples examined were positively identified S. aureus. Results showed that the risk factors for causing subclinical mastitis included cleaning the cage, the number of lactating goats, washing hands before milking, manure and waste management, weaning age and lactation age.

Analysis of the Somatic Cell Pattern in Mastitis - Affected Cows on Three Dairy Farms in Vojvodina

Summary Somatic cells (SCs) in milk, which include epithelial cells from the gland and blood cells, are present in milk during the normal course of milking. Increase in SCs is found in mastitis-affected dairy cows and can be a useful indicator for estimating mammary health and milk quality worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a pattern of somatic cell count (SCC) in mastitis-affected cows on three different farms. The study was conducted on three dairy farms of high milk-producing cattle breeds in Vojvodina during 2021. Samples were taken from 15 cows from each farm, all of the cows being diagnosed with clinical and subclinical mastitis. The SCC in milk samples was determined by the microscopic reference method according to the standard (SRPS EN ISO 13366-1:2010) of the Institute for Standardization of Serbia. The value of SCC was considered as high if &gt;200.000 cells/mL, as this is the threshold indicating secretion disorder. In order to examine the differences between the observed three farms, one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied, while a post-hoc LSD test was used for determination of statistically significant differences between the SCC in cows on three different farms. The mean values of the SCC on Farms 1, 2 and 3 were 7,055,266.67, 2,619,893.33 and 552,000 cells/mL, respectively. Based on the results, a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) was established between Farms 1 and 2, as well as between Farms 1 and 3, while there was no statistically significant difference between Farms 2 and 3. Apart from mastitis, differences in the SCC on the farms could also be influenced by the cows’ productivity, parity, lactation stage and breed, as well as poor management practices. Besides mastitis control, better hygiene and proper nutrition can help in reducing SCs in milk. In conclusion, establishing SCs pattern can provide useful information that may contribute to reducing SCs and developing differential SCs standards to help obtain milk with low SCs and consequently better dairy products with a longer shelf life.

ERIC-PCR for Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical and Subclinical Mastitis Cow's Milk

ERIC-PCR for Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical and Subclinical Mastitis Cow's Milk

VERIFICATION OF EFFICIENCIES OF HYGIENIC SEPARATOR, AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF RECYCLED MANURE MATERIAL USED AS BEDDING FOR DAIRY COWS

It is well known that the bedding material commonly used in dairy cows’ barns have significant impact on animal health, and welfare as well. In addition, the exact identification of the bedding materials' properties which could affect dairy cows' health is extremely important. This study mainly aims to determine the microbiological properties of recycled bedding material from dairy cow manure, as well as the impact on somatic cell count, milk production and milk quality. Microbiological evaluation was focused on the pathogen microorganisms, especially Escherichia coli, Enterococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae (Salmonella), Clostridiaceae, as well as on yeasts and filamentous fungi. The somatic cells count (SCC), which could indicate the presence of clinical or subclinical mastitis, was evaluated by fluorescent optical electronic method. Our study also dealt with the effect of recycled manure solids (RMS) on milk yield production and nutrition profile. The obtained results showed a significant (P&lt;0.0001) decrease of pathogenic microorganisms in the RMS samples compared to the input material. The results also confirmed a positive effect on the number of somatic cells, which indicates a decrease in the incidence of mastitis on the farm. At the same time, a positive trend in the milk production during the year 2023, when the RMS bedding was used, was confirmed. The achieved results confirm the fact that the process of hygienic separation of cow manure on the experimental farm is set up correctly and it could be used in the conditions of normal practice.