Subclinical Mastitis In Buffaloes Research Articles

Correlation of udder thermogram and somatic cell counts as a tool for detection of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes.

This study aimed to monitor the mammary health of 37 multiparous Murrah buffaloes through infrared thermography (IRT). Based on the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and milk somatic cell counts (SCC), buffaloes were grouped into healthy (H, n = 16), subclinical mastitis (SCM, n = 10), and clinical mastitis (CM, n = 11). Buffaloes were milked twice daily in the morning (5:00-6:00 AM) and evening (5:00-6:00 PM). Rectal temperature and respiratory rates were recorded, CMT was performed and thermal images of the mammary gland of all the buffaloes were taken before and after each milking. Milk samples were analysed after each milking for SCC, fat, Solids-Not-Fat (SNF), density, protein, lactose, salts, conductivity, and pH immediately in the laboratory from fresh milk samples. The surface temperature of the periocular region of both the eyes, muzzle, flank, and vagina were also taken. Thermal images were used to assess the surface temperature of the udder (USST), teat apex (TAT), teat barrel (TB1T), teat base (TB2T), and teat skin surface (TSST). Eye and USST showed significantly higher temperatures (p < 0.05), whereas skin surface temperatures (SST) of different body parts were non-significant in both SCM and CM animals than buffaloes in the H group. Milk SCC showed a positive correlation with conductivity (r > 0.7), salts, and pH (r < 0.6) and a negative correlation with fat, SNF, density, protein, and lactose. TAT, TB1T, TB2T, TSST, and USST were positively correlated with milk SCC. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis of H and SCM groups showed that USST before milking had optimum sensitivity (Se = 0.80) and specificity (Sp = 0.906) among the various skin temperatures recorded. Thermal images captured during the morning showed higher sensitivity compared to images taken in the evening. Results indicate IRT can be used to monitor the mammary health of buffaloes but using IRT in conjunction with milk SCC can help in the accurate prediction of SCM in dairy buffaloes.

A study on the development and the application strategy of FT-MIRS-based models for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis and milk quality classification in buffaloes

Buffalo mastitis detection and buffalo milk quality are of great importance to the world dairy industry. Somatic cell count (SCC) can be employed to assess mammary gland health and milk quality in dairy cows, but SCC detection is costly, and the detection instrument is expensive. The purpose of this study was to develop high and low SCC identification models using Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectrum (FT-MIRS), which could be used to diagnose subclinical mastitis (SCM) in buffalo and to determine the milk quality grade at a low cost. The dataset contained 899 buffalo milk samples collected from two regions in China. Firstly, the samples were divided into positive group above the threshold (SCM or unqualified milk) and negative group below the threshold (healthy or qualified milk) with SCC = 200 × 103 cells/mL (SCM in buffalo), 400 × 103 cells/mL (EU standard for raw cow milk, ES), 500 × 103 cells/mL (Indian standard for raw buffalo milk, IS), and 750 × 103 cells/mL (US standard for raw cow milk, US) as thresholds, respectively. Then, with FT-MIRS as predictive variables, predictive models were developed using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA), Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). The main results were as follows: the AUCval of the diagnostic model of SCM in buffalo using SCM criteria as a threshold was 0.84 (PLSDA). The AUCval values of the three buffalo milk quality classification models with ES, IS, and US as thresholds were 0.76 (PLSDA), 0.78 (GBM), and 0.84 (PLSDA), respectively. The predictive models established in this paper had a weak predictive ability for positive samples, and the “stepwise discriminant analysis” was recommended to improve the model application effect: The models were applied to classify samples as positive and negative, and then the samples with higher predictive probability were selected. Finally, the remaining samples were further differentiated using the reference methods of SCC detection. To conclude, FT-MIRS has the potential to predict buffalo mammary gland health status and buffalo milk quality grade, reduce the cost of SCC detection, and improve work efficiency, which will lay the foundation for rapid buffalo milk quality classification by raw milk regulatory authorities and rapid diagnosis of SCM in buffalo by farms.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm forming ability of staphylococci from subclinical buffalo mastitis.

The starting objective of this research communication was to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in buffalo in Turkey. We also seeked to isolate and identify staphylococci, determine their antimicrobial susceptibilities and biofilm-forming abilities as well as investigating the presence of biofilm-related genes and microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules. A total of 107 (66.9%) staphylococci (28 S. aureus and 79 coagulase-negative staphylococci, CoNS) were isolated from 160 mastitic milk samples collected from 200 lactating water buffalos. The staphylococci were especially resistant to beta-lactams except for cefoxitin but were less resistant to the other antimicrobials that were tested. Based on the Congo red agar method, 92.9% of the S. aureus and 70.9% of the CoNS isolates were positive for biofilm-forming ability, while all S. aureus and 97.5% of CoNS isolates were positive by a microtiter plate analysis. The presence of icaA and icaD genes was not always correlated with biofilm synthesis, and even in the absence of these genes, the isolates were able to synthesize biofilm.

Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Nano particles and Curcumin effect on some virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans causing subclinical mastitis in buffalo

Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Nano particles and Curcumin effect on some virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans causing subclinical mastitis in buffalo

Evidence-based identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus isolated from subclinical mastitis in dairy buffaloes of Pakistan.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), affecting livestock and human beings, has become a global public health hazard with economic consequences. The current study was designed to investigate the prevailing MRSA-associated subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors in dairy buffaloes. The study also highlighted the genetic variations and in silico-based proteomic differences among MRSA isolates. Out of 516 milk samples, 45.93% (237/516) were found positive for subclinical mastitis, while the prevalence of S. aureus was recorded 56.12%. The methicillin resistance in S. aureus isolates was evaluated by oxacillin disc diffusion test and molecular identification of the mecA gene. The results revealed a phenotypic and molecular prevalence of MRSA at 45.11% and 18.79%, respectively. The risk factor analysis revealed that among various assumed risk factors, parity, milking hygiene, milker care during milking, milk yield, housing system, and floor type were significantly associated with subclinical mastitis in buffaloes. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed no significant genetic variations among study isolates and depicted a high similarity with isolates from Africa, USA, India, Italy, Turkey, and Iran. The in-silico protein analysis showed that all sequences had the same protein motifs resembling penicillin protein 2a except Buff-13, whose protein structure resembles alpha-catenin-like protein hmp-1. The current study was the first report of the genotypic characterization and in silico protein analysis of MRSA from dairy buffaloes in Pakistan. The result highlighted the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and development of control strategies against MRSA infections.

Diagnosis of Sub Clinical Mastitis in Buffaloes

Diagnosis of Sub Clinical Mastitis in Buffaloes

Efficacy of antioxidant in the therapy of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes

This study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficiency of antioxidant in subclinical mastitis. Therapeutic trials were conducted in twelve buffaloes affected with subclinical mastitis and were randomly divided into two groups. The buffaloes of Group 1 were treated with intramuscular injection of Inj. Mofoi 5 mg/kg body weight, while Group 2 buffaloes were treated with intramuscular administration of Inj. Mofoi 5 mg/kg body weight along with antioxidant powder orally. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed based on bacteriological cure and the pre and post therapeutic values of somatic cell count, electrical resistance, pH and milk yield. The use of antioxidant along with Moxifloxacin was found to be superior than antibiotic alone by improving udder's natural defence mechanism, early restoration of milk yield and quick recovery.

Relationship Between Somatic Cell Counts and Mammary Gland Parenchyma Ultrasonography in Buffaloes.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the echotextural features of the mammary gland parenchyma in buffaloes during lactation at different somatic cell levels could be used to diagnose mastitis. This study was divided into two parts. In the first experiment, experimental buffaloes (n = 65) with somatic cell counts (SCC) tests (n = 94) in different seasons, including spring (n = 22), summer (n = 24), autumn (n = 37), and winter (n = 11), were used to obtain ultrasonic variables for each quarter of mammary gland that could best explain the corresponding somatic cell level. In the second part of the study, the first part's experimental results were verified by subjecting at least one-quarter udder of eight buffaloes to ultrasonography seven times during mid-July to mid-August for obtaining ultrasonic values at different somatic cell levels. The echo textural characteristics [mean numerical pixel values (NPVs) and pixel heterogeneity (pixel standard deviation, PSD)] were evaluated using 16 ultrasonographic images of each buffalo with Image ProPlus software. The effects of SCC, days in milk (DIM), scanning order (SO), season, as well as the scanning plane and udder quarter (SP + UQ) on both the PSD and NPVs of the mammary gland were significant (p < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between pre-milking sagittal PSD and somatic cell score (SCS) was the highest (r = 0.4224, p < 0.0001) with fitted linear model: y = 0.19445x (dependent variable: SCS, independent variables: pre-milking sagittal PSD; R2 = 0.84, p < 0.0001). In addition, SCC and ultrasonic of udder quarter were followed for 1 month, confirming that pre-milking sagittal PSD of mammary gland value could explain the SCC variation in milk. The current study demonstrated that the ultrasonographic examination of the udder could be one of the complementary tools for diagnosing subclinical mastitis in buffaloes.

Genome-Wide DNA Methylation and Its Effect on Gene Expression During Subclinical Mastitis in Water Buffalo.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in buffalo is one of the most challenging paradoxes for the dairy sector with very significant milk production losses and poses an imminent danger to milch animal’s milk-producing ability. We present here the genome-wide methylation specific to SCM in water buffalo and its consequential effect on the gene expression landscape for the first time. Whole-genome DNA methylation profiles from peripheral blood lymphocytes and gene expression profiles from milk somatic cells of healthy and SCM cases were catalogued from the MeDIP-Seq and RNA-Seq data. The average methylation in healthy buffaloes was found to be higher than that in the SCM-infected buffaloes. DNA methylation was abundant in the intergenic region followed by the intronic region in both healthy control and SCM groups. A total of 3,950 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified and annotated to 370 differentially methylated genes (DMGs), most of which were enriched in the promoter region. Several important pathways were activated due to hypomethylation and belonged to the Staphylococcus aureus infection, Th17 cell differentiation, and antigen processing and presentation pathways along with others of defense responses. DNA methylome was compared with transcriptome to understand the regulatory role of DNA methylation on gene expression specific to SCM in buffaloes. A total of 4,778 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted in response to SCM, out of which 67 DMGs were also found to be differentially expressed, suggesting that during SCM, DNA methylation could be one of the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. Genes like CSF2RB, LOC102408349, C3 and PZP like, and CPAMD8 were found to be downregulated in our study, which are known to be involved in the immune response to SCM. Association of DNA methylation with transposable elements, miRNAs, and lncRNAs was also studied. The present study reports a buffalo SCM web resource (BSCM2TDb) available at http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/BSCM2TDb that catalogues all the mastitis-related information of the analyses results of this study in a single place. This will be of immense use to buffalo researchers to understand the host–pathogen interaction involving SCM, which is required in endeavors of mastitis control and management.

Metaanalysis of subclinical mastitis prevalence in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Water buffalo milk, compared to cow's milk, has a preferable composition in terms of health and nutritional value. Subclinical mastitis, one of the most important problems of the dairy industry, is as important of an issue in water buffaloes as in cows. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes by metaanalysis, and to calculate the pooled prevalence. For the metaanalysis of the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes, a total of 382 publications 294 from Scopus, 31 from Medline Complete, and 57 from ScienceDirect were obtained as a result of the literature searches with the key words "Buffalo, Water buffalo, Nili Ravi, Bubalus bubalis, Asian buffalo, Jafarabadi, Italian Mediterranean buffalo, subclinical mastitis prevalence". Five repeating studies were excluded. The study material is made up of 53 subclinical mastitis prevalence data derived from the 51 studies in total that were conducted between 1989 and 2020. In this study, 10,996 water buffaloes (water buffalo-based studies) and 44,372 udder quarters (udder quarter-based studies) were included in the metaanalysis. Additionally, a total of 3292 agent identification results from 38 prevalence data obtained from 14 studies were used for metaanalysis of subclinical mastitis prevalence by isolates. A high level of heterogeneity (I2(%) > 75%) was detected amongst both the water buffalo-based studies and the udder quarter-based studies that were included in the analyses. At the end of the study, subclinical mastitis pooled prevalence was calculated to be 0.38 (95% CI: 0.32-0.44) in water buffalobased studies and 0.28 (95% CI: 0.23-0.34) in udder quarter-based studies. In 38 studies with agent identification, the pooled prevalence according to isolates for Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were respectively calculated as 0.36; 0.26; 0.03; 0.39, and 0.11. With this study, the inconsistencies in individual studies regarding the magnitude of the effect of the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in water buffaloes in the population were eliminated by metaanalysis, enabling us to make a stronger and more precise estimation.

A Study on The Prevalence and Associated Microorganisms of Subclinical Mastitis in Buffaloes at Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Livestock is an important sector of agriculture in Pakistan, which accounts for 50% of the agricultural value, about 11% in...

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

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

Short communication: Detection of antibiotic resistance, mecA, and virulence genes in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. from buffalo milk and the milking environment

The aim of this study was to determinate whether coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) from buffalo milk or the milking environment possess virulence factors that are associated with intramammary infections or antimicrobial resistance. Milk samples (n = 320) from 80 lactating buffalo were evaluated for clinical and subclinical mastitis by physical examination, the strip cup test, California Mastitis Test (CMT), and somatic cell count (SCC) over a 4-mo period. In addition, swabs were obtained from the hands of consenting milkers (16), liners (64), and from the mouths (15) and nostrils (15) of buffalo calves. No clinical cases of mastitis were observed; however, CMT together with SCC results indicated that 8 animals had subclinical mastitis. Eighty-four CNS isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and cydB real-time PCR (qPCR) and then evaluated by qPCR for presence of the eta, etb, sea, sec, cna, seb, sei, seq, sem, seg, see, and tst toxin genes, adhesion- and biofilm-associated genes (eno, ebps, fib, fnbA, coa), and the methicillin resistance gene (mecA). Resistance to antibiotics commonly used for mastitis treatment in Brazil was determined using the Kirby-Bauer test. Two strains were positive for the see and eta toxin genes; and mecA (1), eno (27), ebps (10), fnbA (10), and coa (5) genes were also detected. A notable number of isolates were resistant to erythromycin (30), penicillin (26), and cotrimoxazole (18); importantly, 10 vancomycin-resistant isolates were also detected. A smaller number of isolates were resistant to rifampicin (8), oxacillin (7), clindamycin (5), cefepime (4), tetracycline (3), ciprofloxacin (2), and chloramphenicol (1), and none were resistant to gentamicin or ciprofloxacin. Isolates with resistance to 2 (13 isolates), 3 (3), 4 (3), 5 (1), and 6 (1) antibiotics were detected. Taken together, our findings suggest that CNS isolates may not be a significant cause of clinical or even subclinical mastitis in buffaloes, but they may be a reservoir of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.

Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria causing subclinical mastitis in buffalo

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms causing subclinical mastitis in water buffalo were isolated from 20 buffalo milk samples at four dairy farms located in central region of São Paulo State, Brazil, through testing of somatic cell count (SCC), standard plate count (SPC), biochemical, PCR assays and antimicrobial profile. The SCC showed average of 721,000 cells/mL in the milk, indicating the presence of subclinical mastitis. The overall average for SPC was 1.8 x 104 CFU/mL. The microorganism most frequently isolation according to biochemical tests were: Staphylococcus epidermidis (17%), Staphylococcus aureus (15%), Bacillus spp. (14%), Acinetobacter spp. (12.5%); with intermediate frequency: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.5%); Shigella flexneri (7.0%), Streptococcus spp. (5.5%), Corynebacterium spp. (5.0%), Escherichia coli (4.5%), Serratia marcescens (4.0%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (4.0%), and low incidence: Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis (0.5%), Klebsiella ozaenae (0.5%), Tatumella ptyseos (0.5%), Enterobacter cloacae (0.5%). The molecular analysis indicated that samples positive by culture method of the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and E. coli were positive by PCR. Para S. aureus and S. epidermidis the highest percentages of observed sensitivity were gentamicin (100%) and vancomycin (100%); for the genus Streptococcus to gentamicin and oxacillin and E. coli to Ampicilin. These findings may help in the control and treatment of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes and contribute to improving the efficiency and quality of the milk produced.

A comparative study on selected APP, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in buffalo and cow with subclinical mastitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative changes of selected acute-phase proteins (APPs), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in buffalos and cows with subclinical mastitis. For this purpose, a total of 139 buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) and 146 cows (Holstein or Friesian) from Dakahlia governorate in Egypt were studied. Seventy-six cows and 49 buffalos exhibited subclinical mastitis with positive California mastitis test (CMT) and no clinical signs of mastitis. Results revealed that the most dominant isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus spp. in both buffalo and cow fellowed by Streptococcus spp. and E.coli. Statistical significant differences were observed in SCC, HP level, and LDH activity between buffalos with different bacterial isolates. Milk HP level showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between clinically health buffalos and cows and those infected with different isolated pathogen. In conclusion, similar to cows, Hp is a sensitive marker of subclinical mastitis in buffalo, and they may be advantageous to clarify the host response to the inflammation of mammary gland in clinical research. However, additional studies on a wider range of APPs and specific pathogens in buffalos are required to explore the response pattern to mastitis in such species.

Metagenomic approach to study the bacterial community in clinical and subclinical mastitis in buffalo

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, which occurs mainly because of infection. Infectious mastitis imposes significant economic losses throughout the world. Metagenomic approach was used to investigate bacterial diversity using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of clinical and subclinical mastitis affected buffalo milk. The data were analyzed using best hit approach through MG-RAST having 95% of the total reads assigned to bacteria. However, about 4% of all analyzed sequences were found to be not assigned to any known bacterial group which suggests that the disease may involve a community of not yet described bacterial groups. Sequences predominantly aligned with the phyla 57% Firmicutes followed by 16% Proteobacteria. At the family level, Staphylococcaceae and Enterococcaceae were predominated in samples from subclinical mastitis, whereas Streptococcaceae was predominated in samples from clinical mastitis. Reads were also assigned to uncultured bacterium indicating that they may also be associated with the etiology of mastitis. Thus the use of metagenomic pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA may be considered to be an important tool to advance our knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of mastitis in buffalo.

Isolation and characterization of mastitis pathogens and milk composition changes in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during winter season

Present investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in clinical and subclinical mastitis in buffaloes during winter season. A total of 118 Murrah buffaloes were screened using California mastitis Test (CMT). Milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, SNF, pH, Electrical conductivity (EC) and Somatic Cell Counts (SCC). Out of 118 milk samples, 60 samples (50.84%) were negative for CMT and 58 samples (49.15%) were detected positive for mastitis incidence. Milk pH and EC was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in mastitis affected samples than the normal ones, however, protein, fat, SNF and lactose were lower (p&lt;0.05). SCC ranged between 1.28-1.48 x 105 cells/ml (in normal milk samples as compared to 3.85-6.21x 105 cells/ ml (p&lt;0.05) in mastitis milk samples. Out of 58 samples only 51 samples exhibited bacterial growth. The culturally examined and characterized samples revealed S. aureus (35.29%) as the predominant bacteria followed by S. agalactiae with an isolation rate of 25.49%. The incidence of coliforms bacteria was not detected in any of the sample cultured and examined. It was concluded that mastitis incidence adversely affect quality of milk by increasing the SCC, pH and EC of milk. Appropriate measures needs to be taken to prevent the incidence of S. aureus bacteria which was the major causative agent.

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

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

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.

Perfil da contagem de células somáticas na infecção intramamária em búfalas na Região Nordeste do Brasil

Objetivou-se com esse estudo avaliar o perfil de células somáticas na mastite subclínica em búfalas leiteiras no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram analisadas 1896 amostras de leite de 474 búfalas procedentes de quatro propriedades de exploração leiteira nos Estados de Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia e Ceará. A secreção láctea de cada teto foi submetida ao Califórnia Mastitis Test (CMT) e as amostras positivas, a partir de duas cruzes foram coletadas para realização da contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e exame microbiológico. Observou-se que as amostras positivas no exame microbiológico apresentaram CCS entre 280.000 a 401.000 cel/mL com mediana de 328.000 cel/mL. Conclui-se que valores de CCS acima de 280.000 cel/mL é um indicativo de infecção da glândula mamária, contudo o exame microbiológico do leite é o melhor método para diagnóstico da mastite subclínica em búfalas. A observação dos Staphylococcus coagulase negativa exercendo influência na elevação da CCS deve ser objeto de outros estudos para elucidar a patogenicidade desse grupo de microrganismos na mastite de búfalas.