Subclinical Form Of Mastitis Research Articles

A Temporal Study on Incidence of Bovine Mastitis in Haryana, India

Mastitis affects dairy animal’s productivity and causes financial losses for dairy farmers in India and across the world. In this study, a total of 52,494 quarter milk samples from 14,381 bovines were screened for the primary microorganisms causing mastitis in Hisar and adjoining districts of Haryana and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns were analyzed. The cultural positivity from subclinical form of mastitis was observed as 86.32% and 87.73% from cows and buffaloes, respectively while that from clinical mastitis was 87.36% and 87.57%. The major Gram positive bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis in the entire study period were found as Staphylococcus species with an average incidence rate of 45.53% and 44.1% from cows and buffaloes, respectively. The Streptococcus species were found to be 33.76% and 29.94% of total isolates. Escherichia coli were the most predominant Gram negative bacteria isolated (17.37% and 13.85%), thereafter Klebsiella spp. (5.54% and 5.19%) from both cows and buffaloes. A significant proportion of clinical cases of mastitis were chronic in nature from both the species of bovines. The incidence of mastitis with respect to different lactation number and lactation months was found as significant. The highest incidences of mastitis was observed in the first lactation among buffaloes (20.69%), while the maximum incidences were observed in second and third lactation in cows with 16.59% and 16.99%, respectively. However, in both the species maximum occurrence of mastitis was observed during the first lactational month. The antibiotic sensitivity patterns of most of the isolates had shown higher sensitivity towards enrofloxacin and gentamicin, while the penicillin had shown least sensitivity. The knowledge regarding the mastitis causing pathogens and their sensitivity pattern in Hisar and adjoining districts of Haryana enables the veterinarians to adopt for the proper treatment protocols and dairy farmers to assure optimal health, welfare and productivity of bovines in the State, in turn reducing antimicrobial resistance.

Milk quality indiators of highly productive cows when using a pharmaceutical composition based on bacteriocin-nizin

The article presents data on the effect of a new pharmaceutical composition on milk quality indicators of highly productive cows with a subclinical form of mastitis. The therapeutic efficacy of the new pharmaceutical composition in the treatment regimen of cows with a subclinical form of mastitis was 86.9%. An objective indicator of a healthy udder in cows is the amount of somatic cells contained in milk. After applying the pharmaceutical composition, this indicator decreased by 711.88 thousand/ml. At the end of the experimental period, the average amount of lactoferrin in the milk of cows of the experimental group was 0.35±0.15 mg/ml, which indicates the absence of inflammatory reactions in the mammary gland. It was found that the composition used is effective against such pathogens of mastitis as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus spp., bacteria of the Escherichia coli group (Escherichia, Enterobacter). Thus, in 60.0% of breast secretion samples from cows of the experimental group, the absence of microflora growth was observed. At the same time, in 40.0% of the samples, the number of colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus corresponded to the indicators of normal microflora.

PSVI-7 Snorna Dysregulated Expression and Potential Roles in Bovine Sub-Clinical Mastitis Due to Staphylococcus Chromogenes

Abstract Staphylococcus chromogenes (SC), a frequent non-aureus staphylococcus on Canadian herds causes both clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis and contributes to large economic losses on Canadian farms. However, little research attention has been directed to uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying SC mastitis pathogenesis, including the roles of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). SnoRNAs function to regulate host ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) biogenesis and processing, and are known to have regulatory functions in several human diseases, but no study has examined their regulatory functions in bovine mastitis. To understand the regulatory roles of snoRNAs in cows with SC subclinical mastitis, the snoRNA transcriptome of milk somatic cells from three SC infected cows [positive for SC only, have high somatic cell counts (SCC ≥350,000 cells/mL) for ≥ 3 months consecutively, only one positive udder sampled], and four healthy cows [low SCC (< 100,000 cells/mL) for ≥3 months consecutively, compositive sample of all quarters] was characterized by sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Among 232 known snoRNAs found in the samples, 33 were differentially expressed (DE; 14 downregulated and 19 upregulated; FDR < 0.05). Out of these, SnoRA3/snoRA45 (upregulated) belongs to H/ACA snoRNA box type while SNORD14 (downregulated) belongs to C/D box snoRNA box type. According to RNAsnoop analysis, SnoRA3/snoRA45 interacted with 18S-1667 rRNA [minimum free energy (MFE) = -36Kcal/Mol] while SNORD14 interacted with 28S-3926 rRNA (MFE = -15.40Kcal/Mol). The observed strong MFE suggests that SnoRA3/snoRA45 and SNORD14 might potentially participate in rRNA modifications which could affect important functional sites of the ribosome with implications on the pathogenesis of bovine SC mastitis. SnoRA3/snoRA45 have been reported to guide site specific pseudouridylation of rRNA by upregulating the ribosomal pathway as well as have important roles in cell cycle progression in human. SNORD14 is expressed from the intron of its host gene RPS13, which is a ribosomal protein involved in protein biosynthesis. Also, SNORD14 has been shown to be potentially involved in intracellular protein transport and positive regulation of MAPK cascade. Our results suggest that the DE snoRNAs could potentially regulate the host rRNA biogenesis and processing in response to mastitis due to SC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report dysregulated snoRNA expression and potential involvement in bovine SC subclinical mastitis.

Phenotypic and genotypic resistance to antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from cattle milk in Northern Kazakhstan.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent and ubiquitous cause of mastitis in cows. In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has rapidly spread among infectious disease pathogens in Kazakhstan and globally. This study examined the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of S. aureus strains obtained from cattle milk to antibiotics. In 2021 and 2022, 675 cow milk samples were collected from 16 dairy farms in Northern Kazakhstan. Staphylococcus aureus was identified using culture and biochemical methods. The nature of antibiotic resistance was determined by the disk diffusion (DD) method. The distribution of antibiotic resistance genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Among the obtained S. aureus isolates, high levels of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics (100%), tetracyclines (95.4%), fluoroquinolones (95.4%), and macrolides (60.92%) were observed. Meanwhile, the lowest levels of resistance were identified for sulfonamides (21.84%) and aminoglycosides (27.59%). All the obtained isolates were positive for the nuc gene encoding thermonuclease. The blaZ, ermC, and tetK genes were detected in 45.9%, 77%, and 83.9% of the studied S. aureus isolates, respectively. The results indicate a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus isolated from cows with clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis in Northern Kazakhstan. In addition, the prevalence of resistance was higher when evaluated by the DD method than when detecting the specific antibiotic resistance genes blaZ, tetK, and ermC, indicating the need for deeper analysis of the phenotypic and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance.

Biochemical and morphological indicators of blood of cows with subclinical form of mastitis

This study aims to study the biochemical and morphological parameters of the blood of cows with subclinical mastitis. Experimental studies were conducted at Selyana LLC (Kuzbassky village, Kemerovo district, Kemerovo region) in 2021–2022. For this experiment, 12 cows were selected. Animals were divided into experimental (sick) and control (healthy) - 6 goals in each group. Animals were chosen according to the pair-analogues method, considering their live weight, breed, age at calving, milk yield, fat milk content, and physiological state. Body temperature was measured with a mercury thermometer with a scale graduated in Celsius from 34 to 42 ºС. The measurements were carried out for 5 min. The pulse rate was determined on the external maxillary artery for a minute. The number of exhalations calculated the frequency of respiratory movements. The same feeding and maintenance were organised for two groups of animals, i.e., they were in their usual conditions. In animals, after diagnostic tests for mastitis, blood was taken to study biochemical and morphological parameters. In sick animals, hyperproteinemia (87.43±0.82 g/l), low calcium content (87.43±0.82 g/l), and an increase in the level of phosphatase (156.15±0.50 U/l) were noted. In cows with mastitis, the number of leukocytes increased to 14.06 ± 2.29 × 1012/l. The average haemoglobin concentration in the erythrocyte was 27.77±0.43 in the control group and 27.87±0.21 g/dl in the experimental group. When studying the leukogram, the number of monocytes in the control group was 2.23±1.51, and in the group of animals with mastitis - 3.47±1.71%.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MAIN ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS OF THE OCCURRENCE OF MASTITIS IN COWS IN THE CONDITIONS OF "POLTAVAZERNOPRODUKT"

The article presents the results on the study of the main etiological factors for the occurrence of mastitis in the conditions of farms of the agricultural enterprise "Poltavazernoprodukt". Various pathologies of the mammary gland do not lose their relevance. They are among the leading causes leading to economic losses in farms due to lack of milk, reduction of its grade and culling of cows in the first lactation, or even after the first calving. The work was carried out throughout 2021 in the conditions of farms with intensive technologies for the production of marketable milk. The frequency of occurrence of mastitis was studied in the course of the research, the main etiological factors that influenced the frequency of their occurrence were determined. As a result of a complex of studies of cows at different stages of lactation, it was found that a combination of factors influenced the manifestation of mastitis. The problems were similar and the dynamics of detection of mastitis in cows also did not differ in both farms.
 The main cause that provoked the occurrence of mastitis was found to be the influence of the association of microorganisms on the mammary gland. After carrying out a complex of bacteriological studies of milk samples obtained from cows in experimental farms, we found that cultures of microorganisms were identified in milk: S. aureus, S. agalactiae, E. сoli, S. lactis, S. epidermidis. The species spectrum of microorganisms identified from milk depended on the form of mastitis. In clinical forms of mastitis, cultures of S. aureus (58.4%), S. agalactiae (28.3%) and E. сoli (13.2%) were more often identified. In subclinical forms of mastitis, the spectrum of isolated microflora was somewhat different, in particular, cultures of S. aureus were isolated in 40.2%, S. agalactiae - 24.5 %, S. lactis - 19.3 %, S. epidermidis - 10.2 %, E. сoli - 5.8%. A predisposing factor to the occurrence of mastitis in cows was the use of straw as bedding, which is a very good organic substrate for the development of microorganisms. Since we found the remains of damp bedding in the stalls on both farms, an additional factor of influence through bedding is also relevant. Factors of non-infectious origin that provoke the occurrence of mastitis, including various types of trauma, also occur, however, in the general structure of registered cases of mastitis, they did not exceed 3-5 %.

Intramammary Ethno-Veterinary Formulation in Bovine Mastitis Treatment for Optimization of Antibiotic Use.

Increasing pressure on animal and human health as well as food security, due to antimicrobial resistance, is leading to increased demand for natural-product-derived antibiotics worldwide. Considering the importance of bovine mastitis as well as the huge challenge posed by mastitis therapy in cattle production, the main goal of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the essential oil-based pharmaceutical (Phyto-Bomat), as an alternative to the existing treatment with antibiotics. The therapeutic response of the cows was monitored using clinical and bacteriological cure of the proposed formulation. Among 550 dairy cows, 75 were diagnosed with a clinical or subclinical form of mastitis and divided into three experimental groups: treated with antibiotic; Phyto-Bomat; antibiotic and Phyto-Bomat. Indicators of bacteriological cure were somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count, and causative agent isolation, while the clinical cure was accessed by observing physical udder conditions. All mentioned indicators were assessed before and after the treatment (1st and 7th day post-treatment), with all of the three therapeutic protocols. After Phyto-Bomat treatment, no visible signs of irritation were noticed, while no significant effect in reducing SCC and total bacterial count was observed. Phyto-Bomat has shown promising results in the treatment of mastitis, without the risk of udder irritation, alone or in combination with antibiotics as part of a mastitis control program during lactation.

ҚОСТАНАЙ АУДАНЫ СИЫРЛАРЫНЫҢ СҮТІНЕН БӨЛІНІП АЛЫНҒАНSTREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE ИЗОЛЯТТАРЫНЫҢ НЕГІЗГІБИОЛОГИЯЛЫҚ ҚАСИЕТТЕРІ ЖӘНЕ АНТИБИОТИКТЕРГЕ ТӨЗІМДІЛІГІ

One of the most common causative agents of bovine mastitis is Str. agalactiae, which is also potentially dangerous for humans and aquatic animals. To date, there is a trend towards the emergence and spread of Str. agalactiae microorganisms with multidrug resistance. The constant use of antimicrobial drugs contributes to the emergence of polyresistant microorganisms, which shows the relevance of rational pharmacotherapy of animals. The article presents the results of studying the main phenotypic properties of Str. agalactiae isolated from the milk of cows with clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis. For the studies conducted during 2021-2023, 398 milk samples were collected, 26 isolates of Str. agalactiae (6.5%) were isolated and identified. Studies on antibiotic sensitivity were carried out using the disco-diffuse method. The studies results showed that, the largest number of isolates were resistant to the group of beta–lactam antibiotics: benzylpenicillin (76.9%), amoxacillin (65.3%), ampicillin (65.3%); aminoglycosides – kanamycin (61.5%) and macrolides – tylosin (50.0%), less resistant to tetracyclines: doxycycline (42.3%) tetracycline (30.7%). The studied strains of Str. agalactiae demonstrated the lowest resistance to levomycetin – 23.0%. Strains of Str. agalactiae in our studies showed resistance to all antibacterial drugs to different extents. This indicates the urgency of the problem of antibiotic resistance in Kostanay region and the need to find solutions.

Некоторые аспекты эпизоотологии и патогенеза субклинического и клинического мастита

Clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis are widespread in dairy cows and cause premature slaughter of animals due to lack of milk, agalactia, atrophy and hardening of the udder. The incidence of mastitis in dairy cows averages about 25 %, but the manifest form of mastitis occurs in 50 % of lactating cows. Culling large numbers of dairy cows can have a negative impact on production profits. The early slaughter of dairy cows is influenced by various factors, mainly violations of veterinary and zootechnical husbandry rules. It should be noted that veterinary measures for the prevention and treatment of mastitis are not always effective. Statistics from the veterinary department show that the average age of Russian dairy cows is 2,7 lactations. The decisive role in the etiology of mastitis depends on three interrelated factors (infectious agent, protective properties of the macroorganism and environmental influences). At the onset of the disease, a sterile inflammatory process occurs, which is then complicated by the microbial community. Opportunistic microorganisms accumulate in the tip of the nipple and the nipple canals, penetrate the nipple and suprapapillary cisterns and cause an infectious process. Inflammatory processes in the intestines, organs of the reproductive system, etc. can also lead to infection of the mammary glands. The part of the udder that produces the most milk is most often affected. Microorganisms penetrate the mammary gland in three ways (mammary, hematogenous and lymphatic). During the inflammatory process, under the influence of microorganisms, milk proteins are destroyed, the pH of the environment changes, and clots and flakes appear. Subsequent changes depend on the severity of the inflammatory process. If timely measures are taken, the physiological processes and structure of the breast tissue can be restored, otherwise atrophy of one lobe (quarter) of the mammary gland will occur. The clinical symptoms of subclinical mastitis are unknown. Serous-catarrhal exudate appears in the alveoli, the components of which are lymphocytes, plasma cells and multinucleated cells. The protein composition of milk undergoes significant changes, which are characterized by a decrease in the content of total protein and casein, an increase in the concentration of whey protein, an increase in the alkalinity of milk, and an increase in the number of somatic cells. If cows with subclinical mastitis are left untreated, they resolve spontaneously in 12–20 % of cases and develop clinical signs in 15–20 %.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment of cows with subclinical mastitis

When examining the contents of the udder of lactating cows with Masttest, a subclinical form of mastitis was in 28.98% of the animals. Most often, the defeat of one lobe of the udder was noted (35.1%). The occurrence of subclinical mastitis in two udder lobes was recorded in 34.31% of cows, in three lobes - in 18.63%. The occurrence of a subclinical mastitis form in all lobes of the mammary gland was only in 1.96% of animals. The course of treatment of cows with subclinical mastitis up to 5 days with mastomycin, vakkamast and mastivex is more effective compared to their use for 2-3 days. It is most expedient to use mastomycin, vakkamast, which are not inferior in therapeutic efficacy to the foreign preparation mastivex (Spain), but 1.6–1.7 times cheaper and exclude dependence on the market of foreign medicines.

Study of the resistance of cows with mastitis depending on the age of lactation

Relevance.The breeding stock and young cattle in the conditions of industrial technology of animal husbandry experience an increased antigenic load, which leads to disturbances in the immune status and the development of inflammatory processes manifested by endometritis and mastitis, diarrheal and respiratory syndromes. It was relevant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the immunological reactivity of the animal’s body according to the state of resistance in cattle with clinical and subclinical mastitis, depending on the age of lactation. As a result of complex studies, the specific and nonspecific reactivity of the body of cattle in different periods of lactation was studied.Methods.The object of the study were cows of a black-and-white Holstein breed (n = 450). Groups of animals were formed according to the age of lactation:1st lactation, 2–3rd lactation, 3–4th lactation and for health reasons: clinically healthy animals, with subclinical mastitis and clinical mastitis. Milk samples were taken from cows to count the number of somatic cells, and blood to determine the quantitative content of IgG immunoglobulin and indicators of nonspecific resistance.Results.It was found that with mastitis in cows of different lactation ages, almost identical changes in the immune status were observed. Quantitative determination of IgG levels in animal blood serum is the basis for assessing the immunity of cattle. The immune status in clinically healthy animals was characterized by a higher level of the total amount of IgG immunoglobulin in the blood serum (amounted to 22.25 ± 0.70 mg/ml), whereas in cows with a subclinical form of mastitis, the level of IgG immunoglobulin decreased by 12.3%, with a clinical form of mastitis — by 17.2%. The results also showed that in cows of different lactations with subclinical and clinical mastitis, the bactericidal activity (by 10.8%) and the lysozyme activity of the blood increased significantly (by 8.22%). In cows with clinical mastitis — by 8.6% and 9.7% respectively, compared with the indicators in groups of healthy animals. Thus, mastitis, occurring in acute and subacute form, leads to a decrease in the resistance of the cows’ organism.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ МЕТОДОМ ИНФРАКРАСНОЙ ТЕРМОГРАФИИ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ ВЫМЕНИ КОРОВ МАСТИТОМ И ИХ ВЛИЯНИЯ НА ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases of dairy cows, affecting the udder health, the quantity and quality of milk produced. Early detection of the disease can reduce the cost of treatment, maintain the health and milk production of animals. To diagnose subclinical and clinical forms of mastitis and study their effect on productivity, the authors monitored the udder surface temperature in healthy and sick animals. The research involved about 200 milking purebred cows of the Yaroslavl breed, among which pairs-analogues were selected in accordance with the requirements of OST 70.20.2-80 “Milking installations for cows. Program and test methods”. One animal from the pair was in the experimental group, and the other was in the control group. The productivity of animals in pairs did not differ by more than + 5% (in a healthy state). Animals in the studied groups were in the third or fourth month of lactation. Animal productivity was assessed once a month by conducting control milkings. Thermal imaging studies were carried out on a working dairy farm using a Guide C400M thermal imager operating in the infrared range with an image resolution of 384 × 288. As a result of the studies, thermograms of the udder surface temperature in diseased animals and their healthy counterparts were analyzed and the following udder temperature ranges were identified: 32…35°C – in healthy animals with a negative test for mastitis; 36…37°C – in animals with a subclinical form of mastitis; 38…39°C – in animals with a clinical form of mastitis. For sick animals, the extremely high relationship between the critical increase in udder surface temperature and milk yields was confirmed by the linear Pearson correlation coefficient. The conclusion was made that the use of infrared thermography to determine the temperature thresholds of the udder is a fast and non-invasive way to obtain reliable information about an animal’s health and productivity.

STREPTOCOCCUS SPP. AS ETIOLOGICAL AGENT OF SUBCLINICAL AND CLINICAL MASTITIS OF DAIRY COWS IN REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

The aim of this study was to determine the species composition of streptococci causing subclinical, and clinical mastitis in dairy cows, their prevalence and antimicrobial drug sensitivity with respect to appropriate therapy. The study subject was the involvement and prevalence of bacteria from the genus Streptococcus in the etiology of subclinical, and clinical mastitis in dairy cows. The survey was conducted in eight cattle farms from different regions in Bulgaria in 2020 and 2021. After clinical examination and rapid mastitis test, a total of 239 cows were diagnosed with udder inflammation - 34 (14.2%) with clinical signs and 205 (85.8%) with subclinical mastitis. Laboratory analyses were performed on 346 samples. Two hundred and seventy two bacterial strains were isolated, and 151 (55.5%) were determined to belong to Streptococcus spp. Lancefield grouping and species identification of haemolytic variants was done. It was found out that in subclinical forms of mastitis, 54.5% of isolates belonged to Streptococcus spp., respectively 63.3 % of isolates in clinical forms of mastitis also belonged to Streptococcus spp. Out of them, 38.6% were S. uberis, 35.6% were identified as S. agalactiae and 25.8% − as S. dysgalactiae. In vitro tests of the sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs from various groups and classes were conducted with all field isolates. The tests demonstrated a relatively well-preserved sensitivity to antimicrobial agents with the exception of tetracycline

Prevention of Bovine Mastitis through Vaccination.

Cow mastitis is one of the main factors of economic damage in modern animal husbandry. It is registered to affect almost everywhere, taking into account the subclinical form from 30% to 50% of the livestock per year. Economic losses of farms from the diseases of cows with mastitis are due to a decrease in milk productivity, precocious cow disposal, a decrease in the grade and sale price of market milk, and treatment costs. This study aimed to use a safer method in the prevention and control of mastitis in cows, and vaccinations could be a solution to this problem. Vaccination promotes acquired immunity to a specific pathogen and also has few side effects. A bacteriological study of clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis was conducted to study the etiology of mastitis in cows in various farms of Kazakhstan. A total of 1,068 milk samples from 767 cows were examined. The studies were carried out according to "Guidelines for bacteriological studies of milk and udder secretions of cows". The primary selection of cultures was carried out based on growth characteristics on media and microscopy of preparations from individual colonies. Morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties of the isolated cultures were studied according to generally accepted schemes. Identification of the selected cultures was carried out using Bergey's determinant. The strain numbers of Staphylococci, Streptococci, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Diplococci, and Protea were 590 (55.2%), 240 (22.4%), 151 (14.1%), 50 (4.7%), 24 (2.3%), and 13 (1.3%), respectively. The greatest strain numbers of Staphylococci (n=351) and Streptococci (n=129) were isolated from cow's milk with subclinical mastitis. The effectiveness of the polyvalent vaccine used was determined by the manifestation of clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis. Out of 600 immunized cows, 9 (1.5%) and 13 (2.3%) animals developed subclinical and clinical mastitis, respectively. Furthermore, out of 150 cows taken into control, 12 (8%) and 10 (6.6%) animals developed subclinical and clinical mastitis, respectively. Furthermore, out of 12 cows with clinical mastitis, 5 cows previously had a subclinical form. Vaccination takes a significant place in the control of infectious diseases. The success of vaccine prevention depends on the quality of vaccines and timely vaccination coverage of threatened populations. Modern immunology and vaccine prevention have summed up the theoretical basis and outlined ways to improve vaccines in the direction of creating new harmless effective vaccines.

MILK LIPIDS AND SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS

This article deals with the process of obtaining quality raw milk by analyzing its lipid composition. The lipid composition of raw milk depends on many factors, among which, first of all, is the species, the composition of the diet and the physiological state of the breast. In recent years, a large amount of data has accumulated on the fluctuations of certain lipid parameters of milk depending on the type, age, lactation, diet, time of year, exercise, animal husbandry technology, physiological state of the lactating organism in general and breast status in particular. Factors of regulation of fatty acid composition of raw milk: genetically determined parameters of quality and safety; fatty acid composition of the diet; synthesis of fatty acids by microorganisms of the digestive tract; synthesis of fatty acids in the breast; physiological state of the breast. The milk of each species of productive animals has its own specific lipid profile and is used in the formulation of certain dairy products to obtain the planned technological and nutritional parameters. Diagnosis of productive animals for subclinical mastitis involves the use of auxiliary (thermometry, thermography, electrical conductivity) and laboratory research methods: counting the number of somatic cells; use of specialized tests; microbiological studies of milk; biochemical studies of milk. The biochemical component in the diagnosis of subclinical forms of mastitis is underestimated. An increase in body temperature implies an increase in the intensity of heat release during the oxidation of substrates, sometimes due to a decrease in the intensity of synthesis of energy-intensive compounds. There are simply no other sources of energy in the body. The situation is the same with certain parts of the metabolism, which are aimed at the development of protective reactions to the etiological factor aimed at the defeat of the breast. That is why the biochemical composition of breast secretions in the absence of clinical signs of mastitis undergoes biochemical changes and the task of scientists is to develop mechanisms for clear tracking of such changes, identification of animals with subclinical forms of mastitis and effective treatment.

Subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in major milk-producing areas of Sri Lanka: Prevalence, associated risk factors, and effects on reproduction

Compared with clinical mastitis, the subclinical form of mastitis (SCM) is more common and thought to cause more economic losses to the dairy industry. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors of SCM, and effects on reproduction of dairy cows in major milk-producing areas of Sri Lanka. A total of 1,357 cows of selected farms in 3 regions were examined in the study. California Mastitis Test was conducted for individual cows, and a score of 2 or more for any quarter without any clinical symptoms and abnormalities in milk was considered as positive for SCM. Samples from infected animals were collected and subjected to bacteriological analysis. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on individual cows and herds. Risk factors associated with SCM were analyzed using binary logistic regression in generalized linear mixed models. The effect of SCM on calving to conception interval and days from calving to artificial insemination were analyzed by survival analysis using Cox's proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival function estimates, respectively. A Poisson regression model was run to determine the effect of SCM on number of artificial inseminations per conception. The prevalence of SCM was 57.5, 11.8, and 45.5% in the regions A, B, and C, respectively. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, with 87.1, 56.5, and 92.3% in the regions A, B, and C, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that parity, farming system, milking area, region, and herd significantly affect the prevalence of SCM. Subclinical mastitis during the pre-breeding period was associated with 14% increase in the chance of having a greater number of artificial inseminations per conception. Likewise, median days from calving to artificial insemination was longer in cows with SCM compared with normal cows (79 and 64 d, respectively). Therefore, SCM affected the inseminated proportion of studied cows. However, SCM was not associated with the calving to conception interval. The results revealed that the cow factors and milk hygiene play a significant role in the prevalence of SCM.

Influence of liposomal drug on the intensity of proteins oxide modification processes in subclinical mastitis of cows

The article contains the experimental studies of the liposomal drug based on plant raw materials ― hypericum (Hypericum perforatum L.) effect on the intensity of oxidative modification of proteins (OMP) in the blood and milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Studies have shown that cows with signs of subclinical form of mastitis in the serum have an increase in the content of aldehyde-derived OMP370 and ketone-derived OMP430, respectively, 1.3 and 1.2 times relative to similar indicators in healthy animals. In the milk of sick cows, the content of derivatives OMP370 and OMP430 was1.99 and 2.29 times higher, respectively, than in animals of the control group. At the beginning of the study sick cows’ milk was recorded a significantly low value of the activity of the enzymatic link of antioxidant protection ― superoxide dismutase. At the same time, a 2.6-fold (P<0.001) increase in the number of somatic cells was noted compared to their number in the milk of clinically healthy cows. Intracisternal injection of liposomal drug to cows caused a decrease in the intensity of oxidative processes. In the blood of sick cows the content of aldehyde derivatives OMP370 on the 9th day of the experiment was 23.1% (P<0.05) less than before the drug, and in milk the content of OMP370 decreased by 61.8% (P<0.01). Similar changes were observed with respect to the level of ketone derivatives. In particular, on the 9th day of the experiment, the content of OMP430 decreased by 11.7% (P<0.05) compared with its value in the blood of sick animals before the introduction of the study drug, and in milk it decreased by 64.2% (P<0.01). During the treatment on the 9th day of the experiment, the number of somatic cells in milk decreased by 41.8% (P<0.01). In the course of treatment on the 3rd and 9th day there was a tendency to increase superoxide dismutase activity in the milk of sick cows compared with the beginning of the experiment. Thus, intracisternal injection of liposomal drug to cows with subclinical mastitis leads to a decrease in aldehyde and ketone derivatives of proteins oxidative modification in serum and milk. At the same time, an increase in the activity of the enzymatic link of antioxidant protection and a decrease in the number of somatic cells in the milk of cows were recorded.

Применение мази «Лювена» в терапии субклинических маститов у коров

The article presents the results of clinical trials of the ointment «Louvena» developed by «Set Hels» LLC. In production conditions on spontaneously sick lactating cows studied the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of subclinical form of mastitis. It has been established that two-fold at intervals of 12 hours rubbing ointment «Luven» in the skin of the affected lobes in a dose of 5 grams for 3–5 days gives a permanent therapeutic effect in the treatment of subclinical mastitis.

Forticept® innovative products’ effectiveness for complex udder hygiene

The quality of cow’s milk and the spread of mastitis greatly depend on the level of udder hygiene. Our author’s research was conducted to evaluate the effects of Forticept® Udder Wash and Forticept® Udder Forte, used before and after milking, on the treatment and prevention of subclinical mastitis and hyperkeratosis of cows’ udders. A total of 6880 milk samples were taken from 430 cows, 3-4 years old, 470-490 kg weight, at 60 ± 15 days of lactation. The therapeutic efficacy coefficient (EC) of Forticept® polymers based on benzetonium and benzalkonium chloride, against the subclinical form of mastitis was 73.8% compared to iodine-containing agents; preventive EC - 32.4%. Dipping hygiene of the udder using Forticept® on the 30th day reduced the number of 1-3 stage teat hyperkeratosis cases from 78.8% to 41.3%. Also, during this period, a significant (P<0.05) improvement in the chemical parameters of the milk was observed - an increase in fat (up to 3.94 ± 0.08%), protein (3.35 ± 0.07%), casein (3.15 ± 0.09%) and dry matter (14.91 ± 0.28%). After using Forticept®, the total bacteria count (TBC) of the milk decreased to 3×105 CFU/cm3, and the somatic cell count (SCC) - to 130 thousand/cm3 (P<0.05). Test day milk yield (TDMY) increased by 1.15% due to efficient dipping with Forticept® (P<0.05).

Problems of quality of raw milk and their overcoming by dipping procedures with Forticept® drugs

Indicators of physical and chemical composition of raw milk determine the safety and quality of products of its processing (cheese, butter, sour milk drinks). Cow udder hygiene is a guarantee of animal health and one of the most important factors in obtaining high-quality milk. The purpose of the study was to analyze the quality of raw milk in farms in the western region of Ukraine, as well as to determine the impact of dipping procedures using Forticept® Udder Wash (predipping) and Forticept® Udder Forte (dipping) on the quality of milk. In the course of the study, the generally accepted methods of physicochemical and bacteriological research of milk were used. In dairy complexes, where modern hygienically sound milk production technology has been introduced, mastitis affected no more than 9.5% of the herd. At the same time, in other farms with an imperfect industrial scheme, breast pathologies covered 57–80% of the herd. Also, according to authors’ data, the subclinical form of mastitis caused a decrease in milk production to 30 liters per month from one cow. Furthermore, the disease significantly affected the chemical composition, physical and microbiological parameters of milk. In livestock affected by mastitis, the average fat content of milk decreased to 3.17±0.05 %, protein content – 2.93±0.12 %, casein – 2.53±0.17 %. In contrast, the number of somatic cells increased to 769.3±57.34 thousand/cm3. In the experiment, the therapeutic effect of the applied dipping with Forticept® solutions in the subclinical form of mastitis was 50%. The preventive effect almost reached a maximum – 96 %. In fact, the procedure of dipping hygiene of the udder, regardless of the classic or innovative formula of the chosen remedy, significantly reduced the number of cases of hyperkeratosis and prevented the emergence of new ones. The number of udder nipple with pathological changes during the month of dipping decreased by 25%. Intensive udder hygiene also led to an increase in milk fat content (from 13.7 to 17.8%), protein (from 7.3 to 11.9%, P≤0.05) and lactose (from 6.1, P≤0.05 to 2.5%). Moreover, there were a decrease the number of somatic cells to grade milk of high quality (129.76±30.88 thousand/cm3, P≤0.05). Therefore, treatment of the udder by dipping procedures using antiseptic solutions Forticept® prevents cows from mastitis and hyperkeratosis, improves the chemical and bacteriological parameters of milk. In the future, test studies of Forticept® drugs for the use of small cattle are planned.