Teat Injuries Research Articles

On-farm epidemiology, virulence profiling, and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at goat farms

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) becomes a challenging issue that limits the therapeutic options for both veterinary and public health professionals. The current study aimed to investigate the on-farm epidemiology, antibiotics resisting profiling, virulence analysis, and molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at the caprine-human interface. A total of 768 goat milk samples and 94 skin swabs from farm personnel were collected from 30 goat flocks and processed for isolation of S. aureus. The study isolates were confirmed as MRSA based on the oxacillin and cefoxitin disc diffusion test and the presence of mecA gene. MRSA isolates of goats and human origin were characterized and further evaluated for the presence of virulence genes responsible for intramammary infections and public health hazards. The results revealed 26.82 % and 27.79 % goat milk samples and human samples positive for S. aureus, respectively. A higher MRSA prevalence of 35.92 % and 10.71 % was found in goat and human isolates respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a lesser extent of homology in mecA gene of S. aureus isolates at the caprine-human interface. Moreover, this study revealed strong evolutionary connection between the study isolates and MRSA isolates of Pakistani cattle and buffalo while the in-silico protein analysis showed that all sequences have the same protein motifs resembling penicillin binding protein 2a. The risk factors analysis revealed that teat length, drainage system, hygienic measures during milking, use of teat dip, teat injury, and veterinary services were significantly associated with subclinical mastitis in goats. A total of 43.24 % of local MRSA isolates showed multi-drug resistance (MDR). The isolates showed higher resistance to oxytetracycline followed by gentamicin and vancomycin while moxifloxacin, and linezolid were among the susceptible antibiotics. Local MRSA isolates carried virulence markers (nuc and coag genes) and biofilm-associated icaA (43.24 %) and icaD (29.73 %) genes which are responsible for the intramammary infection. The local isolates also carried the virulence genes of public health concern including the enterotoxin C (sec) gene (24.3 %), enterotoxins B (seb) gene (5.41 %), and enterotoxin D (sed) gene (2.7 %). Enterotoxins A (sea) and E (see) genes were not detected in any isolate. The study concluded that MRSA is an emerging and prevailing pathogen in dairy goats with a high potential to transmit to associated human beings. The presence of a variety of virulence factors as well as the associated antibiotic resistance makes MRSA a potential threat at animal-human interface and thus demands further research.

Prevalence of Bovine Mastitis and Its Associated Risk Factors among Dairy Cows in Ethiopia during 2005–2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bovine mastitis remains a major prevalent disease in cattle and places a significant economic burden on the global dairy industry. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the overall prevalence of mastitis and its associated risk factors among dairy cows. Scientific articles written in English were recovered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and other sources from Google Engine and University Library Databases. “Prevalence,” “bovine mastitis,” “clinical mastitis,” “subclinical mastitis,” “associated factors,” “dairy cows,” and “Ethiopia” were search terms used for this study. For critical appraisal, PRISMA 2009 was applied. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran's Q, inverse variance (I2), and funnel plot asymmetry tests. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of mastitis and its associated factors among dairy cows, along with the parallel odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 6438 dairy cows were included in the 17 eligible studies for this meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of mastitis among dairy cows in Ethiopia was 43.60% (95% CI: 34.71, 52.49), of which 12.59% (95% CI: 7.18, 18.00) and 32.21% (95% CI: 24.68, 39.74) were clinical and subclinical cases, respectively. Of the regions, the highest and lowest pooled prevalence estimates of mastitis among dairy cows were 49.90% (95% CI: 31.77, 68.03) and 25.09% (95% CI: 3.86, 46.32) in the Oromia and Amhara regions, respectively. The highest pooled prevalence estimate in the study period was recorded between 2017 and 2022, with a pooled prevalence estimate of 46.83% (95% CI: 35.68, 57.97), followed by the study period from 2005 to 2016, with a pooled prevalence estimate of 39.97% (95% CI: 25.50, 54.44). Gram-positive bacteria (84.70%) were the most prevalent mastitis-causing agents compared with Gram-negative bacteria (15.30%). Breed (AOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.44, 2.90), lactation stage (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.15), parity (AOR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.69, 4.94), history of mastitis (AOR: 3.56, 95% CI: 2.40, 4.71), floor type (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: −0.16, 3.34), and teat injury (AOR: 6.98, 95% CI: 0.33, 13.64) were factors significantly associated with mastitis among dairy cows in Ethiopia. Early diagnosis and proper medication, as well as implementing appropriate prevention and control measures, are necessary for the management of mastitis in dairy cows.

Cryopreserved allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells enhance wound repair in full thickness skin wound model and cattle clinical teat injuries

The study was aimed to evaluate and compare the healing potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from two common sources (iliac crest derived bone marrow and omental fat) in a full thickness skin wound model. Bone marrow derived MSCs clinical efficacy in the repair of cattle teat fistulae (cutaneous and muco-cutaneous wounds) was also evaluated. In a completely randomized placebo controlled experimental full thickness skin wound model, n=36 were randomly divided into three equal groups: groups I, II and III receiving Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), BM-MSCs and adipose tissue MSCs (AD-MSCs), respectively. Grossly early reduction in inflammation and enhanced epithelialization in the cell-treated groups as compared to the control was seen. Microscopy, ultramicroscopy, gene expression analysis and mechanical testing revealed better and early matrix formation with a reduced scar formation and a higher tensile strength in the cell-treated groups as compared to the control. An overall comparable healing in the cell treated groups was observed, although BM-MSCs had led to the better matrix formation tending to scarless healing while the AD-MSCs had led to the early wound closure with a good tissue strength. In the case controlled bovine clinical teat injuries study (n=17) repaired surgically, BM-MSCs (n=13) or PBS (n=4) was injected locally. In surgico-MSCs treated cases, 84.6% non-recurrence rate was observed as compared to the 50% seen in the control. It was concluded that MSCs irrespective of the donor tissue have potential to improve healing of full thickness cutaneous wounds and/ fistulae.

Effects of the anti-sucking device «SuckStop Müller» on calf behavior.

When cross-sucking persists beyond calf-hood, it represents an important problem in dairy heifers and cows. It can cause teat injuries and severe mastitis and lead to significant economic losses. The «SuckStop Müller,» a novel anti-sucking device, is designed to give the calf a negative feedback when cross-sucking on a conspecific. The aim of this study was to assess whether wearing a SuckStop would result in behavioral changes other than cross-sucking and thus, impair welfare in the short- and longer-term. Sixteen group-housed calves were observed in groups of four on five days, before and after fitting the SuckStop: day -2, day -1, day 0, day 1, and day 9. Maintenance behaviors (e.g., feeding, drinking, lying) were recorded using instantaneous scan sampling. In addition, the frequency of contact behaviors (e.g., exploring the feeding fence, touching own body) was recorded by means of continuous focal animal observations. Contact behaviors were classified as «impaired» or «normal» depending on whether or not the calf flinched in response to the contact. Finally, the number of visits to the milk and concentrate feeders was extracted from the computer-controlled feeding system. Fitting a SuckStop resulted in a higher proportion of observations spent lying and less exploration behavior on day 0 and day1 than on day -2, day -1, and day 9. On day 0 and day 1, 6,3 % of exploration behaviors were classified as impaired, compared to 0,4 % (day -2, day -1) before and 0,2 % (day 9) after fitting the SuckStop. On day 9, all calves had superficial ulcerations on the nasal septum. In four calves, these ulcerations were moderately severe, whereas all other calves had slight ulcerations. In summary, the calves habituated quickly to this novel anti-sucking device. Follow-up studies are necessary to assess the long-term relevance of tissue alterations in the nasal septum for calf welfare as well as the effect of the SuckStop on cross-sucking behavior.

Prevalence and risk factors for multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from subclinical mastitis in the western Chitwan region of Nepal

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) represents a significant burden and challenge to modern dairy management. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) in milk poses a public health threat to humans especially via the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of MDR E. coli in cows and buffalo in the households of the western part of the Chitwan district of Nepal. A total of 243 lactating cows and buffalo were included in this study. Milk samples (n = 972) were screened using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). The E. coli was isolated from milk samples that were positive for CMT using standard bacteriological protocols. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to farmers to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of SCM in cows and buffalo. Of the 243 dairy animals screened, 42.8% (n = 104/243) showed positive CMT results. However, of the 972 quarters sampled, only 19.3% (n = 188/972) were positive for SCM. The prevalence of E. coli in these animals was found to be 16.5% in animals (n = 40/243). However, E. coli was isolated from only 5% (n = 49/972) of the quarters. Of the 49 E. coli isolated, the resistance to ceftriaxone (38.8%, n = 19/49) and ciprofloxacin (37.7%, n = 17/49) were the most prevalent. Animals with a history of mastitis were 3.57 times more likely to have SCM than other animals. Similarly, lactating animals with previous teat abrasions were 3.22 times more likely to develop SCM than animals without teat injuries. As expected, cleaning the barn once in 2 to 3 d was associated with an increased occurrence of SCM in lactating cows. This study reports the occurrence of MDR E. coli in SCM, which poses a public health threat. Creating awareness of milk pasteurization, and food safety practices are necessary among the farmers.

English

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between October 2016 and May 2017 to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM), associated bacterial pathogens and risk factors under smallholdersmall holder dairy farms in North East Tanzania. The study involved 195 cross breed dairy cows from 130 dairy farms. Data were collected based on questionnaire interview, direct observation, screening using California Mastitis Test (CMT) and culture of bacteria. The overall prevalence of SCM based on California Mastitis Test (CMT) was 70.8 and 66.4% and bacteria isolation recorded at 56.4 and 38.4% at cow and quarter levels, respectively. Prevalence defined by CMT was significantly (p<0.0001) associated with wet-dirty bedding material (OR=11.61) and poor udder (OR =6.67). Increased culture-positivity at quarter level was significantly associated with CMT-positive cows (OR= 20.59), teat injuries (OR=23.56), wooden floor (OR=2.02) and poor udder hygiene (OR =2.16). Stripping method of hand milking and first and second parity were significantly associated with lower prevalence of CMT-positive cows and culture positive quarters (p<0.05). Major bacteria species isolated included Staphylococcus aureus (55.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (10.8%), Escherichia coli (7.9%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (5.9%). This study demonstrated SCM is a major health constraint of dairy cattle in North Eastern Tanzania. Key words: Prevalence, Subclinical -mastitis, California Mastitis Test, bacteria, risk factors.

Effects of temporary cessation of milking following intramammary cefazolin sodium infusion on residual antibiotic in lactating dairy cows.

The aims of studies were to estimate the withdrawal period of antibiotic from milk after the intramammary infusion of cefazolin sodium (CEZ) in cows with difficulties in frequent milk discharge due to disease such as teat injury. The period was compared among cows milked twice a day after 150 or 450 mg of CEZ were administered to all quarters (Study 1, 2) and the cows in which milking of front-right quarter was ceased for five days after administration of these infusions to only that quarter (Study 3). In Studies 1 and 2, the median of 17.66 µg/ml and 83.18 µg/ml of CEZ were detected in the samples of first milking after intramammary administration, respectively; however, there was no residual antibiotic by 72 hr in all cows. In Study 3, the median of 1.96 µg/ml of CEZ was detected in the sample after the resumption of milking at 120 hr, and the residual was eliminated by 174 hr. The withdrawal period may be prolonged by the cessation of milking after administration, and the period is the total time from cessation to 72 hr after the resumption of milking.

53 Risk factors for facial lesions in piglets and teat injuries in sows – a review

Abstract Painful procedures performed on piglets are one of the most important welfare concerns of intensive pig production. For example, teeth resection is a common practice whereby the canine (needle) teeth are clipped or ground to prevent piglet facial and sow teat lesions. Based on a global consumer survey in 2018, 60% of respondents will potentially stop purchasing pork from pigs experiencing painful procedures. In contrast to tail docking and surgical castration, little is known about the risk factors for piglet facial and sow teat lesions and therefore the need for teeth resection. We reviewed the literature to better understand these risk factors and conducted a survey to identify preventative strategies in practice that have enabled producers to avoid teeth resection. For the literature review, we used Web of Science and Google Scholar to include peer-reviewed publications and gray literature. The questionnaire was distributed with convenience sampling to relevant stakeholders. In the questionnaire, information on current on-farm practices regarding teeth resection was collected, including the method, frequency, and reason for conducting teeth resection, and preventative measures used. Preliminary findings of the literature review showed that most studies only focused on teeth resection and its effect on piglet facial and sow teat lesions. Other risk factors identified are litter size, farrowing system and flooring, milk production, management of fostering, flooring, and enrichment. The survey is ongoing and the complete results will be presented during the conference. Our review suggests many risk factors are related to piglet facial and sow teat lesions other than whether or not teeth resection is carried out. There is still a knowledge gap in the understanding of how alleviating these risk factors can prevent said lesions, and further research and dissemination of best practice is needed to explore different solutions instead of solely relying on teeth resection.

Effects of different teat inserts on wound healing of experimentally incised streak canal in non-lactating cattle.

The recurrence of reduced milk flow is a common sequela after placement of teat inserts in the streak canal as a treatment for teat injury. We evaluated the effects of three types of commercial teat inserts on wound healing. Thirty-two normal streak canals of eight cows were incised longitudinally using a teat knife. Then, a wax-bougie, silicone self-retaining cannula, and catgut teat dilator were placed in each cow for 7 days. No insert was placed on the remaining teat as a control. Histopathological examination revealed that granulation polyps with squamous metaplasia developed in the area around the rosette of Furstenberg in most teats in which silicone cannulas and catgut teat dilators were placed, whereas the controls and the teats with wax-bougies healed with less tissue reaction. This study suggests that the placement of irritating inserts, such as a silicone cannula and catgut teat dilator, interfere with wound healing.

Risk factors for bovine mastitis with the isolation and identification of Streptococcus agalactiae from farms in and around Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors of bovine mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae from farms in and around Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. A total of 384 lactating cows were selected from small-, medium-, and large-scale production systems. California mastitis test (CMT) was used for screening subclinical mastitis. Out of the total animals examined, 63.02% (n = 242) had mastitis, where 6.77% (n = 26) and 56.25% (n = 216) were clinical and subclinical mastitis respectively. The quarter-level prevalence was 29.04% (n = 446), from which the clinical form was 6.38% (n = 98) and the subclinical was 22.66% (n = 348), and the rest quarters were blind 3.32% (n = 51). Milk samples from clinical as well as CMT positive quarters were cultured for isolation of S. agalactiae, where 10.3% (n = 46) resulted in growth of the bacterium. The prevalence of mastitis was found to be statistically significant among the age groups (p = 0.002), breed (p = 0.000), and parity (p = 0.000). Similar findings were found to the extrinsic risk factors considered; as production type (p = 0.010), teat injury (p = 0.02), and type of floor (p = 0.000). The study confirmed the importance of S. agalactiae as the cause of contagious mastitis and also identified the associated risk factors in the study farms and hence warrants serious attention.

Evaluation of Collagen, Calcium Alginate Protectants on Healing of External Wound on Teat in Cows

A total number of 36 cross bred jersey cows with external teat injury without involving the teat cistern and with exposed teat sinus were subjected for the present study. Clinical examination of teat for its shape, length, distance from the ground and etiology of the teat wounds were recorded. Following preoperative evaluation, the animals were divided into Group I with 12 animals and treatment group with 24 animals each. Group I were treated with Povidone iodine solution. In treatment (Group II), after suturing the wound was protected with sheets of collagen and calcium alginate as protectants. The application of collagen based teat protectant is an effective methodology for favoring healing process of external injuries when compared to the conventional antiseptic drugs using Povidone iodine.

Assessment of welfare and health of dairy cows under different housing and management systems

This study was conducted in six dairy farms in Beni-Suef Governorate representing the most prevalent systems of housing and management in Egypt to assess the welfare and health of dairy cows kept in these systems. These systems including 1) tie stall barn with daily access to an outside shaded area associated with hand milking twice daily; 2) loose housing in partially sheltered yards on earthy floor represented by 4 farms with different management practices include feeding and milking, and 3) free stall barn with daily access to partially sheltered yards during the day time associated with three times daily milking in a parlour system. Each farm was visited three times over a period of one year. All cows were observed for lying and standing up behaviour and examined for lameness, mastitis, skin alterations at the knee and hock joints and rest of the body, teat injuries, cleanliness of the hind legs and udder, and body condition score. Results revealed that no restriction for lying and standing up behaviour was observed in all systems indicating that cow comfort was maintained. The prevalence of lameness was higher in loose housing system on earthy floor (0.9, 15.4 and 8.7 %). The prevalence of skin alterations at the knee joint was higher in cows kept in tie and free stall barns (4.7 and 7.5 % respectively) and at hock joints (11.9 %) in tie stall barn on concrete floor. Tie stall system had a higher prevalence of teat injuries (14.3 %) than other systems. High degree of dirtiness of hind legs (90.5, 89 and 99.2 %) and udder (91.4, 91.6 and 100 %) was found in loose housing system associated with increased dampness of the floor and lack of daily cow cleaning regimen.

Reciprocated cross sucking between dairy calves after weaning off milk does not appear to negatively affect udder health or production

Cross sucking by dairy calves occurs most commonly before weaning, but is of most concern in older animals where it has been claimed to cause mastitis and udder damage. Providing ad libitum milk allowance via a teat and gradual weaning reduces cross sucking, but low levels of this behavior still persist. Our aims were to understand why this behavior persists in some calves after weaning off milk and to examine whether individuals which are cross sucked postweaning are more likely to sustain teat injury or develop mastitis during their first lactation. Fifty-six female Holstein calves were housed in groups of 8 and fed milk, grain, and hay ad libitum from automated feeders. During weaning, milk allowance was gradually reduced according to grain intake. Cross sucking was recorded using overhead video cameras (5 observation periods of 72h). The effects of weaning on cross sucking were examined; to examine whether cross sucking affected udder health, all incidences of damaged quarters or clinical and sub-clinical mastitis in the first lactation were recorded, as was milk production. The overall level of cross sucking after weaning, at 4 to 5mo of age, was low and a small proportion of individuals accounted for the majority of events. The duration of cross sucking that occurred at 4 to 5mo of age was correlated with the amount of cross sucking done before and immediately after weaning. After weaning, the calves that cross sucked did so on certain calves, with the most sucked calf within each pen accounting for 73.98% of all cross-sucking events. No relationship was found between cross sucking and being cross sucked in the period before weaning but a positive correlation was found by 4 to 5mo of age. The majority of calves reduced or ceased cross sucking after weaning. Individuals still observed to be cross sucking by 4 to 5mo of age had formed pairs with other cross-sucking individuals and cross-sucking events occurred almost exclusively between these pairs. Cows that were cross sucked as heifers were no more likely to develop mastitis or have higher somatic cell count in their first lactation than those which were not involved in cross sucking. Cross sucking typically begins before weaning, but the formation of lasting pairs of reciprocal cross-sucking partners after weaning may be responsible for this behavior persisting in group housed dairy calves after weaning off milk. Low levels of cross sucking did not appear to have a negative effect on udder health.

Isolation, identifications and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of coagulase positive <i>Staphylococcus</i> from subclinical mastitic dairy cattle in and around Haramaya University

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 to isolate coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) from subclinical mastitic (SCM) lactating cows, to establishing prevalence, to identify risk factors and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of CPS isolates in and around Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire survey, California mastitis test (CMT), bacterial isolation and identification and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted during the study. A total of 210 dairy cattle from seven farms were screened for SCM by CMT. The prevalence of SCM in the study areas was 71.4% (150/210). Milk samples were collected from 562 quarters of 150 cows free of clinical mastitis but positive in CMT. Among these cows 38 of them had blind quarters (6. 76%). The prevalence of CPS was found to be 66.0% (99/150) and 28.46% (160/562) on animal and quarter basis, respectively. Among the risk factors studied, SCM due to CPS was significantly higher (P > 0.05) in older cows (100%) than younger (70.0%), in cows during late lactation (96.3%), in cows which gave more than 5 births (100%), in cross-breed cows (71.2%) than local breed cows (54.3%), in cows with udder I teat injuries (96.3%) and in cows managed under poor house hygiene (82.5%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 9 antibiotics carried out using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and revealed high multidrug resistance of 71 (87.6 %). High level of resistance to common drugs like ampicillin (90.1 %), penicillin (67.9%), and tetracycline (54.3%) was registered. In contrast, the CPS isolates were susceptibility for chloramphenicol, gentamycin and kanamycin at 63%, 46.9%, and 41.97%, respectively. In conclusion, the study confirms the importance of CPS as a mastitis causing multidrug resistant bacterium. Therefore, improved management and early treatment of SCM cases with drug of choice is imperative to tackle CPS mastitis.Keywords: Antimicrobial susceptibility, Coagulase positive Staphylococcus, and risk factors

Clinical trial of a new permanent milk flow teat bougie during cases of external and internal teat injuries

Teat injuries are common in dairy cattle, around 2 to 3% are affected and compared to other frequently occurring diseases, these injuries often result in premature culling of affected cows. Teat injuries can be divided into 2 categories: external or internal injuries. These injuries often result in premature culling of affected cows. Surgery and treatment of these injuries has been described and discussed intensively. However the question whether complete rest (no milking) or temporary resting of the injured teat by temporary cessation of milking or continuous milking is not yet clearly answered, and may vary from case to case. This paper describes a new technique that allows a permanent milk flow alongside an undisturbed healing process of external and internal teat injuries. A special silicon catheter ("teatflow”) is introduced into the teat canal to allow continuous milk flow at a minimum risk level for udder infections.

Pathogen group specific risk factors for clinical mastitis, intramammary infection and blind quarters at the herd, cow and quarter level in smallholder dairy farms in Jimma, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study on clinical mastitis, intramammary infection (IMI) and blind quarters was conducted on 50 smallholder dairy farms in Jimma, Ethiopia. A questionnaire was performed, and quarters of 211 cows were sampled and bacteriologically cultured. Risk factors at the herd, cow, and quarter level for clinical mastitis and (pathogen-specific) intramammary infection were studied using multilevel modeling. As well, factors associated with quarters being blind were studied. Eleven percent of the cows and 4% of the quarters had clinical mastitis whereas 85% of the cows and 51% of the quarters were infected. Eighteen percent of the cows had one or more blind quarter(s), whereas 6% of the quarters was blind. Non-aureus staphylococci were the most frequently isolated pathogens in both clinical mastitis cases and IMI. The odds of clinical mastitis was lower in herds where heifers were purchased in the last year [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval: 0.11 (0.01–0.90)], old cows (>4 years) [OR: 0.45 (0.18–1.14)], and quarters not showing teat injury [OR: 0.23 (0.07–0.77)]. The odds of IMI caused by any pathogen was higher in herds not practicing teat drying before milking (opposed to drying teats with 1 towel per cow) [OR: 1.68 (1.05–2.69)], cows in later lactation (>180 DIM opposed to ≤90 DIM) [OR: 1.81 (1.14–2.88)], cows with a high (>3) body condition score (BCS) [OR: 1.57 (1.06–2.31)], right quarters (opposed to a left quarter position) [OR: 1.47 (1.10–1.98)], and quarters showing teat injury [OR: 2.30 (0.97–5.43)]. Quarters of cows in herds practicing bucket-fed calf feeding (opposed to suckling) had higher odds of IMI caused by Staphylococcus aureus [OR: 6.05 (1.31–27.90)]. Except for BCS, IMI caused by non-aureus staphylococci was associated with the same risk factors as IMI caused by any pathogen. No access to feed and water immediately after milking [OR: 2.41 (1.26–4.60)], higher parity [OR: 3.60 (1.20–10.82)] and tick infestation [OR: 2.42 (1.02–5.71)] were risk factors for quarters being blind. In conclusion, replacement of old cows, prevention of teat injuries/lesions, drying teats with 1 towel per cow before milking, improving fertility in order to shorten the lactation period, allowing (restricted) suckling, access to feed and water immediately after milking, and improving tick control could improve udder health in Jimma.

Ultrasonography of teat in surti goats

The present study was conducted on twenty clinically healthy adult surti goats weighing 15 to 20 kg, free from clinical and sub-clinical mastitis or teat injuries. Teats were examined by ultrasonography (USG) with 7.5 -10 MHz linear transducer using direct contact and water bath techniques. Ultrasonographically, parenchyma, lobes, major duct, gland cistern, teat cistern, teat/streak canal were visualized. Measurement of the structures i.e. teat end width (TEW), teat canal length (TCL), teat cistern width (TCW) and teat wall thickness (TWT) were also recorded using in build caliper in USG machine. The mean ± SE measurements of TEW, TCL, TCW and TWT in lactating goats were 1.34± 0.07, 1.74± 0.13, 0.38± 0.04 and 0.55± 0.02 cms, respectively, whereas the corresponding mean ± SE values in non lactating goats were 1.02± 0.03, 1.06± 0.06, 0.24± 0.01 and 0.46± 0.02 cms.

Clinical findings related to intramammary infections in meat-producing ewes

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical findings and bacterial isolation in milk samples of meat-producing ewes. The study was conducted in 17 commercial flocks and 550 udder halves from suckling Santa Ines ewes. Initially, the clinical examination of the mammary glands and teats was performed by visual inspection and palpation of the teats and udder halves; then a scoring system was devised for all the findings. After that, the strip cup test and the California mastitis test (CMT) were performed. Then, milk samples for somatic cell counts (SCCs) and bacteriological analyses were collected. Staphylococci bacteria were the main etiological agent isolated in the present study. Upon investigation of the correlations between bacterial isolation and the clinical findings, only the presence of teat injury, pendulous udder, and alterations in the palpation of the teat were associated with bacterial isolation. A significant correlation between bacteriologically positive milk samples and CMT and SCC was also found. Thus, some clinical findings appeared as a risk factor for bacteriologically positive milk samples and can be used as a tool in mastitis control programs. However, a complete and extensive diagnosis, an appropriate therapy, and an efficient mastitis control program will require the combination of clinical examination, microbiological tests, and SCC.

Preliminary bacterial study on subclinical mastitis and teat condition in dairy herds around Shiraz

Mastitis is a widely occurring and costly disease in the dairy industry. Th e aim of this study was to isolate bacterial causes of subclinical mastitis and investigate the relationship between subclinical mastitis and teat condition in dairy herds located around Shiraz, Fars province, Iran. From 7 commercial dairy herds around Shiraz 354 lactating cows were selected randomly. Subclinical mastitis was evaluated by the California Mastitis Test (CMT), electrical conductivity (EC), and somatic cell count (SCC). Teat condition was evaluated by measuring teat width and length. In the 68 samples of bacterial cultures identifi ed, 14 diff erent bacterial species were found. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae were the most common isolates with 19 (27.94%) and 14 (20.59%), respectively. Th ere were no signifi cant diff erences between the width and length of the 4 teats in diff erent CMT reactions. Th ere was, however, signifi cant correlation between CMT reaction and teat width (r = 0.14 to 0.20). In addition, there was signifi cant correlation between SCC and teat injuries (r = 0.13). Th e diff erence between number of SCC in CMT positive and negative cows, as well as EC positive and negative cows, was signifi cant. It is concluded that some anatomical characteristics of the teat can aff ect the udder's susceptibility to mastitis. Th erefore, bull selection programs may be targeted to improve mastitis control in dairy cow farms.

Teat surgery in dairy cattle

Teats in the milking cow are often overused and prone to trauma and injury that reduces their ability to function efficiently. Physical damage to the teat can be due to...