Blog |
October 07, 2024
Introduction
Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder tissue within the mammary gland of the cattle. It is triggered by either physical trauma or infections caused by microorganisms. It is one of the primary causes of economic loss for livestock farmers due to diminished yield and low milk quality.
Causes of Mastitis
Mastitis is primarily caused by bacterial infection in the mammary glands. These bacteria can be of 2 types based on the origin - contagious and environmental.
Types of Mastitis
There are three main types of mastitis:
- Clinical mastitis
Clinical mastitis is a prevalent concern in dairy cows and is manifested through readily identifiable visual alterations in the udder. These include redness, swelling, and an increase in temperature, often accompanied by elevated body temperature in the cow itself. The affected milk exhibits abnormalities, becoming watery, discoloured, and potentially containing flakes or clots. Early detection and intervention are crucial, as severe cases can have fatal consequences. It's important to note that mastitis negatively impacts milk quality and production. While the specific cause and treatment approach differ based on the individual case, vigilance for these common signs and prompt veterinary consultation are important in safeguarding the well-being of your dairy herd.
- Subclinical mastitis:
Subclinical mastitis poses a significant but invisible threat to the dairy industry. Even though there are no noticeable changes in the udder or milk, it reduces milk production while simultaneously increasing the somatic cell count (SCC). Subclinical mastitis inflicts greater financial losses than more evident cases of clinical mastitis. It accounts for a staggering 70% of related economic burden. Its prolonged impact throughout lactation makes it a constant challenge for dairy producers. Subclinical mastitis acts as a gateway to more severe forms of the disease, like clinical or chronic mastitis. It stands as the most widespread type of mastitis with a prevalence ranging from 20% to 50% across herds. Its economic damage stems from its damaging effect on the milk quality. The elevated SCC and decreased concentrations of fat and protein which are crucial for high-quality dairy products, significantly downgrade the milk's value.
- Chronic mastitis:
Unlike clinical and subclinical forms of mastitis, chronic mastitis is a hidden threat. This type of mastitis is when the inflammation lasts for several months with clinical flare ups occurring at regular intervals. It lacks obvious symptoms but quietly damages the udder over time. While subclinical mastitis shows elevated cell counts, chronic mastitis involves ongoing inflammation, causing scarring and reduced milk production. Often stemming from untreated subclinical or clinical cases, it necessitates consistent monitoring and management to protect udder health and milk quality in dairy herds.
Prevention
- Prevention of Clinical Mastitis:
Preventing clinical mastitis requires careful observation and an adaptable approach. Meticulous hygiene and milking practices form the frontline:
Beyond these immediate steps, proactive measures are key:
Consistent attention to these strategies plays a critical role in protecting your cows' udder health and preventing clinical mastitis.
- Prevention of Subclinical Mastitis:
Protecting your herd from the hidden foe of subclinical mastitis demands proactive measures. Here's how to build a strong defence:
- Weekly Checkups: Regularly screen each quarter's milk, ideally once a week, to catch potential trouble early.
- New Arrivals, Tested and Treated: Before welcoming new cows into your herd, test them for subclinical mastitis. Positive cases need treatment prior to joining the group.
- Cleanliness is Key: Embrace meticulous milking hygiene. Avoid reusing towels, ensure quick and complete milking, and prioritise cleanliness at every step.
- Rest Assured: Provide clean, dry resting areas for your cows to minimise exposure to bacteria. Implement effective fly control measures to further reduce the risk.
- Nourish and Protect: Feed your cows a balanced diet to support their immune systems. Manage environmental conditions to avoid wet, bacteria-rich areas where infections can thrive.
- Boost Defences: Ensure your cows receive adequate mineral supplementation to bolster their udder's natural defences against subclinical mastitis.
By implementing these strategies and staying vigilant, you can create a healthier herd less susceptible to the hidden threat of subclinical mastitis. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and your proactive approach will benefit both your cows and your business.
- Prevention of Chronic Mastitis:
Treatment
Treatment for mastitis depends on several factors, including severity of the infection, type of bacteria causing the infection, number of affected udder quarters, and overall health of the cow.
Common treatment options for mastitis include:
Important points to remember:
If you have a cattle with suspected mastitis, please contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to diagnose the condition, recommend the appropriate treatment, and advise on prevention strategies for your herd.
