Mastitis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in dairy farming, affecting milk production, cow health, and farm profitability. It is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, primarily caused by bacterial infections. Mastitis reduces milk yield, alters milk composition, and, if not managed properly, can lead to severe economic losses due to discarded milk, veterinary costs, and reduced fertility.
This article explores the causes, types, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment options for mastitis in dairy cattle to help farmers maintain herd health and maximize milk production.
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Understanding Mastitis in Dairy Cattle
a. What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an infection of the udder caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogens. It leads to inflammation, swelling, and reduced milk quality.
b. Causes of Mastitis
Mastitis occurs due to multiple factors, including:
Bacterial Infections – Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma.
Poor Milking Hygiene – Contaminated hands, dirty udder cloths, unclean milking machines.
Environmental Factors – Dirty bedding, wet conditions, overcrowding.
Injuries to the Udder – Scratches, cuts, or bruises on teats.
Improper Milking Techniques – Over-milking, under-milking, rough handling.
Weakened Immunity – Poor nutrition, stress, metabolic diseases.
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c. Types of Mastitis
Mastitis can be classified based on severity and duration:
1. Clinical Mastitis
Visible symptoms: Swelling, redness, pain in the udder, changes in milk (clots, pus, or blood).
Divided into:
Mild Clinical Mastitis – Slight swelling, minor milk abnormalities.
Moderate Clinical Mastitis – Increased swelling, pain, noticeable milk changes.
Severe Clinical Mastitis – High fever, loss of appetite, systemic infection (can be fatal).
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2. Subclinical Mastitis
No visible symptoms but affects milk quality.
Detected only through laboratory tests (Somatic Cell Count – SCC, California Mastitis Test – CMT).
More common and economically significant than clinical mastitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Mastitis
a. Udder-Related Symptoms
Swelling and hardness.
Heat and redness in the affected quarter.
Pain and discomfort.
b. Changes in Milk
Presence of clots, flakes, pus, or blood.
Watery or thick consistency.
Bad odor and off-color (yellowish or brownish tint).
c. Systemic Symptoms (Severe Cases)
High fever and lethargy.
Loss of appetite.
Reduced milk production.
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Diagnosis of Mastitis
Early detection is critical to prevent milk loss and cow suffering. The following diagnostic methods are used:
a. Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Test
Measures white blood cells in milk.
Normal SCC: Below 200,000 cells/ml.
Mastitis affected SCC: Above 300,000 cells/ml.
b. California Mastitis Test (CMT)
A quick on-farm test.
Uses a special reagent to detect increased SCC levels.
Gel formation indicates infection severity.
c. Milk Culture and Sensitivity Test
Identifies specific bacteria causing the infection.
Helps determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
d. Electrical Conductivity Test
Measures milk’s electrical resistance (increases with infection).
Prevention Strategies for Mastitis
Preventing mastitis is more cost-effective than treating it. The following measures can help:
a. Proper Milking Hygiene
Wash and dry udders before milking.
Use separate towels for each cow.
Disinfect teats before and after milking (pre-dipping and post-dipping).
Maintain milking machine hygiene (sanitize teat cups and replace worn-out liners).
b. Clean and Comfortable Housing
Provide dry, clean bedding (straw, sand, rubber mats).
Avoid overcrowding.
Ensure proper ventilation and drainage.
c. Good Nutrition and Health Management
Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins (A, D, E) and minerals (selenium, zinc).
Offer clean drinking water to boost immunity.
Conduct regular deworming and vaccination programs.
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d. Dry Cow Therapy
Administer long-acting antibiotics after the last milking of lactation to prevent dry period infections.
Seal the teat canal using internal teat sealants to block bacteria entry.
e. Culling Chronic Cases
Identify and remove cows that have repeated mastitis infections and do not respond to treatment.
Treatment of Mastitis
a. Antibiotic Treatment
Mild to Moderate Cases: Intramammary antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporins).
Severe Cases: Systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and fluid therapy.
b. Supportive Therapy
Frequent milking of the infected quarter to flush out bacteria.
Cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Pain relievers (NSAIDs) for comfort.
c. Herbal and Natural Remedies
Aloe Vera Gel – Reduces inflammation.
Garlic and Turmeric – Natural antibacterial properties.
Neem and Tea Tree Oil – Used as antiseptic teat dips.
d. Surgical Intervention (Extreme Cases)
In severe mastitis, udder abscesses may require drainage or quarter amputation.
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Economic Impact of Mastitis
Mastitis causes financial losses due to:
Reduced Milk Production – Infected cows produce up to 50% less milk.
Discarded Milk – Antibiotic-treated milk cannot be sold.
Veterinary Costs – Treatment expenses, including medicines and labor.
Increased Culling Rates – Repeated infections lead to early culling of cows.
Lower Milk Quality – Higher somatic cell counts reduce milk price and processing quality.
Future Trends in Mastitis Prevention
a. Use of Automated Milking Systems
Robotic milking ensures consistent teat sanitation and early detection of mastitis.
b. Genetic Selection for Mastitis Resistance
Breeding programs focus on selecting cows with stronger immune systems.
c. Development of Mastitis Vaccines
Research is ongoing to develop effective mastitis vaccines against key pathogens.
d. Probiotics and Feed Additives
Feeding probiotics and organic acids helps strengthen gut and immune health, reducing infection risk.
Conclusion
Mastitis remains one of the biggest challenges in dairy farming, but proper hygiene, nutrition, regular monitoring, and preventive measures can significantly reduce its occurrence. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to minimizing losses and ensuring animal welfare.
By implementing good management practices and staying updated on new technologies, dairy farmers can protect their herds and maximize milk production profitably.
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