Mastitis in Dairy Cows and Buffaloes
Introduction
Bovine mastitis, a persistent inflammation of the mammary gland, is one of the most common and economically impactful diseases in dairy farming, affecting both cows and buffaloes worldwide. It primarily results from infections caused by microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mycoplasma, or physical trauma. Mastitis not only affects the health and well-being of the animals but also reduces milk yield and degrades milk quality, leading to substantial financial losses for dairy farmers.
Understanding Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder, commonly caused by bacterial infections, but also by fungi or other microorganisms. Its severity ranges from subclinical, where no visible symptoms are present, to clinical cases, where clear signs of infection such as swelling, heat, and changes in milk consistency are evident.
Symptoms
- Udder Inflammation: Swelling, redness, hardness, and heat in the mammary gland.
- Pain and Discomfort: The animal reacts aggressively to touch, often kicking during milking.
- Milk Changes: Presence of blood clots, foul-smelling brown discharge, and milk clots in the milk.
- Reduced Milk Yield: Milk production may be completely halted or significantly reduced.
- Fever and General Discomfort: Body temperature increases, appetite decreases, and animals exhibit limited mobility due to udder pain.
- Severe Cases: Mastitis can progress to toxemia or bacteremia, and if untreated, it may lead to death.
Early Detection
The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a quick and effective method for detecting subclinical mastitis. Small milk samples are mixed with a reagent, and any thickening indicates the presence of somatic cells (immune response to infection), helping detect the disease before visible symptoms arise.
Causes of Mastitis
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are common pathogens that enter through the teat canal. Other culprits include fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida spp., and Trichosporon spp..
Environmental Factors
- Contaminated Bedding: Moist or dirty bedding, combined with poor ventilation, provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth.
- Milking Equipment: Unsanitary milking practices and equipment can introduce bacteria into the udder.
- Housing Conditions: Overcrowding, poor hygiene, and exposure to mud or contaminated water also contribute to infection risks.
Contagious Spread
Mastitis can spread within a herd through direct contact or via contaminated hands, milking machines, and clothing. Improper udder hygiene and milking infected animals before healthy ones are common ways contagious mastitis spreads.
Economic Impact on Dairy Farmers
Reduced Milk Production
Mastitis significantly reduces milk yield due to inflammation in the udder, leading to reduced milk flow and altered milk composition. The somatic cell count (SCC) rises, lowering milk quality and shelf life, which affects the marketability and profitability of the milk.
Quality and Reputation Loss
Milk from mastitis-infected animals is often rejected by dairy processors due to contamination with bacteria and high SCC, leading to penalties or reduced prices. Repeated instances of poor-quality milk can also damage a dairy farm’s reputation.
Treatment and Labor Costs
Veterinary care, medications, and increased labor for monitoring and treating sick animals add to the overall financial burden.
Prevention Strategies
Hygiene Practices
Proper hygiene during milking is essential for preventing mastitis:
- Udder and Teat Cleaning: Clean and dry the udder and teats before milking to remove dirt and bacteria.
- Teat Dip: Use post-milking teat disinfectants to reduce bacterial infection risk.
- Bedding Management: Regularly change or clean bedding to keep the environment dry and reduce bacterial contamination.
Teat Sealants
Teat sealants are used to prevent bacterial entry, particularly during the dry period when cows are not lactating.
Environmental Control
- Ventilation: Maintain well-ventilated housing to reduce moisture and bacterial growth.
- Heat and Frost Control: Minimize heat stress and prevent frostbite.
- Bedding and Water Management: Keep the udder clean by removing hair, preventing exposure to contaminated water, and reducing trauma to the udder.
Routine Monitoring
Regular monitoring of udder health through visual inspections and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) testing helps in early detection and management of mastitis. Routine record-keeping and health checks aid in identifying patterns and taking preventive actions.
Treatment Options
First Aid
- Udder Milking: Gently milk the affected quarter to relieve pressure.
- Warm Compress: Apply to reduce swelling and promote drainage.
- Topical Treatments: Use antimicrobial ointments or herbal udder creams to treat infection.
Medical Intervention
- Antibiotics: Prescribed based on the type of bacteria involved.
- NSAIDs: For pain and inflammation reduction.
- Veterinary Care: Critical for bacterial culture tests and appropriate treatment plans.
Milk Withholding
Infected cows’ milk should be discarded, and infected quarters may need to be dried off. Milking healthy animals first, followed by infected ones, helps prevent cross-contamination.
Future Perspectives
Genetic Selection
Selective breeding for resistance to mastitis can help reduce the disease’s prevalence in the herd over time.
Technological Solutions
The use of automated milking systems with built-in health monitoring and sensor technologies for early detection of mastitis can enhance early intervention and treatment, leading to better outcomes for the animals and dairy farmers.
Conclusion
Mastitis is a serious concern for dairy farmers due to its significant impact on both animal health and farm profitability. By adopting a proactive approach that includes proper hygiene, regular monitoring, and early intervention, the incidence of mastitis can be reduced. As technology advances, new tools will further improve the detection and management of mastitis, leading to healthier herds and more sustainable dairy operations.
