In dairy farming, if they are not good carefully, only disease can cause damage, the animal and its health benefits, and the market. Sometimes it’s called an “insurly silent”, Mastitis is one of the most common and important diseases in the world in the world’s cows.
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of a mammal’s UDDER, usually a bacterial infection. This can involve one or more circles and lead to a reduction in production, a change in milk quality, and, in severe damage to the udder or even death.
Two main types:
- Clinical Mastitis: Readily identifiable with observable signs such as swelling, redness, udder heat, and abnormal milk (clots, color).
- Subclinical Mastitis: No apparent symptoms, but milk yield declines and somatic cell count (SCC) rises, becoming more difficult to identify without frequent testing.
Causes of Mastitis
Mastitis is most often the result of bacteria entering the udder through the teat canal. The most frequent offenders are:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Infections can spread as a result of poor milking sanitation, dirty bedding, udder trauma, or incorrect machine milking methods.
Economic Impact
Mastitis costs the dairy industry billions every year, because of:
- Reduced milk production
- Poorer milk quality (high SCC = milk price fines)
- Veterinary expenses and wasted milk
- Early culling of infected animals
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Prevention of mastitis is better than a cure. Some of the best practices are:
- Hygiene in milking (clean udders, disinfected equipment)
- Teat dipping after milking
- Quarter SCC monitoring and testing regularly
- Dry cow therapy during the non-lactating phase
- Hygienic, comfortable housing and bedding
- Training farm staff in good handling practices
Treatment
Treatment depends on Etiology and severity. The small infections can be managed with intraluminal antibiotics, but in severe infections, systemic treatment could be required. A vet consultation is required, particularly in repeated infections.
Final Thoughts
Mastitis may be a non–Compreme illness, but it’s practically innocuous. Due to the diligent surveillance, a robbery trafficking method, and a bold health producer can curtail their earnings and enhance their animals’ well-being.
Healthy udders translate to happier cows — and improved business.
