Mastitis and Its Management

 Mastitis and Its Management

    Introduction

     Mastitis is the inflammatory condition of the mammary gland and udder tissues. It usually occurs as an immune response to bacterial invasion of the teat canal by various bacterial sources on the farm. It can also occur due to chemical, mechanical, or thermal injury to the cow's udder. It manifests the changes in the milk colour and consistency.

Ø Some important points to be remembered:

F Milk yield reduces abruptly and results in heavy economic losses.

F High-yielding dairy cows are more commonly affected than lower yielders.

F Exotic and cross-breed cows are more prone to mastitis than Indian Zebu Cows.

    Causes of Mastitis

·       Many species of microorganisms have been implicated as causes of mastitis. They are bacteria, fungus, Mycoplasma and virus.

·       The most critical bacterial organism causing mastitis is Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium bovis; E.coli; Pseudomonas pyocyaneus.

·       The infection reaches the mammary gland through the teat canal.

    Symptoms of Mastitis

·       The udder is swelling as a hard mass.

·       Swollen udder with hot and pain while touching it.

·       The animal will not allow touching the udder and kick while touching it.

·       Swollen and reddening of teats.

·       Milk mixed with blood.

·       Milk mixed with yellow or brown fluid with flakes or foul-smelling clots.

·       Reduction in milk yields

·       Increase in body temperature.

    Management

Ø Treatment

F The milk from the infected teat should be milked out daily three times and disposed of safely outside.

F NSAIDs are widely used for the treatment of mastitis.

F Aspirin-like drugs reduce the inflammation and pain associated with mastitis.

F It can be treated by intra mammary or systemic antibiotics or a combination.

Ø Prevention

F Hygienic teat management

F Prompt identification and treatment of clinical mastitis cases

F Dry cow management and therapy

F Culling chronically affected cows

F Regular testing and maintenance of the milking machine

F Good record keeping

 

 

 

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