Bovine mastitis (inflammation of the udder) can be caused by numerous factors, including bacterial infection and trauma, and can lead to abnormal and decreased milk production. It remains one of the most common problems plaguing the dairy industry today.
The treatment of clinical cases of mastitis is not only expensive for dairy farmers, who must carry higher labour and treatment costs while simultaneously discarding milk, but also increases the risk of antibiotic residue in bulk tanks.
The condition can also adversely affect the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Cows that have had mastitis usually take significantly longer to conceive.
Mastitis is one of the main reasons that dairy producers cull their cows.
FARMERS CAN PREVENT BOVINE MASTITIS BY FOLLOWING A SOUND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
Aside from the pain that mastitis-stricken cows have to endure, even mild cases can have an effect on milk quality due to
