Mastitis in post-partum dairy cows

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Dairy Production

Background:

• The transition from dry period to lactation presents a high-risk phase for dairy cows, with mastitis being a primary challenge.
• Environmental bacteria, particularly coliforms and coagulase-negative staphylococci, are significant pathogens around parturition.
• Hormonal and physiological changes during the periparturient period can lead to immunosuppression in dairy cows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline effective mastitis control strategies for dairy cows during the critical dry and calving periods.
• To highlight the importance of environmental management, nutrition, and teat canal protection in preventing mastitis.
• To discuss the role of dry cow therapy, non-antibiotic approaches, and vaccination in mastitis prevention.

Main Methods:

• Focusing on management of dry and calving cows and heifers.
• Ensuring a clean and comfortable environment, proper feeding, and adequate vitamin/trace element supplementation.
• Implementing strategies for teat canal closure and teat end protection during the dry period.

Main Results:

• A successful mastitis control program emphasizes management of dry and calving cows.
• Environmental control, nutrition, and teat protection strategies decrease mastitis risk.
• Dry cow therapy, selective approaches, non-antibiotic methods, and vaccination (e.g., E. coli core antigen vaccine) show promise.

Conclusions:

• Effective mastitis control requires a comprehensive approach focusing on the transition period.
• Environmental management, nutrition, and specific interventions like dry cow therapy and vaccination are key.
• Vaccination against E. coli has demonstrated success in reducing severe coliform mastitis post-calving.