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Relationship Between Subclinical Mastitis Occurrence and Pathogen Prevalence in Two Different Automatic Milking
Karise Fernanda Nogara1, Marcos Busanello1, Maity Zopollatto1
1Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Automatic milking systems (AMSs) impact subclinical mastitis (SCM). The Lely AMS showed higher SCM incidence and association with major pathogens compared to DeLaval, suggesting differences in cleaning systems influence infection dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is a significant concern in dairy herds, impacting milk quality and animal welfare.
- Automatic milking systems (AMSs) are increasingly adopted, but their influence on SCM epidemiology and pathogen prevalence requires further investigation.
- Teat cleaning methods within AMSs may play a crucial role in pathogen transmission and SCM development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epidemiological indices of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and the prevalence of mastitis-causing pathogens between two distinct automatic milking systems (AMSs).
- To evaluate the association between specific teat cleaning mechanisms in AMSs and the occurrence of SCM and specific pathogens in dairy cows.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study was conducted on 464 lactating cows housed in compost-bedded pack barns (CBPBs) over three years (2020-2023).
- Data from eight AMS units (four DeLaval with teat cup cleaning, four Lely with brush cleaning) were analyzed.
- Subclinical mastitis was assessed using somatic cell counts (SCCs) and microbiological cultures; statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank and Chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in SCM prevalence, chronic or cured cow percentages, somatic cell count (SCC), or total bacterial count (TBC) between the DeLaval and Lely AMS.
- However, the incidence of SCM was significantly higher in the Lely AMS (14.7%) compared to the DeLaval AMS (9.1%) (p=0.0032).
- The Lely AMS was associated with major pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli), while the DeLaval AMS was linked to minor environmental and contagious pathogens (non-aureus Staphylococci).
Conclusions:
- The teat cleaning system of an AMS is related to the spread of mastitis-causing pathogens.
- The Lely AMS, utilizing brushes for teat cleaning, may be associated with a higher incidence of SCM and the prevalence of more aggressive pathogens.
- Further research into AMS teat cleaning technologies is warranted to optimize udder health and minimize SCM in dairy herds.
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