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Intramammary infections in primigravid heifers near parturition
Abstract:
Mammary secretion from 32 primigravid heifers was obtained aseptically to determine frequency of bacterial isolation and incidence of intramammary infection near parturition. Quarter samples were collected 14 and 7 days prior to expected parturition, at parturition, and 7 and 14 days postparturition. Analysis of culture data indicated that 77.1% of samples were bacteriologically negative, and 15.7% contained coagulase negative staphylococci, 4.4% streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, 3.8% coliforms, .8% coagulase positive staphylococci, and .1% Corynebacterium bovis. Frequency of bacterial isolation was highest in samples obtained prior to and at parturition. Thirty-five of 128 quarters were infected at parturition. Twenty-six of the 35 infections were caused by coagulase negative staphylococci, 4 by streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae, 4 by coliforms, and 1 by coagulase positive staphylococci. Twenty infections were observed during the early postpartum period. Coagulase negative staphylococcal infections decreased markedly. However, the number and type of primary pathogen infections during early lactation were similar to those at parturition.
Insights
Bacterial isolation from bovine mammary secretions revealed that coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common cause of intramammary infections near parturition, persisting into early lactation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Intramammary infection (IMI) is a significant concern in dairy cattle, impacting udder health and milk production.
- Understanding the microbial dynamics around parturition is crucial for managing bovine mastitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of bacterial isolation and incidence of intramammary infection in primigravid heifers near parturition.
- To characterize the types of bacteria causing infections during the transition period.
Main Methods:
- Aseptic collection of mammary secretions from 32 primigravid heifers.
- Quarter samples analyzed 14 and 7 days prepartum, at parturition, and 7 and 14 days postpartum.
- Bacteriological culture to identify microbial agents and determine infection status.
Main Results:
- 77.1% of samples were bacteriologically negative.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (15.7%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria, followed by streptococci (4.4%) and coliforms (3.8%).
- 35 of 128 quarters were infected at parturition, predominantly by coagulase-negative staphylococci (26/35).
- Twenty infections occurred postpartum, with coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections decreasing but other primary pathogens remaining similar to parturition levels.
Conclusions:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci are a major cause of intramammary infections in heifers around calving.
- The transition period presents a high risk for developing intramammary infections, with pathogens persisting into early lactation.