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Subclinical mastitis of beef cows.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 15, 1983
Summary
Subclinical mastitis in beef cows reduces calf weaning weights. Early detection and management of bovine mastitis are crucial for herd health and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Bovine Health
Background:
- Subclinical mastitis is a prevalent udder infection in dairy and beef cattle.
- It can negatively impact milk production and calf health.
- Understanding its prevalence and economic effects is vital for herd management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in two beef cow herds.
- To assess the impact of subclinical mastitis on calf weaning weights.
Main Methods:
- Investigated two beef cow herds (confinement and range-pasture operations).
- Collected quarter milk samples approximately 30 days post-calving.
- Evaluated samples using the California mastitis test and direct microscopic cell count.
- Compared 205-day adjusted weaning weights of calves from infected versus non-infected dams.
Main Results:
- In the confinement herd (92 cows), 12 cows had 17 infected quarters (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Klebsiella sp.). Calves from infected cows had lower mean adjusted weaning weights (203.9 kg vs. 218.2 kg).
- In the range-pasture herd (75 cows), 8 cows had 8 infected quarters (all S. aureus). Calves from infected cows had lower mean adjusted weaning weights (162.5 kg vs. 174.6 kg).
Conclusions:
- Subclinical mastitis was present in both beef herds studied.
- Infection in beef cows was associated with reduced calf weaning weights, indicating an economic impact.