Environmental and physiological factors affecting mastitis at drying off and postcalving

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Dairy Herd Health

Background:

• Mastitis remains a significant challenge in dairy herds, impacting animal welfare and economic viability.
• Understanding risk factors and effective control strategies during the dry period is crucial for managing mastitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different dry cow therapy (DCT) protocols in treating and preventing mastitis.
• To assess the influence of cow age, season, and herd management systems on mastitis occurrence.

Main Methods:

• Milk samples were collected from 3987 cows pre- and post-calving for bacterial culture.
• Cows received one of five DCT drugs or served as untreated controls.
• A comprehensive program included DCT, teat dipping, or combinations thereof.

Main Results:

• DCT significantly improved cure rates for staphylococcal, streptococcal, and coliform infections compared to controls.
• A combined DCT and teat dipping program was most effective in reducing mastitis.
• Increasing cow age correlated with higher mastitis susceptibility; seasonal effects were organism-dependent.

Conclusions:

• Dry cow therapy is a highly effective strategy for controlling mastitis in dairy cattle.
• Integrated management programs, including DCT and teat dipping, provide the best mastitis prevention.
• Cow age and specific management factors influence mastitis risk, necessitating tailored herd health plans.