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Summary
Mastitis in dairy cows significantly reduces milk yield and fat content, especially with high somatic cell counts. Infected quarters also show lower solids-not-fat and protein, impacting overall milk quality.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Dairy Science
- Animal Health
Background:
- Mastitis is a significant concern in dairy herds, affecting milk production and quality.
- Understanding the subclinical effects of mastitis on milk composition is crucial for herd management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of diagnosed mastitis in one quarter on milk yield and composition in opposite quarters.
- To correlate milk somatic cell counts with changes in milk fat, solids-not-fat (SNF), and protein.
Main Methods:
- Milk samples from infected and contralateral healthy quarters of 249 heifers were analyzed.
- Cows were grouped based on somatic cell counts in infected quarters.
- Milk yield, fat, SNF, and protein percentages were compared between infected and healthy quarters.
- Fat globule number and diameter were measured in 175 animals.
Main Results:
- Infected quarters consistently showed lower milk yield and lower fat, SNF, and protein percentages compared to healthy quarters.
- Significant reductions in yield, fat, and SNF were observed in groups with over 500,000 cells/ml.
- A significant reduction in fat globule numbers was noted in cows with 1-2 million globules/ml.
Conclusions:
- Mastitis negatively affects milk yield and composition, with effects intensifying at higher somatic cell counts.
- Subclinical mastitis can lead to measurable decreases in milk quality parameters and fat globule characteristics.