Magazine on Mastitis and Milk quality for the dairy professional
Contrary to expectation, intramammary infections (IMI) caused by bacterial organisms are prevalent in prepartum dairy heifers. Though awareness of the problem has increased, there are still many questions surrounding the etiology and epidemiology of heifer IMI. It is not known when heifers become susceptible to IMI or when the greatestRead more
Read MoreThe bulk tank milk (BTM) microbiota is highly diverse, with multiple contamination sources contributing to its complexity. It has been suggested that the continuous use of water during the cleaning process and the frequentl poor quality of water in dairy farms may negatively impact the microbiological quality of raw milk.Read more
Read MoreDairy heifers are a sizable financial investment for producers and therefore should enter first lactation healthy in order to yield good return on investment. Most mammary growth and development occur during a dairy heifer’s first gestation and this initial development determines the number of secretory mammary epithelial cells in the lactating gland. The heifer mammary gland prior to first gestation is primarily composed of the mammary fat pad and contains minimal mammary epithelium. With the initiation of pregnancy, this previously existing mammary fat pad is replaced by secretory mammary epithelium. Unfortunately, coupled at this time is the increased prevalence of intramammary infections (IMI) as a result of pathogenic bacteria entering the mammary gland via the teat canal and establishing an infection. Such IMI are expected to shortchange future mammary maturation and ultimately reduce the number and/or functional capacity of secretory mammary epithelial cells. However, how these IMI affect mammary gland growth and development in rapidly growing and developing mammary glands has not been investigated. Therefore, Dr. Pari Baker explored the effects of intramammary infections on mammary gland growth and development in nulligravid heifers.
Read MoreMastitis is one the most common and costly diseases of dairy cattle, hence widely studied globally. It is the inflammation of one or more quarters of the mammary glands, mostly caused by various microorganisms. Based on whether gross changes in milk (such as watery, serous, or purulent milk, presence of clots, flakes, or blood), gross changes in the udder (such as painful or inflamed udder) and animal are seen or not, mastitis is categorized either into clinical or subclinical. With the introduction of Automatic Milking Systems (AMS), the sensors can measure milk parameters every time the cow goes for milking.
Read MoreMastitis remains an economically important disease in the dairy industry worldwide. The general aims of this thesis are to investigate milk production, quality and consumption and to study the prevalence of mastitis and associated risk factors at herd, cow and quarter level in Jimma, Ethiopia.
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