Subclinical mastitis in machine milked dairy farms in Punjab: Prevalence, distribution of bacteria and current antibiogram

Abstract

Aim: Mastitis, a complex disease, even at subclinical stage has a major economic impact on the dairy industry. The disease pattern at machine milking which has recently been introduced in Indian system is to be studied. Therefore the present study was conducted to see the prevalence, distribution and sensitivity pattern of bacteria at subclinical level in machine milked dairy farms in Punjab state. Materials and Methods: The study involved 10 machine milked dairy cow herds in Ludhiana, Patiala, Moga, Bathinda and Ferozpur districts of Punjab. Atotal 218 HF x Sahiwal cross-bred dairy cow in milk were studied. About 872 quarter foremilk samples were collected to observe the prevalence of disease, distribution of udder pathogens and antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Results: Prevalence of specific subclinical mastitis was 57.80 % and 30.73% on animal and quarter basis respectively. In specific subclinical mastitis Staphylococci (41.04%) were the main organisms while in case of latent infections Corynebacteria (36.81%) were found to be chief isolates. Erythromycin, Enrofloxacin and Gentamicin were found to be most sensitive, and Streptomycin was found to be the least sensitive in vitro antibiotic. Conclusion: Staphylococci were the main organisms in specific subclinical mastitis while Corynebacteria were found to be chief isolates in case of latent infections. Erythromycin, Enrofloxacin and Gentamicin were found to be most sensitive, and Streptomycin was found to be the least sensitive in vitro antibiotic. © The authors.