Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis and Associated Risk Factors at Cow Level in Dairy Farms in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) among medium to large scale household dairy farms in the southwestern district, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh from July to December 2019. A total of 78 (n=100) lactating cows from household dairy farms (N=32) were selected randomly as sampled populations. We screened the milk samples for SCM by using Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT). The prevalence of SCM varied among farm level [71.9% (95% CI: 53.3-86.3)], individual animal level [67.9% (95% CI: 56.4-86.3)] and quarter level [29.5% (95% CI: 24.5-34.9)]. Descriptive statistics represented the farmers and farm demography, characteristics of the sampled population, and overall management feature. In this study area, the farms followed the intensive rearing system where around 65.6% of the shed was concrete made. The farm animals were crossbred type where HF x Local was predominant. Random effect logistic regression calculated, body condition score (BCS) [OR=3.8 and 2.9, at cows level and quarter level respectively (BCS-2 vs. BCS-≥3)], and breed [OR=5.1 and 2.9, at cows level and quarter level respectively (HFx Sahiwal vs. HF x Local)] as potential risk factors. This study shows that SCM is highly prevalent in the study area, which is a major threat to the dairy industry’s production performance. Regular screening by SFMT, proper hygiene, improve the management system, and farmer’s awareness is required to control the disease.