Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in cattle and effect on milk quality

Abstract

Present study was carried with an objective of finding prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and effecton milk quality in cross-bred (CB) and desi-dairy cattle (Zebu, Nondescript-ND) of Hassan district, Karnataka, India.Diagnosis was based on cow side tests - California mastitis test, and mastrip which substantiated by Direct MicroscopicSomatic Cell Count (DMSCC). Upon evaluation of 150 CB and 40 ND cattle,65 (43%) of CB cattle and 5 (12%) ofND cattle were found positive for SCM on California mastitis test and mastrip test. Overall, 70 of 190 animals (37%)were positive for SCM. The DMSCC enumeration found 0.3-0.5 million SCC per mL for normal and 0.6-1.5 millionSCC per mL for SCM positive milk. The milk pH, fat and Solids Not Fat (SNF) exhibited slight variance betweennormal and SCM positive animals. The prevalence was more common in hygiene and welfare compromised animals.