Udder inflammation, also known as mastitis, is a common condition in dairy cattle. But what exactly does mastitis entail? How can you prevent and treat it?

Below is all the information you need.

What is udder inflammation?

Udder infection occurs when pathogens enter the udder and multiply. The cow has several defense mechanisms against udder infection, including the nipple skin and the antibacterial action of the nipple duct.

How does udder inflammation occur?

The first barrier against pathogens is the healthy nipple skin. Damage to this skin can allow bacteria such as Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus to enter and multiply. The nipple duct closes after milking to keep bacteria out.

What pathogens cause udder inflammation?

Pathogens that cause udder inflammation can be divided into “minor” and “major” groups, depending on the severity of the inflammation. Major pathogens such as Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus are often associated with obvious symptoms.

Subdivision of pathogens:

Pathogens that cause udder infections are very common. They can be divided into 2 major groups in terms of the degree to which they cause udder inflammation.

The minor pathogens cause an increase in somatic cell count without a visible udder infection.

• Negative Staphylococci
• Corynebacterium Bovis

The major pathogens are usually associated with obvious udder inflammation.

• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus dysgalactiae
• E.coli
• Klebsiella spp.
• Streptococcus uberis

Pathogens can also be classified according to origin of infection.

Cow-associated pathogens spread from cow to cow and need the cow to survive. Transmission of these pathogens usually occurs during milking.

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Mycoplasma

In contrast, environmental pathogens occur in the environment primarily in feces, soil, bedding material and water.

• Streptococcus uberis
• E.coli
• Klebsiella
• Pseudomonas

What are the symptoms of udder inflammation?

Subclinical mastitis: no visible changes in milk, but an increase in somatic cell count.

Clinical mastitis: obvious changes in the milk, such as a different color, flakes, lumpiness, and possibly blood. The affected quarter may be painful, warm, red, and swollen.

How do you recognize udder inflammation?

Clinical mastitis can be seen with the naked eye by abnormal milk. Subclinical mastitis is identified by an elevated somatic cell count in milk tests such as CMT or MPR.

How do you prevent and treat udder infection?

1. Good milking technique

Pretreatment

When pre-treating the cows, make sure everything is dry. Use a new cloth for each cow. Water may be used for dirty udders, but be sure to dry the udders well again afterwards to prevent the nipple cups from slipping.

Teat Prefoaming and Drying

Pre-lathering and then drying the teats significantly reduces the risk of environmental infections. Good hygiene starts with a clean barn, so make sure that bedding is cleaned at least twice a day and manure is removed from the grates.

Pre-blasting

By preblasting the teats, you ensure that cell- and germ-rich milk does not enter the tank. In addition, abnormal milk immediately stands out and releases oxytocin, which promotes the milking process. Apply the 60-second rule; this empties the udder faster and puts less strain on the cow.

Work Hygienically

It is essential to work hygienically. Rinse your hands regularly and disinfect them with an alcohol-based gel, especially after milking problem cows. After milking, it is important to dip or spray. Make sure the nipples are adequately covered to prevent infections.

Problem cows

For problem cows, it is crucial to immerse the cluster in 75°C water. Let the cows stand up after milking, as the lock hole remains open for 30 minutes after milking.

2. Regular maintenance and monitoring of milking machine operation.

Replace the Nipple Liners Timely

For an efficient and healthy milking process, it is crucial to replace nipple liners on time. Do you use rubber liners? If so, make sure to replace them after 2,500 milkings. Silicone liners have a longer lifespan and should be replaced after 6,000 milkings. By replacing liners on time, you prevent wear and possible damage to the teats, which contributes to the health of your cows and milk quality.

Regular Monitoring of the Milking Machine

A properly functioning milking machine is essential to the well-being of your cows and the efficiency of the milking process. The only way to be sure that your milking machine is functioning properly is to take a wet reading. This measurement gives you insight into the machine’s performance and helps you identify and resolve any problems early.

3. Optimize comfort and hygiene

Comfortable Lying Boxes

Provide well-designed cubicles that give cows enough space to lie down and get up easily. This reduces stress and promotes their natural behavior, which benefits their health and productivity.

Good Box Coverage

A soft, clean and dry box cover is essential. Use materials such as straw, sand or special mattresses to prevent injuries and infections. This causes cows to like and lie down often, which improves their comfort and milk production.

Investing in comfortable cubicles and good cubicle coverings creates a healthy and productive environment for your cows.

4. Careful treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis.

Treat clinical and subclinical mastitis carefully to ensure the health of your cows. Perform regular bacteriological examinations to know exactly which germs are present. This helps in choosing the right treatment and prevents further spread of the infection.

5. Improve dry stock management

Improve your dry-off management to maximize the chance of healing existing infections. The dry period provides the best opportunity for recovery. Provide dry, clean and comfortable housing to support this process.

6. Remove chronically infected cows

Remove chronically infected cows from your herd. The chance of cure is minimal, and these animals pose a risk to the rest of the barn from possible infection.

7. Attention to housing heifers

Pay adequate attention to the environment of heifers. Do not give mastitis milk to calves and provide effective fly control to prevent disease and ensure the health of your animals.

8. Strive for optimal health of your cows

Make sure your cows are in good overall health. BVD increases the risk of udder infection, so be careful when purchasing animals. Optimize nutrition and minerals to support their health. Vaccination may be only against aureus and E. coli, which can help prevent infections.

9. Breeding Management

It is important to know that udder health is hereditary.

10. Monitor udder health on your farm monthly

Through a combination of good management practices and attention to hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of udder infection. This contributes to an optimal milking process, healthy cows and high milk production.

Overview

Want to know more about how to prevent and treat udder infection? Herbavita offers tailored advice to improve udder health on your farm. Click here to request a no-obligation consultation with our expert advisors.

Emilie

Regulatory Affairs Officer – Veterinary Surgeon