The evaluation of udder health status in Holstein dairy farms located in Qom province

Authors

1 Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Young Researchers and Elites Club, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Mastitis is the most economically important
disease in dairy industry worldwide. Bulk tank milk (BTM)
analysis has been suggested for monitoring the udder health
status at herd level. OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was
conducted to evaluate udder health status in 15 Holstein dairy
farms located in Qom province. METHODS: Bulk tank somatic
cell count (BTMSCC) was analyzed using opto-fluoroelectronic
counter. Standard plate count, preliminary incubation
count, laboratory pasteurized count, and the number of
environmental streptococci, S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, S.
uberis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, coagulase negative streptococci,
S. aureus and C. bovis were determined using specific culture
media. Moreover, clinical and subclinical mastitis were diagnosed
using physical examination and California mastitis test,
respectively. RESULTS: Most herds had moderate to high
BTMSCC and high bacterial counts. The prevalence of clinical
and subclinical mastitis was 1.3% and 24.7%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated inefficient stall
management, udder hygiene, and milking practices in the herds
investigated.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
January 2015
Pages 255-260

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