1
|
Moschovas M, Pavlatos G, Basdagianni Z, Manessis G, Bossis I. A Cross-Sectional Study of Risk Factors Affecting Milk Quality in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3470. [PMID: 38003088 PMCID: PMC10668648 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite years of research devoted to bovine mastitis, the disease remains a serious problem in dairy cattle, causing economic losses to the dairy industry worldwide due to reduced milk yield, lower milk quality, drug costs and early culling of cows. The aim of this study is to determine the importance of several risk factors affecting milk quality in dairy cows, as well as to highlight proper milking techniques. A cross-sectional study was performed in one Greek dairy farm with the inclusion of a total of 1004 Holstein Friesian cows in the study. The udder and teat traits were recorded for each cow, while individual milk samples were used to estimate the somatic cell count (SCC) and gross milk composition. The traits recorded were examined as potential risk factors affecting milk quality using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the algorithm stepAIC to select the best linear regression model which explains the data. Overall, the prevalence of mastitis was ca. 9%. With an increase in the lactation period, the SCC increased (p ≤ 0.05) while fat (p ≤ 0.05), protein (p ≤ 0.001) and lactose (p ≤ 0.001) content decreased. Teat hyperkeratosis increased the SCC (p ≤ 0.05) and decreased P content (p ≤ 0.05). Proper husbandry management and milking procedures are considered essential to maintain milk quality of high standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marios Moschovas
- Chrisodima Veterinary Services S.H., Andrea Syngrou Avenue 191, 17121 Athens, Greece;
| | - Georgios Pavlatos
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Zoitsa Basdagianni
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Georgios Manessis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Ioannis Bossis
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krömker V, Rota N, Locatelli C, Gusmara C, Marinoni A, Molteni D, Schmenger A, Erk RE, Moroni P. Randomized noninferiority field trial evaluating a postmilking teat dip for the prevention of naturally occurring intramammary infections. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6342-6352. [PMID: 37479581 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a positive-controlled field study under natural exposure conditions to test the efficacy of a newly developed chlorine dioxide-based postmilking teat disinfectant (experimental product, EX) for noninferiority compared with an already established chlorine dioxide-based teat disinfectant (positive control product, PC). After blocking by parity, approximately 200 Holstein cows in early to mid-lactation stages from a dairy farm near Padua, Italy, were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Over a 13-wk period between September and December 2021, the teats of cows were dipped with the EX or the PC after each milking. Milk samples were collected from individual quarters of enrolled cows for 13 wk to determine infection status. Teat condition was assessed at wk 1, 5, and 9. Mixed logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of treatment on the incidence of new intramammary infections. For the noninferiority analysis, the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for the difference in new intramammary infection (NIMI) rate between the 2 treatments (EX - PC) had to be to the left of the critical value d (0.035) to conclude that EX was noninferior to PC in terms of the risk of NIMI. The results showed that the incidence of new infections in the quarters treated with EX (3.1%) was not different from that in the udder quarters treated with PC (2.6%). No overall difference was found between the treatments in terms of teat condition. As the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the NIMI rate difference was smaller than the predefined noninferiority limit, we concluded that the EX was noninferior compared with the PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Krömker
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Copenhagen University, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - N Rota
- Agribovis S. r. l., Meda, 20821, Italy
| | - C Locatelli
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, 26900, Lodi, Italy; Laboratorio di Malattie Infettive degli Animali-MiLab, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - C Gusmara
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, 26900, Lodi, Italy; Laboratorio di Malattie Infettive degli Animali-MiLab, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - A Marinoni
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - D Molteni
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - A Schmenger
- Steinbeis Research Center for Dairy Science, 32278 Kirchlengern, Germany
| | | | - P Moroni
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, 26900, Lodi, Italy; Laboratorio di Malattie Infettive degli Animali-MiLab, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy; Quality Milk Production Services, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hohmann MF, Wente N, Zhang Y, Krömker V. Bacterial Load of the Teat Apex Skin and Associated Factors at Herd Level. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091647. [PMID: 32937832 PMCID: PMC7552317 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bacterial load on the teat apex of dairy cows that causes intramammary infections is to a large extent due to environmental impacts. The aim of our study was to describe factors at herd level that are associated with bacterial load of environmental mastitis pathogens on the teat end’s skin. On visits to 31 dairy farms over a one-year period, farm conditions were documented, and environmental bacterial loads were examined. We found seasonal fluctuations and direct correlations between the temperature–humidity index (THI) in the barn and the bacterial load at the teat end. Significantly more environmental mastitis pathogens were found in herds with a high percentage of normal and slightly rough teat ends. The time since the last fresh bedding was added to the cubicles, as well as the frequency in which cubicles were cleaned, also affect the pathogen load on the teat skin. Pre-cleaning teats before milking as well as post-dipping after milking showed a decreasing effect of teat-skin bacterial load at the herd level. Abstract In order to reduce antimicrobial treatment and prevent environmental mastitis, the aim of the present study was to investigate associations between herd level factors and microbial load on teat ends with environmental mastitis pathogens. Quarterly farm visits of 31 dairy farms over a one-year period were used for statistical analysis. During each farm visit, teat-skin swabs, bedding and air samples were taken and management practices and herd parameters were documented. Total mesophilic bacteria, esculin-positive streptococci and coliform bacteria were examined in the laboratory procedures from teat skin and environmental samples. Esculin-positive streptococci and coliform bacteria on teat ends increased with high temperature–humidity indices (THI) in the barn during the spring and summer. Significantly more coliform bacteria on teat ends were found in herds with an increased percentage of normal or slightly rough teat ends. Cleaning cubicles more frequently, pre-cleaning teats before milking as well as post-dipping them after milking had a decreasing effect of teat-skin load with total mesophilic and coliform bacteria at the herd level. To conclude, teat-skin bacterial load with environmental pathogens is subject to fluctuations and can be influenced by aspects of farm hygiene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Franziska Hohmann
- Microbiology, Faculty II, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Heisterbergallee 10a, D-30453 Hannover, Germany; (M.-F.H.); (N.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Nicole Wente
- Microbiology, Faculty II, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Heisterbergallee 10a, D-30453 Hannover, Germany; (M.-F.H.); (N.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yanchao Zhang
- Microbiology, Faculty II, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Heisterbergallee 10a, D-30453 Hannover, Germany; (M.-F.H.); (N.W.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Volker Krömker
- Microbiology, Faculty II, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Heisterbergallee 10a, D-30453 Hannover, Germany; (M.-F.H.); (N.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pantoja JCF, Correia LBN, Rossi RS, Latosinski GS. Association between teat-end hyperkeratosis and mastitis in dairy cows: A systematic review. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:1843-1855. [PMID: 31759610 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review was conducted to elucidate the role of teat-end hyperkeratosis (THK) as a risk factor for clinical mastitis (CM) or subclinical mastitis (SCM). Scientific papers on the subject were identified by means of a database search. All types of peer-reviewed analytical studies, observational or experimental and published in English, could be included in the review, regardless of publication year. Of 152 identified records, 18 articles were selected, of which 8 were prospective cohort studies, 9 were cross-sectional, and 1 was a hybrid case-control study. Internal validity of studies was assessed using a score system ranging from 0 to 6, based on design, risk of bias, and statistical methods. The most frequent study limitation was improper use of statistical methods to avoid confounding of associations between THK and CM or SCM. The 3 studies that used CM as outcome (all with high validity scores) showed positive associations with THK (especially severe), although the magnitude and statistical significance of the estimates differed among them. Most studies that used SCM as the primary outcome (based on microbiological examination of milk) reported that only severe THK was associated with SCM. Two studies with high validity scores reported moderate to strong associations between severe THK and incidence or prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection. Two studies with high validity scores reported that only severe THK was associated with the risk of somatic cell count (SCC) ≥200,000 cells/mL and increased mean SCC, respectively. Although 4 cross-sectional studies reported positive associations between THK and SCC, these associations were possibly spurious because confounding factors, such as parity, were not considered in the analyses. Results of the reviewed studies suggest that severe THK is a risk factor for both CM and SCM, as defined by microbiological examination of milk, SCC thresholds, or mean SCC. The effect of severe THK on both contagious (especially Staphylococcus aureus) and environmental CM or SCM emphasizes the importance of teat health for mastitis control. Four studies demonstrated that quarters with mild THK had lower prevalence of intramammary infection or lower mean SCC than quarters with no THK, suggesting that development of mild THK, as a physiological response to milking, can have a protective effect. Dairy consultants should focus on monitoring and minimizing occurrence of severe THK to prevent CM and SCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C F Pantoja
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil, 18618-681.
| | - L B N Correia
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil, 18618-681
| | - R S Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil, 18618-681
| | - G S Latosinski
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil, 18618-681
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Klaas IC, Zadoks RN. An update on environmental mastitis: Challenging perceptions. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65 Suppl 1:166-185. [PMID: 29083115 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Environmental mastitis is the most common and costly form of mastitis in modern dairy herds where contagious transmission of intramammary pathogens is controlled through implementation of standard mastitis prevention programmes. Environmental mastitis can be caused by a wide range of bacterial species, and binary classification of species as contagious or environmental is misleading, particularly for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and other streptococcal species, including Streptococcus agalactiae. Bovine faeces, the indoor environment and used pasture are major sources of mastitis pathogens, including Escherichia coli and S. uberis. A faeco-oral transmission cycle may perpetuate and amplify the presence of such pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae and S. agalactiae. Because of societal pressure to reduce reliance on antimicrobials as tools for mastitis control, management of environmental mastitis will increasingly need to be based on prevention. This requires a reduction in environmental exposure through bedding, pasture and pre-milking management and enhancement of the host response to bacterial challenge. Efficacious vaccines are available to reduce the impact of coliform mastitis, but vaccine development for gram-positive mastitis has not progressed beyond the "promising" stage for decades. Improved diagnostic tools to identify causative agents and transmission patterns may contribute to targeted use of antimicrobials and intervention measures. The most important tool for improved uptake of known mastitis prevention measures is communication. Development of better technical or biological tools for management of environmental mastitis must be accompanied by development of appropriate incentives and communication strategies for farmers and veterinarians, who may be confronted with government-mandated antimicrobial use targets if voluntary reduction is not implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I C Klaas
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - R N Zadoks
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dolder C, van den Borne B, Traversari J, Thomann A, Perreten V, Bodmer M. Quarter- and cow-level risk factors for intramammary infection with coagulase-negative staphylococci species in Swiss dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:5653-5663. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
7
|
An investigation of risk factors for two successive cases of clinical mastitis in the same lactation. Livest Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|