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Mastitis Management

Recent Trends in Mastitis Management

Published: January 2, 2009
By: Dr Mukesh Sharma, Asstt. General Manager - Abis Dairy Pvt Ltd, IB Group (India)
Mastitis continues a major economic issue for dairy farmers, due to improved breeding, the cow's udder become very sensitive to infection due to its increase size, position of udder and rapid removal of large volume of milk. The heavy and big size of udder is again prone to injury and infection.
Mastitis is recognized as one of the most costly disease affecting dairy industry. It was estimated that mastitis reduces milk by 21% and butter fat by 25% (blood DC etal) it was estimated that annual losses to country is about 57.5 crore. (Dhanda etal).
Damage in epithelial layer of udder tissue resulting in lose of one or more quarter and market value of animal reduced seriously. Loose of mastitis milk due to abnormal characteristic and higher cost of veterinary ads is a barrier in development of dairy industry. Inspite of economic lose, presence of different bacteria may harmful to human consumption as well. Thus in addition to its economic effect, bovine mastitis is important for public health point of consideration.
 Etiology: - Typically there are two major causes for mastitis are
  • 1. Pathogen
  • 2. Milk Stasis
1. Pathogens
Various bacteria, virus, fungi mycoplasma are responsible for causing mastitis in all lactating mammals.
The organisms responsible for mastitis are as follows.
Bacteria:       Staphylococcus aureus. Str.agalactiae. Str.Pyogens. Corynebacterium pyogens etc.
Virus:            Vesicular Stomatitis, Infectious bovine Rhinotrachitis, Bovine herpis virus etc.
Fungus:         Tricosporium spp, Aspergillus spp, Candida spp.

Mycoplasma:  M. bovis, M. bovigenetelium, etc.
In addition to above pathogen age, breed, nutrition, shed management stage of lactation, ROP are the major predisposing factor to mastitis.

2.
Milk stasis
Milk stasis occurs when milk is not removed from mammary gland. When udder is fully engorged and milk is not drained properly, it creates a favorable environment for growth of pathogen. Before the infection takes place retained milk itself change the chemical composition of milk and inflammed udder of cow.

New Concept Of Bovine Mastitis Control
Due to heavy loses to dairy industry researcher and dairy advisor continue to refine the mastitis control procedure. A summary on the available information on control of mastitis are:
1. Prevention of New Intra mammary infection.
Pre milking udder preparation is important for minimizing bacterial contamination. Recently a new instrument lactocorder in being used in dairy industry to assessing milk flow which is relative to milking management method and automatic machine take off setting. This method shows considerable promise as a practical tool to evaluate current milking management.
Implementation of post milking teat disinfections is an important tool to prevent the new infection. There are a no of disinfectants available in market. I suggest that any disinfectants should not use regularly for more then 15 days. Quaternary ammonium compounds and iodine solutions are the most important and economic disinfectant.
Machine milking system is a good milking method to prevent the infection. But it should be properly designed and maintained. Dynamic system testing procedure should follow to evaluate the milking system. In such testing programme, periodically sterilized swabs should take from liner of machine and send to laboratory for bacterial count.
In addition to milking management shed management is again an important issue to prevent the intra mammary infection. Daily washing of floor is not sufficient it should be washed by caustic soda once in a month and twice a weak disinfectant spray is required. This should be sprayed on walls and roof. For floor disinfection formalin 5% is economic and comfortable solution.
In spite of milking and floor management nutrition, breed, vaccine is the important topics will discus in detail.

2.
Elimination of Existing Infection   
The management of cases of clinical mastitis during lactation is a complex issue. The basic options for a clinical mastitis therapy protocol include treating all cows with antibiotic, treating no cows with antibiotic or treating certain cows with antibiotics.
Different mastitis organism requires different treatment regimens and control strategy. For example Staphylococcas was highly susceptible to Cloxacilline followed by Gentamycin and Tetracyclin  then Enrofloxacin, Cefataxim was not effective against Staphylococcal Spp. (Mallikarjunaswami and Krishna Murthy, 1997)
Streptococcal Spp. Is highly susceptible to Enrofloxacin then Cefataxim,  Cloxacilline, Coliform Spp. is highly susceptible to Enrofloxacin followed by Gentamycin then Tetracyclin and Cefataxim.
Bacilli Spp. was highly susceptible to Cefataxim followed by Enrofloxacin.

Role Of Nutrition In Mastitis 
Using Nutrition to increase cow's defense against infection has been a recent area of research. Vitamins and mineral such as Vitamin E, selenium, copper and zinc when properly supplemented, can enhance cow immunity against mastitis.
Supplementation with Vitamin E decreases the incidence of mastitis and selenium decreases the duration of these infections. Combination of these two supplement results in greatest increase defense against mastitis. Forages are the main sauce of Vitamin E.
Copper has an important role on the immune system helping to fight off infection and diseases. Zinc is also an integral part of immune system. Zinc is important for production of keratin, which liner the inside of teat duct and helps to keep out micro organism that can cause mastitis.
Following point should be consider to improve immure function through nutrition.
  • 1. Follow a proper milking management practice which includes pre and post milking teat dipping. Dry cow therapy and providing cows a clean dry environment.
  • 2. Properly supplement heifer along with lactating and dry cows.
  • 3. Supplement vitamins and trace mineral in diet to ensure of
        Vitamin- 1000 IO/ day
        Selenium - 0.3 ppm in total diet (0.3mg/kg)
        Copper - 20 ppm (20 mg/kg)
        Zinc -40-60 ppm (40-60mg/kg)
  • 4. Be aware of differences in bioavailability among different forms of micro nutrients.

Role Of Vaccines In Management Of Mastitis 
Another approach to reducing the impact of several of the most important mastitis causing organisms has been the introduction of vaccines against those pathogens. Vaccines are available for use against coliform (a group of environmental pathogens) and Staph aureus. These vaccines can aid by helping reduce the severity and longevity of clinical mastitis infection as well as by providing a degree of protection against new intra mammary infection caused by these pathogens.
The J-5 type of vaccine is used to protect against intra mammary infection caused by coliform (E.coli, Klebsielle species, Citrobacter species, and Enterobacter species), when given to adult cows during the dry period, they have been shown to be a sound investment that should probably be used in virtually every dairy herd. In fact, the use of a J-5 vaccine is even recommended for use with pregnant heifers.
I advise producers to administer the first dose of a J-5 vaccine about six weeks before freshening. A booster injection should be given about four weeks later and another booster injection within two weeks after freshening.

Role Of Lactoferin In Management Of Mastitis 
The non-specific, multifunctional glycoprotein Lactoferrin (LF) is present in milk and external body secretions. It is released by the secondary granules of neutrophills and epithelial cells in high concentration in response to inflammatory stimuli. Lf has a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially against coliform bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which cause severe mastitis in dairy cows.
The mean Lf concentration in the milk increased from 5.29 mg/ml on the last of drying-off to 8.09 and 11.26 mg/ml respectively.
Lf concentrations gradually increased and citrate concentrations decreased in milk during the first day of dry period. The invitro activity of LF against E.coli. and P.aeruginosa was good. Intra mammary infusion of LF 1 gm produced elevation of Lf in milk markedly.
LF may offer an alternative treatment against coliform mastitis in chronic conditions, but further study against local tissue reaction is awaited.

Bio Security Practices For Managing Mastitis
Although the ideal practice is to have pre-purchase screening protocols and reject animals and groups of animals that do not meet farm standards, reality is that many animals are purchased without any knowledge of their health history nor the farm of origin. This means that every purchased animal is a threat to the health of herd. Even if we have pre-screened animals we must still treat all purchased animals as potential health risks to our herd. On-farm biosecurity is a combination of management techniques and facility management.
  • Newly purchased animals should be housed in separate or isolated facilities from the herd. This is a good practice for overall biosecurity and will help us manage these animals as a separate milking group. The length of time to maintain this separation depends on our goals.
  • Collect and culture quarter milk samples to check for infection. If cows are infected treat accordingly.
  • Milk all purchased cows last or with separate milking equipment. This should be standard procedure.
Developing and following good biosecurity plans takes time and planning, but the cost to the farm enterprise for not having these plans can be considerable. If we expect that purchasing cows and heifers will enhance and not damage our herd then planning before the purchase will be well worth the efforts. It is also important to remember that developing biosecurity plans decreases our risk of introducing health problems to our herd, but there is no guarantee that it will completely prevent the introduction of disease to our herd.

Role Of Immunes Modulators In Management Of Mastitis
Some of the herbal immunomodulator have better effect to enhance immune system to fight against mammy gland infection such preparation are available in market such as immuneplus, Stenot etc in spite of these readymade formulations Ocimum (Tulsi) is an excellent immunomodulator. The research shows the use of 25gm tulsi leaf daily for mastitis cow will increase the treatment success rate. Levamisole is one of the well known immunomodulator which can enhance the immune power of animal to fight against diseases.

Role Of Genetics In Management Of Mastitis
Genetically modified
Dairy producers should periodically review their mastitis management program to be sure they are using and following all the recommended practices. The following points are practices that I suggest producers follow to minimize the incidence of udder infections in their herds.
  • Be willing to change old habits! Have your mastitis management program reviewed to be sure that it includes the recommended components. Make needed changes.
  • Involve veterinarian, coop or milk handler field representative, Extension personnel and other knowledgeable consultants on your review and consultation team.
  • Keep dry, clean udders/teats - use paper towels or rewashable cloth towels to clean and dry teats.
  • Minimize the use of water to wash udders and teats.
  • Use proven effective teat dips (both pre and post milking) to reduce number of bacteria on teats. This can help reduce the number of new udder infections.
  • Fore-strip milk from each quarter to check for clinical infection, remove high SCC and bacteria milk from teat cistern, help stimulate milk let-down, and increase milk flow rate.
  • Follow a milking routine that will provide for a fast and complete milk-out.
  • Be sure that the milking equipment is being used properly by all personnel.
  • Have milking system checked regularly for proper operation, and replace wearable parts (e.g. inflations, hoses) according to recommended schedule.
  • Keep facilities clean and dry (free stalls, alleys, feeding areas, etc.).
  • Infuse all quarters of all cows at dry-off time with an effective dry cow mastitis antibiotic product.
  • Vaccinate for Staph. aureus & coliform pathogens according to recommendations.
  • Culture milk from cows with clinical udder infections. Treat according to type of organism(s) found.
  • Cull chronically infected cows.
  • Check udder during the dry period, especially during the early and late dry period. Infuse infected quarters pre-freshening with an approved lactating cow mastitis antibiotic product.
  • Consider using a teat sealant or barrier dip.
  • Supplement selenium & vitamin E to all cows.
  • Be sure energy level in ration is adequate.
  • Keep cows cool during hot weather.
  • Keep cows out of wet areas and ponds.
  • Use fly control practices on both cows and heifers.
  • Learn the sources & control strategies for the most common mastitis pathogens.
  • Following a mastitis management program that includes these practices should help greatly in minimizing the udder infection level in a dairy herd. Lower infection levels and fewer clinical cases means more profit.
Related topics:
Authors:
Dr. Mukesh Sharma
Indian Broilor Group / IB Group
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Dr. M.N.balakrishnan Nair
14 de mayo de 2013

We have safe, efficacious and cost effective alternative plant based management of mastitis and few other health conditions in animals.
Dr. M N B Nair & DR. Kumar- FRLHT, Bangalore
Prof. Punnyamurthy- TANUVAS

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Jasmer Singh
8 de abril de 2013

Hello Dr Sethi, For preventing mastitis in dairy animals give 30gm doses of tri-Sodium citrate quite often as before parturition and during lactation by monitoring pH and citrate content of milk. Mixing of this salt in feed deteriorates because of its hygroscopic nature. Th graded pH papers can be obtained from any shop dealing with chemicals for laboratory use as Glaxo-Smith-kline etc.

With regards Jasmer

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Jasmer Singh
6 de abril de 2013

Hello Dr Sethi, You are right in considering the feeding of citrate as a preventative for mastitis in dairy animals. In fact we have tried this at certain farms with great success. The important point in this procedure is to monitor the pH and citrate content of milk during lactation. The monitoring of milk pH with graded papers strips, indeed, is the most easy, economical and desirably reliable which could be routinly practiced at any dairy farm.

with regards Jasmer

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Jasmer Singh
5 de abril de 2013

Hello Dr Sethi and Dr Elena, We have researched extensively the basic cause and radical therapy of clinical/sub-clinical mastitis in bovines. The results of our investigations are published in various journals of repute e.g., Vety Rec , Indian J Dairy Sci, Proc. World Vety Conf. etc., and have been reviewed in various review papers. The basic cause of mastitis is found to be Citrate deficiency and the treatment consists of administration of 30gms of tri-Sodium citrate disssolved in ~250 ml of drinking water given once daily till recovery, which usually takes 3-5 days. However, tri-Sodium citrate can also be administerd I/V as 5% solution in sterilized normal saline in 5oml doses in the morning and evening followed by 30gm doses orally, if necessary, till recovery which is usually 1-3 days. Moreover, this treatment is also very effective against mastitis resistant to routinely used antibiotics etc. The treatment is safe, economical, free from hazards, no discarding of milk as the chemical is normal content in the in TCA cycle. This treatment has been routinely used against mastitis in cows in NewZeland, Trinidad Tobago, Pakistan, India, to cite a few, and many more countries.

with regards KS Dhillon and Dr Jasmer singh

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Jasmer Singh
23 de mayo de 2012

Hello Elena

You are requested to read the article " Pathobilogy, etiology and novel treatment of mastitis in buffaloe' by Dr KS Dhillon and Dr Jasmer singh which appeared in ' Engormix.com" sometime ago.

Jasmer

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Jasmer Singh
25 de enero de 2012

Hello Mr Cedden,
Mastitis whether sub-clinical or clinical, the cause is invariably same and thus treatment same. The cause of mastitis is citrate deficiency and treatment is to replenish this deficiency by extraneous administeration of tri-Sodium citrate orally or I/V. The oral dose is 30gm in ~250ml of water as a drench once daily till recovery ( which is usually3-5 ays). The I/V dose is 5% solution in sterlized normal saline as 50ml morning and evening. This treatment is effective even in mastitis cases refrectory to antibiotic therapy. The other query regarding infusion in udder with citrate we have not tried.

Dr Jasmer Singh

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Jasmer Singh
24 de enero de 2012

Re. Recent trends in mastitis management By Dr Sharma covers most commonly presumed causes with good management practices for the control of mastitis in bovines. Here we give the basic cause and radical treatment of this most economical and dreaded ailment of dairy industry perpetually inflicting all over the globe.

Kundan Singh Dhillon and Jasmer Singh (Both retd. Professors from Pb. Agril. Univ., Ludhiana, India).

Citrate has been regarded as the harbinger of lactogenesis and its quantity increases spectaculrly arround parturition (2-3 days) and its concentration in milk is directly proportionate to the volume of milk throughout lactation. The other cardinal function citrate in udder is to sequester Ca2+ and maintain the eqilibrium of Ca++ and H+ to regulate the pH of milk in udder (~6.50). Whenever there is disturbed homeostasis of citrate in udder the moderator effect on Ca sequesteration is upset and the Free Ca++ form clumps and behave like Lime which injures the secretory epithelium resulting in iflammation. The tight junctions present between blood and milk become compromised and leaky culminating in the swapping of ions between milk and blood. The main ions are Na, K, Cl, Hco3, Citrate which freely transfer/exchange making the milk pH equivalent to blood (7.20 or even more) i.e., alkaline. The injury caused by Ca++ and the alkaline milieu in udder provides the most conducible conditions for the invasion by the environmental pathogens and initiate an explosive iinflammatory reaction. Inflammation atracts body defense cells like macrophases, PML and cytokines etc., resulting in varying degrees of pathological entities and clinical signs of infectious Mastitis. Hence, the basic cause of mastitis is the dyshomeostasis of Citrate with subsequent infection by the enviromental pathogens (commensals?) i.e., the infectious causes of mastitis are secondary. Moreover, a significant number(~30%) of mastitis are usually sterile and studies to deliberately infect the udder with extraneous infections have failed to cause mastitis in 100% of cases. We treated clinical cases of mastitis with oral administeration of 30gm of tri-Sodium citrate in 250ml of water which took 3-5 days for full recovery. We also standardised the I/V dose of tri-Sodium citrate as 5% most applicable in the field cases of different grades of mastitis. This treatment was also particularly very effective in cases refrectory to antibiotics and the cure rate was reduced to 1-3 days. The treatment is safe, economical, no milk withrawal or waste of milk no culling or replacements etc., and no hazzards to consumers.

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Jasmer Singh
23 de enero de 2012

Dr Jasmer singh, Rtd.Prof. PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab.

The most important aspect to prevent/treat a disease is to know its most probable cause and then devise control measures.Our team has worked on mastitis for quite some time and published our findings in scientific journals of repute. In the above comments some people had talked about the use of tri-Sodium citrate as a treatment for mastitis in bovines. we have reported for the first time the cause and succesful treatment of mastitis. The cause is deficiency of citrate in the udder and its replenishment by oral or I/V administration of tri-Sodium citrate is the radical treatment of mastitis.

To explain the case precisely please see our research papers on the internet under " Tri-Sodium citrate as treatment of mastitis in bovines, By- K. S. Dhillon and Jasmer Singh and others.

1. Dhillon KS , Singh J and Gill BS. 1989. A new horizon into the treatment mastitis in..., J Res.m Punjab Agri. Univ.,26: 477
2. Dhillon KS and Singh J. 2009. Veterinary Record, Augst 8 2009, 165: 183.
3. ................, and ............ 2011. Proceedings 30th World Vety. Assoc., Conf. held at Capetown, Oct 10-14, pp 42.

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P.k.sethi
11 de abril de 2013

Thanks Dr. Jasmer, I will communicate my experience with T.S.Citrate in the near future.
Yours
P.K.Sethi

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P.k.sethi
8 de abril de 2013

Hello Dr. Jasmer Singh kindly inform citrate addition per ton of feed and availability of graded paper strips in India.
Yours
P.K.S.

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