Mastitis is a condition of inflammation of the mammary gland in dairy cow, usually occur due to injury of the teat either due to biting by calf or unhygienic environment in the shed where germs entered the udder of the cow and cause the disease. Mastitis is a condition of inflammation of the mammary gland in dairy cow, usually occur due to injury of the teat either due to biting by calf or unhygienic environment in the shed where germs entered the udder of the cow and cause the disease.
The disease is caused by various organisms such as Staphylococcus and streptococcus agents.
It may occur at any stage of a cow life but more common during lactation period.
Symptoms of Mastitis in Cow
1. Infected udder will be swollen hard and hot 2. Milk secretion is scanty and watery
3. Discolouration of the milk 4. Presence of clots in the milk 5. Milk turned to curd
6. The cow has high body temperature and loss of appetite
Step to Prevent Mastitis in Dairy Cow
1. Always keep the milking shed clean, dry and well ventilated 2. Daily supplementsof vitamin and trace mineral in the diet
3. Before and after milking the udder and the teat of the cow should be washed properly with antiseptic solution such as potassium permanganate solution
4. The hand of the milking man should also be washed thoroughly before and after milking 5.
Isolation of diseased cow from the healthy herd 6. Milk from diseased cow under treatment should be discarded for 3-4 days 7. Periodical testing of milk for any abnormal changes
Dairy farmers should immediately consult a Veterinarian or visit the nearest Veterinary Health Centre if any injuries of udder or teat or any swelling of udder or change in appearance of milk for early diagnosis and proper treatment since early detection of the disease will help the farmer from high economic loss.
Veterinary Hospital Kohima
