Review
Agronomy
Jenna Williamson, Todd Callaway, Emmanuel Rollin, Valerie Ryman
Summary: Mastitis is a costly disease in dairy cattle, but effective antibiotic therapy can ensure the health and productivity of the cattle. Treatment is more effective when milk somatic cell counts (SCC) are lower prior to treatment. Evaluating milk SCC before administering treatment may increase the cure rates of mastitis. A reliable method for enumerating SCC is critical.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
J. R. Williamson, T. R. Callaway, E. Rollin, V. E. Ryman
Summary: Antibiotic administration is crucial for the health and productivity of dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the association between pre-treatment somatic cell count (SCC) and cure incidence of intramammary infection (IMI) following antibiotic treatment. The results showed that cows with lower pre-treatment SCC had higher cure rates, and cows with higher SCC 28 days post-treatment had lower cure rates.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Daniel Schwarz, Sonja Kleinhans, Gesine Reimann, Peter Stueckler, Franz Reith, Kaivo Ilves, Kalle Pedastsaar, Lei Yan, Zhen Zhang, Roberto Lorenzana, Marisa Luisa Barreal, Ramiro Fouz
Summary: The study aims to investigate the extent to which UHG aids in determining different statuses of cows, revealing that cows in groups C and D are more likely to leave herds, while cows in group B are more likely to have 200,000 cells/mL at the next test day.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mandefrot M. Zeleke, Paul R. Kenyon, Kate J. Flay, Danielle Aberdein, Sarah J. Pain, Sam W. Peterson, Anne L. Ridler
Summary: Udder defects in non-dairy ewes can significantly impact milk production and composition, potentially affecting the production and growth of their lambs. Compensatory increases in milk production were observed in normal udder halves when one half was defective, except in cases where defects were retained for several weeks. The study highlights the importance of udder health in non-dairy ewes and the potential effects of udder defects on their offspring.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. Magro, A. Costa, M. Santinello, M. De Marchi, M. Penasa
Summary: The milk differential somatic cell count (DSCC) has been proposed as a means to monitor udder health status (UHS) in dairy cows. The study analyzed milk test-day records of different cow breeds to identify factors affecting DSCC and SCC variability. Udder health-related traits (SCS and DSCC) were found to be useful in improving individual cow and herd udder health. The combination of SCS and DSCC is also useful in monitoring milk yield and composition.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Daniel Schwarz, Sonja Kleinhans, Gesine Witzel, Peter Stueckler, Franz Reith, Sune Dan
Summary: Subclinical mastitis is a challenge in the dairy industry, and a new method using somatic cell counts allows for categorization of cows into different udder health groups. This study investigates herd management and performance based on the proportion of cows with good udder health. The results suggest that the udder health group concept can help differentiate herds and promote better animal health.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anne Bunge, Sonja Dreyer, Jan-Hendrik Paduch, Doris Klocke, Stefanie Leimbach, Nicole Wente, Julia Nitz, Volker Kromker
Summary: To optimise udder health at the herd level, it is necessary to identify incurable mastitis cases and provide adequate therapy and culling strategies. This study assessed the cell count and cell viability in DHI milk samples and found that the proportion of non-vital cells can enhance the prediction of whether antibiotic treatment of clinical mastitis is promising or not.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maddalena Zucali, Luciana Bava, Alberto Tamburini, Giulia Gislon, Anna Sandrucci
Summary: Modern automatic milking systems are equipped with sensors that record data on milk yield, quality, efficiency, cow welfare, and health. Our study suggests that deviations over time of milk electrical conductivity, milk yield, and milk flow in comparison with the whole udder could be potential indicators for early detection of mastitis. These results could be used to develop more effective algorithms for early prediction of udder health risk in AMS milked herds.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
M. Sigmund, C. Egger-Danner, C. L. Firth, W. Obritzhauser, F. F. Roch, B. Conrady, T. Wittek
Summary: Bovine mastitis is a common disease in dairy cows worldwide, causing economic losses to milk producers. This study compared the effects of antibiotic dry cow therapy versus no treatment on milk yield, somatic cell count, and the incidence of clinical mastitis. The results showed that antibiotic treatment at dry-off increased milk yield and reduced inflammation in the mammary gland.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
John Bonestroo, Mariska van der Voort, Nils Fall, Henk Hogeveen, Ulf Emanuelson, Ilka Christine Klaas
Summary: This study analyzed the dynamics of udder inflammation indicators in cows and found that most cows recovered within 20 days after the initial inflammation. The indicators stabilized within 3 to 4 weeks, indicating a cutoff point between nonchronic and chronic changes.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
I. M. G. A. Santman-Berends, K. W. H. van den Heuvel, T. J. G. M. Lam, C. G. M. Scherpenzeel, G. van Schaik
Summary: The ban on blanket application of antimicrobial dry cow treatment (BDCT) in Dutch livestock in 2013 led to a significant reduction in antimicrobial usage (AMU) without major impairment in udder health at the national level. Selective dry cow treatment (SDCT) has become the standard approach, with improvements seen in some udder health parameters. Some negative effects were observed in certain herds, but overall, SDCT can be introduced without substantial negative effects on udder health.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Carolina Menezes Suassuna de Souza, Maiara Garcia Blagitz, Fernando Nogueira Souza, Camila Freitas Batista, Daniel Magalhaes Lima, Alexandre Jose Alves, Marcos Bryan Heinemann, Eduardo Milton Ramos Sanchez, Hugo Frias Torres, Artur Cezar de Carvalho Fernandes, Alice Maria Melville Paiva Della Libera
Summary: This study investigated the predictive values of milk leukocyte differentials (MLD) for improving the diagnosis of intramammary infections (IMIs) and subclinical mastitis. The results showed that the combination of T CD8+ lymphocytes with PMNLs and macrophages can better diagnose bovine IMIs.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
C. Clabby, S. McParland, P. Dillon, S. Arkins, J. Flynn, J. Murphy, P. Silva Bolona
Summary: This study assessed the impact of dry cow treatment on udder health in dairy cows and found that the herd prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) may be useful in decision-making regarding dry-off treatment.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
R. E. Niemi, M. Hovinen, M. J. Vilar, H. Simojoki, P. J. Rajala-Schultz
Summary: Mastitis control in dairy cows relies heavily on the use of antibiotic dry cow therapy (DCT) at dry-off, with blanket DCT showing controversy in comparison to selective DCT. Factors such as age, previous lactation SCC levels, and milk yield near dry-off contribute to the likelihood of high milk somatic cell count (SCC) post-calving. Additionally, mastitis treatment in early lactation is more common in cows with a history of high SCC, peak milk production, or high milk yield near dry-off in the previous lactation.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ryan M. Knuth, Whitney C. Stewart, Joshua B. Taylor, Bledar Bisha, Carl J. Yeoman, Megan L. Van Emon, Thomas W. Murphy
Summary: This study aimed to screen clinically healthy ewes, identify cultivable microbial species in milk, evaluate somatic cell count (SCC) thresholds associated with intramammary infection, and estimate relationships between udder and teat morphometric traits, SCC, and ewe productivity. The findings suggest that subclinical mastitis is common in these flocks and can impact ewe productivity. Further research is needed to investigate microbial invasion pathways, genomic regions associated with susceptibility, and husbandry practices to mitigate the impact of subclinical mastitis in extensively managed ewes.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anne Bunge, Sonja Dreyer, Jan-Hendrik Paduch, Doris Klocke, Stefanie Leimbach, Nicole Wente, Julia Nitz, Volker Kromker
Summary: To optimise udder health at the herd level, it is necessary to identify incurable mastitis cases and provide adequate therapy and culling strategies. This study assessed the cell count and cell viability in DHI milk samples and found that the proportion of non-vital cells can enhance the prediction of whether antibiotic treatment of clinical mastitis is promising or not.
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Rainer van Aerssen, Michael Schmausser, Axel Wehrend, Volker Kroemker, Alexander Starke, Georg Eller, Martin Gehring, Reiner Schneichel, Franz Zimmer
TIERAERZTLICHE PRAXIS AUSGABE GROSSTIERE NUTZTIERE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Franziska Preine, Demetrio Herrera, Christian Scherpenzeel, Piret Kalmus, Finola McCoy, Sebastian Smulski, Paivi Rajala-Schultz, Anne Schmenger, Paolo Moroni, Volker Kromker
Summary: This study compares the therapeutic approaches for mastitis treatment in lactation in different European countries. Veterinarians make the treatment decisions and farm personnel are responsible for treatment administration. Penicillin is increasingly becoming the first-choice drug for mastitis treatment. The use of critically important antimicrobials is limited in some countries. Monitoring systems for antibiotic use are being introduced in more countries. The exchange of different views can help European countries move towards a common high standard of antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ellen de Jong, Lien Creytens, Sarne De Vliegher, Kayley D. Mccubbin, Mya Baptiste, Alexander A. Leung, David Speksnijder, Simon Dufour, John R. Middleton, Pamela L. Ruegg, Theo J. G. M. Lam, David F. Kelton, Scott Mcdougall, Sandra M. Godden, Alfonso Lago, Paeivi J. Rajala-Schultz, Karin Orsel, Volker Kroemker, John P. Kastelic, Herman W. Barkema
Summary: In the treatment of clinical mastitis, selective treatment protocols have been found to be noninferior to blanket treatment protocols in terms of bacteriological cure. However, the impacts on clinical cure, new infections, somatic cell count, milk yield, recurrence, and culling are still inconclusive. A systematic review of 13 studies suggests that, except for clinical cure, a selective treatment protocol does not adversely affect other outcome measures. Further research with better randomization is needed to confirm these findings.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Line Svennesen, Alice P. Skarbye, Michael Farre, Laerke B. Astrup, Tariq Halasa, Volker Kromker, Matthew Denwood, Carsten Kirkeby
Summary: Bovine mastitis is a significant issue in dairy farming, impacting welfare and milk production while increasing antibiotic use. This study compared local and systemic treatment with penicillin for clinical mastitis caused by gram-positive bacteria, aiming to reduce antibiotic use. The trial demonstrated that local penicillin treatment was not inferior to the combination treatment in terms of bacteriological cure, suggesting a potential reduction in antimicrobial use without compromising cure rates.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. Woudstra, N. Wente, Y. Zhang, S. Leimbach, M. K. Gussmann, C. Kirkeby, V. Kromker
Summary: To effectively prevent and control bovine mastitis, it is important to consider infection pathways and durations. A study was conducted on a commercial dairy herd, collecting quarter foremilk samples from all lactating cows over a period of 18 weeks. Different strains of bacteria were identified, with some causing more infections than others. The median infection durations varied for different pathogens, and contagious transmission was found to be a significant factor in longer-lasting infections.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Isabel Krebs, Yanchao Zhang, Nicole Wente, Stefanie Leimbach, Volker Kroemker
Summary: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the occurrence of bacteremia in severe mastitis cases of dairy cows. Milk and corresponding blood samples of 77 cases of severe mastitis were bacteriologically examined. Bacteremia occurred in 15.5% of the cases, with the most frequent isolated bacteria being K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. dysgalactiae, and S. uberis. High pathogen shedding and high humidity were associated with the occurrence of bacteremia in severe mastitis.
Article
Microbiology
Sabrina Scheib, Stefanie Leimbach, Georg Avramidis, Martin Bellmann, Julia Nitz, Christian Ochs, Anne Tellen, Nicole Wente, Yanchao Zhang, Wolfgang Vioel, Volker Kromker
Summary: During machine milking, pathogenic microorganisms can spread from cow to cow through liners. In Germany, a spray method is often used for intermediate disinfection of the milking cluster to prevent this. This study aimed to determine the microbial reduction effect of intermediate disinfection through laboratory and field trials.
Article
Microbiology
Svenja Woudstra, Nicole Wente, Yanchao Zhang, Stefanie Leimbach, Carsten Kirkeby, Maya Katrin Gussmann, Volker Kroemker
Summary: In order to design cost-effective prevention strategies for mastitis in dairy cow farms, it is important to understand the pathways through which the causative pathogens infect. This study investigated the sources of bacterial strains causing intramammary infections in one dairy cow herd. The results showed that Staphylococcus aureus can be spread between quarters during milking, highlighting the importance of measures to prevent its transmission.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Stephanie Mueller, Julia Nitz, Anne Tellen, Doris Klocke, Volker Kromker
Summary: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluates the true effect of antibiotic dry cow treatment (DCT) on intramammary infection (IMI) cure in dairy cows during the dry period (DP). The study concludes that the DP season and the category of causative pathogens significantly influence the cure rate, while antibiotic DCT only shows significant effects in combination with certain pathogen categories.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jensine Wilm, Volker Kromker, Carsten Kirkeby, Maya Gussmann
Summary: This is a study on lactational treatment of bovine mastitis, using a database-based analysis of electronic health records and somatic cell count data. The study found that the number of treatments for mastitis in dairy cattle has decreased over the past decade, while treatment duration has slightly increased. By considering factors related to individual cows and infection risk, the study explored the relative effect on cytological cure and provided insights for optimizing the use of antibiotics in dairy cattle in the future.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
V. Kromker, N. Rota, C. Locatelli, C. Gusmara, A. Marinoni, D. Molteni, A. Schmenger, R. Echeverri Erk, P. Moroni
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed chlorine dioxide-based teat disinfectant (EX) compared to an established chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant (PC) in preventing new intramammary infections. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of new infections between the cows treated with EX and PC. Additionally, both treatments had similar effects on teat condition. Therefore, it can be concluded that EX is noninferior to PC in terms of preventing new intramammary infections.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Isabel Krebs, Yanchao Zhang, Nicole Wente, Stefanie Leimbach, Volker Kromker
Summary: This study investigated factors associated with the severity of clinical mastitis (CM). The most common pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. High pathogen shedding, low previous somatic cell count (SCC), high outside temperature, and high humidity were associated with severe mastitis.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Philipp Rueben, Martin tho Seeth, Anne Tellen, Volker Kroemker
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with a high heifer mastitis rate and to determine whether the period before or after calving contains more risk factors. Both pre-partum and post-partum risk factors were identified, with post-partum factors being more significant. This highlights the importance of post-partum management in improving heifer udder health.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
U. Falkenberg, V Kroemker, M. Konow, J. Flor, P. Sanftleben, B. Losand
Summary: This study investigated the impact of management on calf mortality rates and the prevalence of rotavirus and Cryptosporidium parvum in calf feces on dairy farms. The results showed that routine vaccination against respiratory diseases can reduce mortality rates, and feeding milk to calves during periods of diarrhea can also lower mortality rates. Additionally, moving calves from the calving box in a routine manner was associated with lower detection of C. parvum compared to individual moving. The occurrence of watery feces was positively associated with the frequency of C. parvum detection. Farms that reported a defined amount of colostrum per calf had lower detection of rotavirus compared to farms that presented a range of colostrum amounts.
VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)