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

Abstract

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