Mastitis is one of the leading causes of culling in dairy herds, negatively impacting both the quantity and quality of milk produced. Treating mastitis increases veterinary costs and reduces the profitability of farming.
The primary factor responsible for mastitis is microorganisms that enter the mammary gland through the teat canal. A distinction is made between infectious and environmental microorganisms. Infectious microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Mycoplasma bovis, are transmitted via infected udder quarter secretions via teat cups or the milker's hands. Environmental microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Serratia sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., coagulase-negative staphylococci, streptococci, yeasts, and fungi, are They are always present in the environment of cows, but they reproduce intensively in favorable microclimatic conditions.
A reduction in the protective barrier of the mammary gland, which occurs primarily at the beginning of lactation and during the dry period, is another factor predisposing to mastitis. The intense metabolic cycle at the beginning of lactation causes the shedding of glandular secretory cells, which then enter the milk. Hepatic steatosis and placental retention can also weaken the protective properties of leukocytes. Mastitis manifests as swelling, redness, tenderness, and pain of the mammary gland, an increase in the somatic cell count (SCC), and physicochemical changes in milk.
The effectiveness of mastitis treatment depends on the timing of diagnosis and the type of infectious agent. Delayed diagnosis can lead to reduced milk production and even complete agalactia. Mastitis caused by infectious and environmental factors can become chronic, complicating treatment and increasing the risk of spreading the infection. Cows with mastitis should be removed from the herd because antibiotic therapy often fails to produce the desired results, and high somatic cell counts in milk reduce the sale value of the raw material.
To prevent mastitis, farmers should adhere to good hygiene practices during milking, ensuring the cleanliness of milking equipment, teat liners, milker's hands, and towels, and segregating infected cows while maintaining the correct milking sequence. Optimizing nutrition during the perinatal period and monitoring the cleanliness of bedding areas are important for preventing environmental infections.
It's also important to remember to use appropriate hygiene products before and after milking. Our dipping products are effective and have a high concentration of active ingredients. Additions of nourishing compounds such as glycerin, eucalyptus oil, and calendula improve teat regeneration. Using udder gels such as Capsigel, Ecogel, and Mintgel also supports udder protection and care. They are based on natural essential oils, which, in the appropriate concentration, contribute to improved udder health. Capsigel is a warming gel based on cinnamon and chili oils, enriched with camphor. It is recommended for use in the prevention and treatment of inflammation. Mintgel, on the other hand, has strong cooling and soothing properties thanks to its peppermint and eucalyptus oils, enriched with crystalline menthol. This is an ideal product for reducing swelling after calving and preventing inflammation. Finally, Ecogel combines the properties of both products. It is based on eucalyptus and peppermint oils, enriched with camphor. This gel is recommended for daily udder care. Udder massage can also be beneficial for improving blood flow and reducing the risk of infection.
Prevention is better than cure, so farmers should take preventative measures to eliminate mastitis infection and minimize production losses and treatment costs.
