Spotting Mastitis Common Symptoms in Dairy Cows
Mastitis in cows is a common and expensive issue affecting the farmers who rear dairy animals. Infection and inflammation of the udder are usually a result of bacterial infection that leads to poor-quality milk and reduced yield. It is advisable to detect mastitis symptoms in cows and treat the problem at an early stage of development to avoid extensive milk loss, the development of severe complications, and negative repercussions to the cow’s overall health. This blog looks at some of the usual mastitis symptoms in cows, and this should help you determine if your cows have this condition.
Understanding Mastitis in Cows
Mastitis in cows also interferes with the udder’s ability to secrete milk and nutrients to the body. Mastitis is mainly caused by bacteria invading the udder via the teat canal while milking or through injury. Once within the cells, the bacteria multiply and induce an inflammatory process.
There are two main types of mastitis in cattle:
- Clinical Mastitis: This form is conspicuous and comprises discernible udder pathologies and cow diseases.
- Subclinical Mastitis: This ‘‘silent’’ form does not have outward clinical signs but can be diagnosed based on an increased somatic cell count (SCC) in milk as an indication of inflammation.
Recognising Mastitis Symptoms in Cows
It is, therefore, vital that the disease is clinically diagnosed in the early stages so that the necessary treatment can be promptly administered, thus alleviating the effects of the disease on the overall productivity of cattle and the income of dairy farmers. Here’s a breakdown of the key signs to watch for:
Udder Changes
- Swelling: It is characterised by the swelling of a particular quarter of the udder while the other parts remain healthy and almost soft.
- Redness: This gives the udder skin an inflamed appearance of either red or pink, a manifestation of mastitis.
- Heat: There will be a temperature difference, especially when comparing an infected udder quarter with a healthy ones.
- Pain: Mastitis is detected when the udder is painful to the touch or the cow kicks whenever it is touched, with care taken to avoid injury.
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Milk Abnormalities
- Flakes or Clots: Soreness, swelling and redness of the udder, white or yellow flakes, or blood clots in the milk all stem from mastitis.
- Watery Milk: Thin milk that does not have the normal thick, creamy appearance may be a sign of mastitis.
- Discoloured Milk: Any pus or blood in the milk indicates a clinical mastitis infection.
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General Cow Sickness
- Reduced Milk Yield: Milk production is often reduced in cows with mastitis compared to healthy cows or those in the control group.
- Fever: Mastitis portends an increased body temperature, which is an inflammation.
- Loss of Appetite: Diarrhea. Cows with mastitis might not eat due to the discomfort from the infection or illness, among other signs.
- Lethargy: The symptoms of mastitis include decreased activity, fatigue and low energy levels.
- Sunken Eyes: Mastitis may lead to skeletal fluid loss, contributing to signs like sunken eyes due to dehydration.
The Importance of Early Detection
It is very important to act immediately when the first signs of mastitis in cows are observed. Mastitis early detection enables early treatment of the disease within the shortest possible time to reduce milk loss, curb complications, and offer the best recovery period. Besides, early intervention curtails the chances of transmitting the disease to other cows within the herd.Treatment of Mastitis in Cows
Mastitis in cows is treated through antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other supportive measures. When a veterinarian diagnoses an infection due to a particular bacterium, the doctor prescribes certain antibiotics depending on the severity of the disease. Any type of milk produced by a cow that is being treated for mastitis should not be consumed by humans.Preventing Mastitis in Cows
There are many ways to prevent mastitis from developing in cows, which would help lessen the disease’s occurrence. Here are some key strategies:- Proper Milking Hygiene: Maintain high standards of cleanliness, including pre-milking teat cleaning and post-milking teat dipping, to help reduce the incidence of bacterial infections.
- Udder Health: Ensure that udders are checked for signs of injury and that proper teat care is always exercised.
- Bedding Management: Always provide clean and dry bedding to reduce the chances of teeth lesions and exposure to bacteria.
- Cow Nutrition: Ensure that the cow is fed a balanced diet to strengthen her immune system, fight diseases, and maintain good udder tissue condition.
- Regular SCC Testing: Check SCM frequently and do something about subclinical mastitis before it advances.
Conclusion
Mastitis in cows is a significant concern to dairy farmers. However, this can be managed effectively by constant observation of the symptoms and quick intervention. If recognised early enough, these signs, marked by preventive measures and timely treatment, will protect the herd and enhance quality milk production.Remember: It must be detected as soon as possible. If you have a suspicion of mastitis in your cows, contact your veterinarian promptly so that proper measures can be taken to preserve the health of the rest of the cattle and maintain productivity.