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The effect of feed push-up has already been proven in several studies, so this topic can be considered one of the main points that helps improve the health status of dairy cattle. This study aimed to determine how the frequency of feed push-ups influences the health status of udder (mastitis), somatic cell counts, and reproduction. The effect of feed push-up on mastitis, the somatic cell counts, and the conception of dairy cows was evaluated. The feed was pushed-up at a frequency of 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x a day for one calendar month. The effect on the number of dairy cows treated with mastitis was insignificant (P ≥ 0.05). The lowest number of cows with mastitis was found when feed was pushed-up five times daily. The effect on the somatic cell counts was insignificantly, too (P ≥ 0.05). The worst milk quality was found in the experimental group, which had a frequency of push-up 5x/day. However, it has been shown that the frequency of food push-up positively affected the conception rate in dairy cows (P < 0.001).

ABSTRACT Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic inflammatory condition that can be difficult to define and diagnose. In the dairy industry, subclinical mastitis is diagnosed by milk somatic cell counts (SCCs) of ≥250,000 cells mL−1. In this pilot study, we assessed the efficacy of this index to identify human subclinical mastitis by comparing SCC levels with the inflammatory response [interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels] in 37 samples from asymptomatic and 10 clinical mastitis (CM) lactating women. The milk microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The SCC of CM samples ranged from 310,000 to 6,600,000 cells mL−1. However, 14 of 37 (37.8%) asymptomatic samples had high SCC (250,000–460,000 cells mL−1), indicating subclinical mastitis. SCC levels significantly (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with milk IL-8 levels reflecting the escalating inflammatory response across subclinical and clinical mastitis samples. Samples with an SCC of ≥250,000 cells mL−1 showed significant increases in IL-8 responses when compared with milk samples from healthy women. The milk microbiome of CM samples was dominated by streptococcal and staphylococcal species (89.9% combined median relative abundance). In contrast, the combined median streptococcal/staphylococcal relative levels were 75.4% and 66.3% in milks from asymptomatic (subclinical mastitis) and healthy groups, respectively. The Streptococcus genus was increased in samples with an SCC of ≥250,000, although this should be interpreted with caution. Thus, the index of ≥250,000 somatic cells mL−1 could be a reliable indicator of subclinical mastitis in humans and should aid future studies investigating the impact of subclinical mastitis on maternal health, breastfeeding behaviors, infant health, and development.IMPORTANCEThis pilot study suggests that SCC at a level of (greater than or equal to) 250,000 cells mL−1, as used in the dairy industry, is a suitable index to identify asymptomatic subclinical mastitis in lactating women since it reflects a significant increase in the inflammatory response compared to milk samples from healthy women. Using this index should aid studies into the short- and long-term consequences of subclinical mastitis for mother and infant.

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Simple Summary: This work presents an analysis of data for inferring the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in sheep flocks through the somatic cell counts in the bulk-tank milk of farms. Cell counts in bulk-tank milk between 0.100 × 106 and 0.400 × 106 cells mL−1 were considered to correspond to prevalence of the infection between 8.7% and 12.1%, cell counts between 0.400 × 106 and 0.650 × 106 cells mL−1 corresponded to prevalence between 12.4% and 19.4%, cell counts between 0.650 × 106 and 900 × 106 cells mL−1 corresponded to prevalence of the infection between 22.5% and 30.8% and cell counts between 0.900 × 106 and 1.450 × 106 cells mL−1 corresponded to prevalence between 27.3% and 45.3%. The information that may be thus obtained can be useful in guiding the implementation of various health management procedures for mastitis control in sheep flocks. The objective of the present study was to propose thresholds of somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk indicative of the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in a flock. A retrospective analysis was performed on data from a longitudinal survey of subclinical mastitis in Greece, in which the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in 12 flocks sampled four times throughout a milking period was evaluated by collecting milk samples from individual ewes for bacteriological and cytological testing; further, cell counts in the bulk-tanks of the farms were also measured during the visits. Four cohorts were created: A, with cell counts in the bulk-tank milk between 0.100 × 106 and 0.400 × 106 cells mL−1, B, with cell counts between 0.400 × 106 and 650 × 106 cells mL−1, C, with cell counts between 0.650 × 106 and 900 × 106 cells mL−1, and D, with SCC between 0.900 × 106 and 1.450 × 106 cells mL−1. There was a significant positive correlation between prevalence of the infection in the flocks and somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk on the same sampling occasion (p < 0.0001). There was also evidence of significant differences between the four cohorts in the mean prevalence rate of the infection (p < 0.0001). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of the prevalence of subclinical mastitis according to the somatic cell counts in the bulk-tank milk were calculated as follows: for cohort A, 8.7% to 12.1%, for B, 12.4% to 19.4%, for C, 22.5% to 30.8% and for D, 27.3% to 45.3%. The information that may be thus obtained can be useful in guiding the implementation of various health management procedures for mastitis control in sheep flocks, with no need to perform milk sample collection from ewes and subsequent laboratory examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the antimicrobial components in cow milk at dry off and postpartum and their contribution in preventing new high SCC at quarter level. Milk samples from 72 quarters of 19 lactating cows were collected at last milking before dry off and at 7 d after parturition. Milk yield of each cow was recorded and SCC, IgG, IgA, lactoferrin, lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), and S100A7 concentrations in each quarter milk sample were measured. The postpartum milk yield was significantly higher than that at dry off. The IgG, IgA and lactoferrin concentrations in milk at dry off were significantly higher than those at postpartum, whereas the LAP concentration was lower. Quarters with SCC < 300 000 cells/ml at both dry off and postpartum were classified as persistent low SCC (PL) whereas those that rose above that same threshold postpartum were classified as new high SCC (NH). At dry off, IgG and LAP concentrations in milk were significantly higher in PL than in NH. These results suggest that high LAP concentrations during the dry period may contribute toward the prevention of new high SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The work presents a study of subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep in Greece, during which we carried out repeated examinations of mammary secretion samples from individual animals and of milk samples from the bulk tank in the farms. The findings indicate that the risk for subclinical mastitis is over 50% throughout a milking period, with staphylococci being the most important causal agents of the infection. There was a clear correlation between the frequency of subclinical mastitis in the flocks and the quality of bulk-tank milk produced in the farm. Younger age of newborns when taken away from the dam and consequently delayed start of milking of ewes, omission of anti-mastitis vaccination of ewes and lack of employed staff on the farms were found to be associated with a higher incidence of the infection. The objectives of this work were (a) to describe the incidence risk of subclinical mastitis in dairy flocks throughout the milking period, (b) to present potential associations of subclinical mastitis with the quality of milk and (c) to identify risk factors for high-incidence risk of the infection. A longitudinal study was performed in 12 dairy sheep flocks in Greece. Mammary secretion samples from 240 ewes and bulk-tank milk samples were collected in four repeated visits over a period of six months for bacteriological, chemical and cytological examinations. Overall, the incidence risk of subclinical mastitis throughout the study period was 51.7%, and it varied among farms from 25.0% to 75.0%. The respective figure for staphylococcal subclinical mastitis was 48.8%. The incidence risk of recurrence of subclinical mastitis among ewes in the flocks was 35.4%. The most frequently identified bacteria from cases of subclinical mastitis were S. aureus and S. simulans; of the mastitis-causing staphylococcal isolates, 65.4% were biofilm-forming. Somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk progressively increased as the lactation period advanced, with significant increases seen on the third and fourth visits to the farms. Somatic cell counts in bulk-tank milk correlated well with prevalence of subclinical mastitis in flocks. A significant inverse correlation and a significant positive correlation were seen for prevalence of subclinical mastitis versus total protein content or added water in bulk-tank milk. During multivariable analysis, younger age of newborns when taken away from the dam and consequently delayed start of milking of ewes, omission of anti-mastitis vaccination of ewes and lack of employed staff on the farms emerged to be significantly associated (positively) with increased incidence risk of subclinical mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (i) to describe staphylococcal isolates recovered from bulk-tank raw milk collected from sheep and goat farms during a countrywide study performed in Greece, (ii) to study management factors potentially associated with their presence in bulk-tank milk and (iii) to provide evidence regarding their association with the quality of the milk. In total, 312 staphylococcal isolates, recovered from samples of bulk-tank raw milk from 444 small ruminant farms in Greece, were evaluated in this work. The in vitro formation of biofilm by the isolates was tested by combining the findings of (a) culture appearance on Congo Red agar plates and (b) results of a microplate adhesion test. The most frequently identified species was Staphylococcus aureus (75 isolates); other frequently recovered species were S. simulans (44 isolates), S. equorum (34 isolates) and S. haemolyticus (26 isolates); in total, 23 species were identified. In total, 224 (71.8%) isolates were biofilm-forming and were recovered from the bulk-tank milk samples of 148 sheep flocks (45.5%) and 55 goat herds (46.2%). There was evidence of seasonality in the isolation of staphylococci: during spring, mostly biofilm-forming isolates were recovered, whilst during summer, mostly non-biofilm-forming isolates were recovered. Among farms applying machine-milking, the proportion of farms from which biofilm-forming isolates were recovered was higher where water with temperature < 50 °C or ≥90 °C was used to clean the milking parlour. In the multivariable analyses, for farms applying machine-milking, the temperature of the water emerged as the only significant variable (p = 0.024), whilst in farms applying hand-milking, the only tendency that emerged was for the frequency of collection of milk from the farm tank (p = 0.08). In sheep flocks, recovery of biofilm-forming staphylococci from the bulk-tank milk was associated with higher somatic cell counts and higher total bacterial counts in the milk. The study identified abiotic factors related to the presence and isolation of these bacteria, specifically the temperature of water used for the cleaning of the milking parlour (in farms where machine-milking is applied) and the frequency of milk collection from the farm tank. These factors apply after the production of milk, and they could thus be regulated appropriately in order to reduce bacterial load and improve the quality of milk delivered to dairy plants. In sheep farms, an association was also seen between recovery of biofilm-forming staphylococci and high somatic cell counts in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health condition of the mammary gland is highly crucial for obtaining good quality colostrum. The lactoferrin (LF), as an iron-binding protein, plays a key role in the defense mechanisms of the mammary gland due to its’ bacteriostatic properties. The study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the LF concentration in the bovine colostrum milk during the postpartum period, and the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) on the LF concentration and milk composition. The cows were randomly selected at a dairy farm in Pelagonia region. Colostrum samples from 12 cows were collected. Samples were taken at different time intervals after parturition, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after parturition. Cows in their second parity were found to have higher levels of LF compared to cows in the third and higher parity (p>0.05). Time had a significant effect on the LF concentration (p

In this study, we evaluated the main risk factors for the occurrence of bovine mastitis, in the southeastern of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. We surveyed 91 dairy farmers to identify management practices and bovine breed characteristics. From each farm, 50 mL of milk sample was collected for microbiological analysis and somatic cell count (SCC). Depending on the management practices and breed, a logit model was used to determine the odds ratio of subclinical mastitis (SCM) occurrence. In irrigated pastures, an SCM-associated risk factor, the occurrence of SCM was 5.03 times higher than that in the non-irrigated pastures. Similarly, in Girolando breed herds, the occurrence of SCM increased by 5.8 times compared to the crossbred herds. Moreover, the occurrence of mastitis was 33 times higher in farms using common cloths for drying teats than in farms using paper towels. Therefore, adoption of better management practices can lead to SCC reduction, milk quality improvement and a guarantee to contain SCC within prescribed Brazilian limits for the Amazon region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first report to investigate the relationships between time of parturition and milk productivity and quality, as well as indices related to udder measurements and meteorological variables, in Saanen goats raised under semi-intensive conditions. Goats giving birth in the hours of darkness had higher milk production than those that gave birth in the hours of daylight, while those giving birth during the evening hours had lower somatic cell count (SCC) than those with parturition during the daylight and night hours (P < 0.05). In addition, the time of parturition was associated with rear udder depth, udder circumference, and udder volume traits (P < 0.01). Parity and time of parturition × parity interaction had significant effects on lactation milk yield and lactation length, as well as milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids content and electrical conductivity (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). The lactation stage, daily milk yield level and parity affected milk SCC (P < 0.05). Ambient temperature and daylight length had strong effects on daily milk yield (P < 0.05). These findings have practical implications for productivity, quality and health promotion efforts aimed at increasing Saanen goat dairy productivity consistently in the face of climatic changes in a semi-intensive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: To improve overall milk quality in Thailand, dairy farmers and milk collection centers employ a payment program based on milk quality (PPBMQ) for milk trade. This study aimed to determine and compare the proportion of dairy farmers receiving benefits from the PPBMQ using data from selected dairy cooperatives located in northern and central regions in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Monthly data on milk components (n=37,077), including fat, solids not fat (SNF), and somatic cell counts (SCC) were collected from the two regions in 2018 and 2019. Based on the PPBMQ, farmers were classified into benefit-gain, benefit-loss, and no-benefit groups. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to compare the number of farmers in northern and central regions who received monthly benefits from the PPBMQ. Results: More than 70% of dairy farmers benefited from the PPBMQ. The proportion of dairy farmers in the benefit-gain group was higher in the northern region (88.7%) than in the central region (57.1%). A high percentage of dairy farmers in the central region lost their benefits mainly due to SCC (40%) and SNF (44%). Conclusion: The PPBMQ benefited the vast majority of dairy producers in the northern region and approximately two-thirds of those in the central region. Thus, the efforts of authorities and stakeholders should be enhanced to support dairy farmers in the central region in improving milk quality.

IntroductionMastitis is one of most impacting health issues in bovine dairy farming that reduces milk yield and quality, leading to important economic losses. Subclinical forms of the disease are routinely monitored through the measurement of somatic cell count (SCC) and microbiological tests. However, their identification can be tricky, reducing the possibilities of early treatments. In this study, a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry approach was applied to milk samples collected from cows classified according to the SCC, to identify differences in polypeptide/protein profiles.Materials and methodsTwenty-nine raw milk samples with SCC >200,000 cell/ml (group H) and 91 samples with SCC lower than 200,000 (group L) were randomly collected from 12 dairy farms. Spectral profiles from skim milk were acquired in the positive linear mode within the 4,000–20,000 m/z mass acquisition range.Results and discussionBased on signal intensity, a total of 24 peaks emerged as significant different between the two groups. The most discriminant signals (4,218.2 and 4,342.98 m/z) presented a ROC curve with AUC values higher than 0.8. Classification algorithms (i.e., quick classifier, genetic algorithm, and supervised neural network) were applied for generating models able to classify new spectra (i.e., samples) into the two classes. Our results support the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry profiling as a tool to detect mastitic milk samples and to potentially discover biomarkers of the disease. Thanks to its rapidity and low-cost, such method could be associated with the SCC measurement for the early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis.

The health condition of the mammary gland is highly crucial for obtaining good quality colostrum. The lactoferrin (LF), as an iron-binding protein, plays a key role in the defense mechanisms of the mammary gland due to its' bacteriostatic properties. The study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the LF concentration in the bovine colostrum milk during the postpartum period, and the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) on the LF concentration and milk composition. The cows were randomly selected at a dairy farm in Pelagonia region. Colostrum samples from 12 cows were collected. Samples were taken at different time intervals after parturition, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after parturition. Cows in their second parity were found to have higher levels of LF compared to cows in the third and higher parity (p>0.05). Time had a significant effect on the LF concentration (p<0.01), with the highest value recorded 1 h after parturition remaining stable for one hour. LF concentration and SCC in the colostrum showed a weak positive correlation (r=0.40; p<0.01). The highest LF concentration was noticed when SCC was above 800,000 cells/mL. In conclusion, the colostrum LF concentration was significantly affected by the interactions of the two factors, i.e., time after parturition and SCC (p<0.05). Milk composition was affected by elevated SCC. Parity showed no association with LF. The SCC can be used as a reliable means of assessing colostrum quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic inflammatory condition that can be difficult to define and diagnose. In the dairy industry, subclinical mastitis is diagnosed by milk somatic cell counts (SCCs) of ≥250,000 cells mL -1 . In this pilot study, we assessed the efficacy of this index to identify human subclinical mastitis by comparing SCC levels with the inflammatory response [interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels] in 37 samples from asymptomatic and 10 clinical mastitis (CM) lactating women. The milk microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The SCC of CM samples ranged from 310,000 to 6,600,000 cells mL -1 . However, 14 of 37 (37.8%) asymptomatic samples had high SCC (250,000-460,000 cells mL -1 ), indicating subclinical mastitis. SCC levels significantly ( P < 0.001) and positively correlated with milk IL-8 levels reflecting the escalating inflammatory response across subclinical and clinical mastitis samples. Samples with an SCC of ≥250,000 cells mL -1 showed significant increases in IL-8 responses when compared with milk samples from healthy women. The milk microbiome of CM samples was dominated by streptococcal and staphylococcal species (89.9% combined median relative abundance). In contrast, the combined median streptococcal/staphylococcal relative levels were 75.4% and 66.3% in milks from asymptomatic (subclinical mastitis) and healthy groups, respectively. The Streptococcus genus was increased in samples with an SCC of ≥250,000, although this should be interpreted with caution. Thus, the index of ≥250,000 somatic cells mL -1 could be a reliable indicator of subclinical mastitis in humans and should aid future studies investigating the impact of subclinical mastitis on maternal health, breastfeeding behaviors, infant health, and development., Importance: This pilot study suggests that SCC at a level of (greater than or equal to) 250,000 cells mL -1 , as used in the dairy industry, is a suitable index to identify asymptomatic subclinical mastitis in lactating women since it reflects a significant increase in the inflammatory response compared to milk samples from healthy women. Using this index should aid studies into the short- and long-term consequences of subclinical mastitis for mother and infant., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background and Aim: To improve overall milk quality in Thailand, dairy farmers and milk collection centers employ a payment program based on milk quality (PPBMQ) for milk trade. This study aimed to determine and compare the proportion of dairy farmers receiving benefits from the PPBMQ using data from selected dairy cooperatives located in northern and central regions in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Monthly data on milk components (n=37,077), including fat, solids not fat (SNF), and somatic cell counts (SCC) were collected from the two regions in 2018 and 2019. Based on the PPBMQ, farmers were classified into benefit-gain, benefit-loss, and no-benefit groups. Amixed-effects logistic regression model was used to compare the number of farmers in northern and central regions who received monthly benefits from the PPBMQ. Results: More than 70% of dairy farmers benefited from the PPBMQ. The proportion of dairy farmers in the benefit-gain group was higher in the northern region (88.7%) than in the central region (57.1%). A high percentage of dairy farmers in the central region lost their benefits mainly due to SCC (40%) and SNF (44%). Conclusion: The PPBMQ benefited the vast majority of dairy producers in the northern region and approximately twothirds of those in the central region. Thus, the efforts of authorities and stakeholders should be enhanced to support dairy farmers in the central region in improving milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is a disease with a multi-etiological nature, defined as an infection and inflammation of the udder. Mastitis represents a significant ongoing concern in the dairy industry, leading to substantial losses in profits and revenue for farmers worldwide. The predominant causes of bovine mastitis include the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus dysgalactiae , Streptococcus uberis , and Escherichia coli. Antibiotic administration is currently the main treatment option for mastitis. However, there is a pressing need for alternative therapies to treat and prevent the disease, especially with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant, mastitis-causing pathogens, resulting in antibiotic treatment failure. One such example is live bio-therapeutics (also known as probiotics), such as Lactococcus lactis DPC3147. The efficacy of this live bio-therapeutic has been demonstrated in several previous trials by our group. The most recent of these trials showed that an emulsion-based formulation of this strain was as effective as a commercial antibiotic formulation in treating sub-clinical and clinical cases of bovine mastitis. Here, we report the results of a follow-up field trial, in which we sought to gain insight into the mechanism of action of such live bio-therapeutics, focussing on chronic mastitis cases. We treated 28 cows with chronic mastitis with two separate emulsion-based formulations containing either viable L. lactis DPC3147 cells (15 cows) or heat-killed L. lactis DPC3147 cells (13 cows). We then evaluated the efficacies of the two formulations (two treatment groups) in terms of stimulating a localized immune response (quantified by measuring IL-8 concentrations in milk collected from udders affected by mastitis) and efficacies in terms of cure rates (quantified by reductions in somatic cell counts and absence of pathogens). We demonstrate that the presence of heat-inactivated bacteria (a postbiotic) was as effective as the live bio-therapeutic in eliciting a localized immune response in cows with chronic mastitis. The response to heat-killed cells (postbiotic) reported herein could have beneficial implications for farmers with regard to prolonging the shelf life of such emulsion-based formulations containing heat-killed cells of L. lactis DPC3147 for curing cows with mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is a disease with a multi-etiological nature, defined as an infection and inflammation of the udder. Mastitis represents a significant ongoing concern in the dairy industry, leading to substantial losses in profits and revenue for farmers worldwide. The predominant causes of bovine mastitis include the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, and Escherichia coli. Antibiotic administration is currently the main treatment option for mastitis. However, there is a pressing need for alternative therapies to treat and prevent the disease, especially with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant, mastitis-causing pathogens, resulting in antibiotic treatment failure. One such example is live bio-therapeutics (also known as probiotics), such as Lactococcus lactis DPC3147. The efficacy of this live bio-therapeutic has been demonstrated in several previous trials by our group. The most recent of these trials showed that an emulsion-based formulation of this strain was as effective as a commercial antibiotic formulation in treating sub-clinical and clinical cases of bovine mastitis. Here, we report the results of a follow-up field trial, in which we sought to gain insight into the mechanism of action of such live bio-therapeutics, focussing on chronic mastitis cases. We treated 28 cows with chronic mastitis with two separate emulsion-based formulations containing either viable L. lactis DPC3147 cells (15 cows) or heat-killed L. lactis DPC3147 cells (13 cows). We then evaluated the efficacies of the two formulations (two treatment groups) in terms of stimulating a localized immune response (quantified by measuring IL-8 concentrations in milk collected from udders affected by mastitis) and efficacies in terms of cure rates (quantified by reductions in somatic cell counts and absence of pathogens). We demonstrate that the presence of heat-inactivated bacteria (a postbiotic) was as effective as the live bio-therapeutic in eliciting a localized immune response in cows with chronic mastitis. The response to heat-killed cells (postbiotic) reported herein could have beneficial implications for farmers with regard to prolonging the shelf life of such emulsion-based formulations containing heat-killed cells of L. lactis DPC3147 for curing cows with mastitis.

To assess potential cow-level risk factors for clinical mastitis during the dry period in cows infused with internal teat sealant (ITS) alone at drying off, and associations with elevated somatic cell counts (SCC) at the first herd test, or clinical mastitis in the subsequent lactation. Ten herds reporting an incidence of clinical mastitis during the dry period of >3% amongst cows infused with ITS alone at the end of the 2018/2019 lactation were enrolled. Cow data collected included age, breed, milk yield and SCC at the last herd test before drying off, drying off date, clinical mastitis records during the dry period and in the subsequent lactation, and SCC at the first herd test following calving. Overall, 2,401 cows were infused with ITS alone and 196/2,401 (8.2%) cows were diagnosed with clinical mastitis during the dry period. In the final multivariable model for risk of clinical mastitis there was an interaction between age and milk yield at the last herd test (p < 0.001), with cows aged >4 years and producing ≥10 L/cow/day having a higher risk of clinical mastitis than younger cows or those producing <10 L/cow/day. The risk of clinical mastitis was higher for cows dried off in the last week of lactation than for cows dried off >1 week before the end of lactation for the herd (p = 0.033). The percentage of cows with elevated SCC (>150,000 cells/mL) at the first herd test in the following lactation was higher amongst those diagnosed with clinical mastitis over the dry period compared with those that were not (p = 0.048). The hazard of clinical mastitis in the first 60 days after calving was also higher in cows diagnosed with clinical mastitis in the dry period than those that were not (p < 0.001). The risk of clinical mastitis in the dry period following infusion of ITS alone at the end of lactation was associated with cow age, milk yield before drying off and timing of drying off. Cows diagnosed with clinical mastitis over the dry period had a higher risk of clinical mastitis and of elevated SCC in the subsequent lactation. This was an observational study so no causal inferences can be made, however herdowners and veterinarians should follow current recommendations regarding management of milk yield before drying off, and selection of cows for treatment with ITS alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine accuracy of the assessment of somatic cells count (SCC) in milk of Polish Holstein-Frisian (PHF) cattle obtained at four consecutive weeks: day 1 to day 7, day 8 to day 14, day 15 to day 21 and day 22 to day 29. Based on cytological quality three classes of milk were distinguished, with the following SCC in 1 mL: 1,000-200,000, 200,000-400,000 and >400,000, respectively. Depending on the number of lactations there were six groups of cows with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 calvings. The average on-line SCC in 330 milk recordings was 331,000 in 1 mL, ranging from 13,000 to 1,856,000. It was found that the mean SCC in 1 mL of milk across the three cytological quality classes was 89,000, 285,000, and 751,000, while in the consecutive weeks it was 297,000; 326,000, 294,000 and 271,000. Analysis of variance for the natural logarithm of on-line SCC (actual somatic cell count) showed no significant differences between SCC in four different weeks. Determined on the basis of the natural logarithm from the actual SCC (lnSCC) the accuracy was very high. The percentage differences between lnSCC in the following weeks of the experiment ranged between +0.9 and -1.5%, compared to the recordings taken during the first week of the experiment. The small error in the evaluation of the number of somatic cells determined over a 4-week period was confirmed by the high correlation coefficients (r) between SCC recorded in different weeks. Because the results did not vary significantly across the 4-week period, it was concluded that the 4-week milk recording interval used in the official methodology correctly reflects the actual number of somatic cells present in milk during those 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to describe potential associations of somatic cell counts (SCC) and total bacterial counts (TBC) in bulk-tank milk from sheep and goat farms with breeds of these animals in Greece. In total, 325 dairy sheep flocks and 119 dairy goat herds were visited for the collection of milk; the breed of animals in farms was evaluated for a potential association with SCC or TBC. The most frequently seen sheep breeds were the Lacaune (95 flocks) and the Chios (44 flocks). The most frequently seen goat breeds were the indigenous Greek (Capra prisca) (50 herds) and the Murciano-Granadina (13 herds). In a multivariable analysis, the breed and the application of machine-milking in sheep flocks, and the breed and the management system in goat herds emerged as significant factors for increased SCC (>0.75 × 106 cells mL−1) in bulk-tank milk. Further, the month of lactation at sampling in sheep flocks emerged a significant factor for increased TBC (>1500 × 103 cfu mL−1) in bulk-tank milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis, the inflammation of the mammary gland, is a major endemic disease affecting dairy production worldwide. Costs of treatment and control of mastitis contributes to major losses to the dairy industry especially if the condition is not promptly and accurately diagnosed, thus necessitating the engagement of regular and reliable means of recognising intra-mammary infections. Somatic cell counting, which has been recognized as a major standard for mastitis diagnosis in milk, was utilized in this study as a direct measure of intramammary inflammation (IMI), along with bacterial culture and isolation to establish the presence of mammary infections in cows from two nomadic herds. Milk from all four quarters (composite samples) of each of 100 cows at various stages of lactation, were obtained and subjected to Levowitz-Weber staining of duplicate smears and direct microscopic counting of somatic cells. Culture and isolation of sterile milk swabs and subsequent identification by morphology, gram staining and biochemical tests were employed to assess the presence of mastitis-causing pathogens in the samples. Using ≤100,000 cells/ml as cut off for non-mastitic milk, sub-clinical mastitis (SM), was determined in 70 (70%) of the examined samples. Contagious pathogens, namely; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus species and others as well as environmental bacteria, E. coli and Enterococcus species amongst others, were isolated from the samples. This result circuitously indicates the level of losses to dairy production through poor milk quality and yield, costs of treatment and culling obtainable in the nomadic dairying venture. The need for routine evaluation of raw milk and other dairy products emanating from the itinerant pastoralists, using sensitive and reliable parameters to facilitate prompt diagnosis, targeted treatment and rapid control of cow to cow or herd to herd spread of IMI is highlighted in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High somatic cell counts (SCCs) in milk significantly influence the quality of milk and give rise to substantial economic loss. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of extreme heat and cold compared to other season and melatonin (MLT) on milk SCCs in Chinese crossbred (Nili-Ravi×Murrah) buffaloes. We collected the 1948 milk SCCs data records from 2012 to 2017 to explore the effect of different month in China on milk SCCs. Meanwhile, twenty buffaloes with relatively high milk SCCs were employed and randomly divided into two groups (T1 and T2, n=10 each group) to evaluate the effect of MLT treatment on milk SCCs, blood antioxidant activities and immune levels of buffaloes during summer in China. Results showed that the milk SCCs in high temperature seasons (July and August) and low temperature seasons (December, January and February) were significantly higher compared with other months (P<0.05). In summer, MLT treatment significantly reduced milk SCCs and increased the IgM and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in plasma on day 1 after MLT treatment, and then both IgM and SOD levels were decreased significantly. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that environmental temperature stress (heat and cold) caused the higher milk SCCs and MLT treatment improved the quality of milk by reducing SCCs suggesting that MLT could improve immune activity in buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teat disinfection is a common pre- and post-milking mastitis prevention practice that is part of a mastitis control program in dairy herds. Commercially available teat disinfectants are generally chemical-based products. The use of these products has occasionally raised concerns about the risk of chemical residues in milk. An alternative treatment or prevention strategy based on probiotics has the potential to circumvent this risk. Two treatments were compared in a cross-over clinical trial in a single herd: a lactobacillus-based, post-milking teat spray (LACT), and a commercial iodine-based post-milking teat disinfectant product as (positive control, PC). The effect of the two treatments on cow somatic cell counts was quantified using a multivariate mixed-effects linear regression model with cow fitted as a random effect. The odds of teat end scores increasing from a low to a high score tended to be lower (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.54–1.01, P = 0.06) for cows receiving LACT treatment. On average, there was also a tendency for a lower somatic cell counts in the LACT treated cows (antilog of coefficient = 0.91, 95% CI 0.80–1.03, P = 0.13) compared with the PC treated cows. The application of the lactobacillus-based product to teats could reduce the rate of teat end scores progression from low to higher scores, and potentially improve teat end sphincter functions and udder health. Further, larger scale validation work is required to support the findings of the current study.

Aim of study: We have classified into homogenous groups a wide spectrum of mammary pathogens according to their frequency of isolation in clinical mastitis and their somatic cell counts in non-clinical mastitis. Area of study: The study was conducted in Galicia (NW Spain) Material and methods: 163,741 dairy cattle quarter milk samples were analyzed. We identified mastitis pathogens to the species level and performed a cluster analysis to classify these microorganisms by their median of Linear Score (mLS), percentage of isolation in clinical mastitis samples (%ICS) and percentage of isolation in samples with somatic cell counts under 100,000 cells/mL (%ISU100). Main results: Forty-three different species were isolated. Cluster analysis identified 4 groups of pathogens; mLS and %ICS progressively increased from Group I to Group IV and %ISU100 decreased. However, several pathogens included in groups II and III showed %ISU100 values higher than 2% and 3%. Minor pathogens were mainly clustered in Group I (e.g., Corynebacterium spp. and most of Staphylococcus spp.), while known major pathogens were included in Groups II, III y IV. Species of the same family, genus or microbiological group like Enterobacteriaceae or Enterococcus spp. were frequently separated into different groups, thus showing heterogeneity among the members of these groups. Research highlights: Results obtained here may aid in assessing the pathogenicity of sporadic pathogens in relation to more well-known pathogens and suggest that the traditional classification between minor and major pathogens is an oversimplification of the reality, especially for the latter category.

Mastitis can prove expensive in sheep reared for meat production due to costs associated with treatment methods, poor lamb growth and premature culling of ewes. The most commonly used method to detect mastitis, in dairy systems, is somatic cell counts. However, in many meat-producing sheep flocks ewes are not routinely handled, thus regular milk sampling is not always possible. It is, therefore, worthwhile to investigate alternative phenotypes, such as those associated with udder conformation and methods of evaluating somatic cell counts in the milk, such as the California Mastitis Test. The main objectives of this study were therefore: (a) to estimate genetic parameters of traits relating to mastitis and udder conformation in a meat sheep breed; (b) estimate the level of association between somatic cell counts and the California Mastitis Test and (c) assess the relationships between mastitis and both udder conformation and lamb live weights. Data were collected from Texel ewes based on 29 flocks, throughout the UK, during 2015 and 2016. The ewes were scored twice each year, at mid- and late-lactation. Eight different conformation traits, relating to udder and teat characteristics, and milk samples were recorded. The data set comprised of data available for 2957 ewes. The pedigree file used contained sire and dam information for 31 775 individuals. The animal models used fitted relevant fixed and random effects. Heritability estimates for traits relating to mastitis (somatic cell score and the California Mastitis Test), ranged from 0.08 to 0.11 and 0.07 to 0.11, respectively. High genetic correlations were observed between somatic cell score and the California Mastitis Test (0.76 to 0.98), indicating the California Mastitis Test to be worthwhile for assessing infection levels, particularly at mid-lactation. The strongest correlations observed between the mastitis traits and the udder conformation traits were associated with udder depth (0.61 to 0.75) also at mid-lactation. Negative phenotypic correlations were estimated between mastitis and the weight of lamb reared by the ewe (−0.15 to −0.23), suggesting that lamb weights fell as infection levels rose. Genetic correlations were not significantly different from zero. Reducing mastitis will lead to improvements in flock productivity and the health and welfare of the animals. It will also improve the efficiency of production and the resilience to disease challenge. The economic benefits, therefore, of these results combined could be substantial not only in this breed but also in the overall meat sheep industry.

The objectives of this work were (a) to determine the presence of streptococci in samples from small ruminant dairy farms (bulk-tank milk and, where possible, teatcup swabs), (b) to investigate the potential adverse effects of streptococci on milk quality and (c) to investigate the importance of some husbandry factors for the isolation of streptococci. Bulk-tank milk samples and teatcups swab samples were examined bacteriologically for the presence of streptococci. Somatic cell counting and milk composition measurements were also performed. The husbandry factors present in each farm were assessed for potential associations with the isolation of streptococci. Streptococci were isolated from milk samples from 31.4% of sheep and 17.4% of goat farms and from 4.8% of sheep and 5.9% of goat teatcups. Streptococci were isolated more frequently from the upper part than the lower part of teatcups: 5.0% vs. 1.9%. Most isolates (57.9%) were identified as Streptococcus uberis. Most isolates (68.4%) were slime-producing; slime-production was more frequent among isolates from teatcups (83.3%) than from bulk-tank milk (55.0%). Somatic cell counts and milk composition did not differ between farms in which streptococci were or were not isolated. Machine-milking was associated with the isolation of streptococci from bulk-tank milk samples. The initial stage of the milking period (first two months) was found to be associated with the isolation of streptococci from milking machine teatcups in sheep farms only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is important source of essential nutrients for many people in the world. Chemical composition of milk is substantially affected by many factors, such as species, breed, stage of lactation, animal’s age, health, feeding regime, and season. Somatic cells are a component naturally present in milk and microbial parameter "Somatic Cell Count" (SCC) is used as an indicator of udder health and milk quality. Intramammary infection is a main factor responsible for reduced milk quantity and quality in dairy farming and have a negative effect in technology process in the dairy industry. The aim of this review is to focus on the role of high value of SCC on the physiological condition of an animals, modification of chemical composition of milk and negatives effect on technological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of paper review is to describe the influence of somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk of ewes on the composition and milk production associated with the presence of mastitis pathogens as well as the assessment of the effects of non-infectious factors such as breed, number of lambs, order and stage of lactation, age, oestrus, livestock management, the impact of the month, the season to change the SCC in the milk of ewes. It also points to the possible physiological value of SCC in sheep milk for udder health assessment as it is generally accepted for dairy cows. The important part of this paper is to show antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens. The more complex results obtained in Slovakia under experimental and practical conditions are discussed. In conclusion, taking into account all mentioned factors and studies, SCC could play important role in management of dairy ewes breeding to get acceptable milk performances and good udder health at comparable physiological levels as in dairy cows. Regular milk recording could significantly contribute to effort of farmers in mastitis control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this work were to study the prevalence and the patterns of antibiotic resistance of staphylococcal isolates from bulk-tank milk of goat herds across Greece, to assess possible associations of the presence of antibiotic resistance with the quality of milk in these herds and to evaluate herd-related factors potentially associated with the presence of antibiotic resistance among these staphylococcal isolates. A cross-sectional study was performed on 119 goat herds in Greece. Bulk-tank milk samples were collected for bacteriological examination; staphylococcal isolates were evaluated for resistance to 20 antibiotics. Oxacillin-resistant, resistant to at least one antibiotic, and multi-resistant staphylococcal isolates were recovered from 5.0%, 30.3%, and 16.0% of herds, respectively. Of 80 isolates, 7.5% were resistant to oxacillin, 50.0% were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 27.5% were multi-resistant. Resistance was seen more frequently among coagulase-negative staphylococci (59.3%) than among Staphylococcus aureus (23.8%). Resistance was more frequent against penicillin and ampicillin (41.3% of isolates) and fosfomycin (27.5%). No association was found with biofilm formation by staphylococci. For recovery of oxacillin-resistant isolates, the presence of working staff in the herds emerged as a significant factor; respective factors for the isolation of staphylococci resistant to at least one antibiotic were part-time farming and high (>10) number of systemic disinfections in the farm annually. The same three factors concurrently were also identified to be significant for the recovery of multi-resistant isolates.

The objectives of this work were to study prevalence and characteristics of resistance to antibiotics of staphylococcal isolates from the bulk-tank milk of sheep flocks across Greece, to assess possible associations of the presence of antibiotic resistance with the quality of milk in these flocks and to evaluate flock-related factors potentially associated with antibiotic resistance among these isolates. A cross-sectional study was performed in 325 sheep flocks in Greece. Bulk-tank milk samples were collected for bacteriological examination; staphylococcal isolates were evaluated for resistance to 20 antibiotics. Oxacillin-resistant staphylococcal isolates, isolates resistant to any antibiotic, and multi-resistant isolates were recovered from 8.0%, 30.5%, and 12.0% of flocks, respectively. Of 232 isolates, 11.6% were resistant to oxacillin, 46.1% were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 16.4% were multi-resistant. Resistance was seen more frequently among coagulase-negative (50.6%) than among Staphylococcus aureus (31.5%) isolates. Resistance was more frequent against penicillin and ampicillin (34.1% of isolates), clindamycin (17.7%), and fosfomycin (14.2%). An association was found between biofilm formation by staphylococci and resistance to fosfomycin. For recovery of oxacillin-resistant isolates, the lack of experience by farmers emerged as a significant factor; respective factors for the isolation of staphylococci resistant to any antibiotic or multi-resistant isolates were the early stage of the lactation period (0th–1st month) and the intensive management system applied in the flocks, respectively.

Subclinical mastitis that causes significant economic losses in husbandry has been the most important case in the world and in our country. Since subclinical mastitis is not noticeable, it is involved in milk and dairy products. In this study, physical properties- pH, electrical conductivity, and freezing point-, chemical properties - fat, protein, lactose, fat free dry matter and mineral matter content-, and biological properties - total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) and total coliform bacteria counts and Escherichia coli incidence of 134 raw milk samples of Çanakkale-Yenice were investigated. In addition, subclinical mastitis incidence was defined by determining the number of somatic cells in the samples and their California mastitis test (CMT) values. The relationship between subclinical mastitis incidence and other milk properties was investigated. The mean pH, EI and DN values of the raw milks sampled were 6.75±0.01, 5.83×10-3S/cm and -0.5296±0.002, respectively, while protein, lactose, mineral matter and fat contents were 3.37%±0.03%, 4.99±0.03%, 0.64±0.01% and 3.10±0.06%, respectively. 99.2% of the samples were found to contain TAMB higher than 5logcfu/mL and 13.4% were found to include E. coli. The relationship between subclinical mastitis and these values have been also investigated. The incidence of subclinical mastitis in Çanakkale-Yenice was determined as 59%. Only the difference between CMT values of subclinical mastitis milk (CMT value ≥2) and healthy milk (CMT value lt;2) was found to be statistically significant (p lt;0.001). There was no strong correlation between CMT, SHS, and EI values and other milk properties (r lt;±0.500).

The aim of the work was to analyse the somatic cell counts (SCC) of the individual sheep milk samples under practical conditions. Totally 2159 samples were collected from four farms in April, May, June and July. Ewes were divided into five SCC groups on the basis of individual SCC: Low = 1000000 cells.mL-1). The percentage of distribution of individual milk samples in SCC groups was as followed: 71.79 %, 10.24 %, 5.05 %, 4.03 % and 8.89 % respectively. Thus 82.03 % of samples of whole data set were below 400000 cells.mL-1 and only 8.89 % over 1000000 cells.mL-1. Lacaune had a higher percentage of milk samples in the group Mastitis as compared to the other breeds or crossbreds. Factor SCC group reduced the milk yield, while a significant difference was observed in ewes of Mastitis SCC group as compared with ewes in Low SCC group (419±13 mL, 503±6 mL, resp.). The high percentage of ewes in the first two SCC groups significantly contributes to the possible development of limits for sheep milk quality.

The aim of this study was to describe the health status of udder through analysis of somati cell count (SCC) in milk of Lacaune breed. The study was conducted at five Slovak farms. Milk yield recordings and milk samples were taken from March till August by certificated organisation for milk recording, where also milk analysis on SCC was processed. In total 1192 samples were analysed. Milk samples were divided into the five categories on the basis of SCC: SCC 6, 0.4 - 0.6 × 106, 0.6 - 1 × 106 and >106 cells.mL-1. Animals were divided into seven stages of lactation (first: 30-60 days of lactation and then each following 30 days a further group of lactation stage was considered). The Mixed model with Scheffe's analysis as a post hoc test was used. SCC on farm 3 was highest (5.80 ±0.04 log SCC mL-1) as compared with others farms (p 106 cells.mL-1 the highest percentage was on farm 4 (33.57%) and lowest on farm 2 (8.06%) though more representative percentage was on farm 5 (12.05%) due to larger number of animals. The negative effect of high SCC on milk yield was observed in all farms. Data also revealed that main part of individual milk samples had SCC below 0.6 × 106 cells.mL-1 which could be an important argument for future legislative establishment of limits for SCC in ewe's milk.

Bovine mastitis is an ongoing significant concern in the dairy and agricultural industry resulting in substantial losses in milk production and revenue. Among the predominant etiological agents of bovine mastitis are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Currently, the treatment of choice for bovine mastitis involves the use of commercial therapeutic antibiotic formulations such as TerrexineTM, containing both kanamycin and cephalexin. Such antibiotics are regularly administered in more than one dose resulting in the withholding of milk for processing for a number of days. Here, we describe the optimization of a formulation of Lactococcus lactis DPC3147, that produces the two-component bacteriocin lacticin 3147, in a liquid paraffin-based emulsion (formulation hereafter designated ‘live bio-therapeutic’) for the first time and compare it to the commercial antibiotic formulation TerrexineTM, with a view to treating cows with clinical/sub-clinical mastitis. Critically, in a field trial described here, this ‘ready-to-use’ emulsion containing live L. lactis DPC3147 cells exhibited comparable efficacy to TerrexineTM when used to treat mastitic cows. Furthermore, we found that the L. lactis cells within this novel emulsion-based formulation remained viable for up to 5 weeks, when stored at 4, 22, or 37°C. The relative ease and cost-effective nature of producing this ‘live bio-therapeutic’ formulation, in addition to its enhanced shelf life compared to previous aqueous-based formulations, indicate that this product could be a viable alternative therapeutic option for bovine mastitis. Moreover, the single-dose administration of this ‘live bio-therapeutic’ formulation is a further advantage, as it can expedite the return of the milk to the milk pool, in comparison to some commercial antibiotics. Overall, in this field trial, we show that the live bio-therapeutic formulation displayed a 47% cure rate compared to a 50% cure rate for a commercial antibiotic control, with respect to curing cows with clinical/sub-clinical mastitis. The study suggests that a larger field trial to further demonstrate efficacy is warranted.

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease, affects the dairy industry and has a severe economic impact. During subclinical mastitis, milk production and milk quality deteriorates. Recently, rumen microbial composition has been linked to rumen health, but few studies have investigated the effect of rumen microbiota on mammary health in cows. This study was undertaken to identify the rumen microbial composition and associated microbial fermentation in cows with different somatic cell counts (SCC), with the speculation that cows with different health statuses of the mammary gland have different rumen bacterial composition and diversity. A total of 319 Holstein dairy cows fed the same diet and under the same management were selected and divided into four groups as SCC1 (N = 175), SCC2 (N = 49), SCC3 (N = 49), and SCC4 (N = 46) with < 200,000, 200,001–500,000, 500,001–1,000,000, and >1,000,000 somatic cells/mL, respectively. Further, 20 cows with the lowest SCC and 20 cows with the highest SCC were identified. The rumen microbial composition was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing, along with measurement of rumen fermentation parameters and milking performance. Compared to low SCC, cows with high SCC showed poorer milk yield, milk composition, and rumen volatile fatty acids concentration, but higher rumen bacterial diversity. Although the predominant rumen bacterial taxa did not vary among the SCC groups, the relative abundance of phyla SR1 and Actinobacteria, unclassified family Clostridiales and genus Butyrivibrio were significantly different. In addition, Proteobacteria and family Succinivibrionaceae were enriched in cows with low SCC. Our results suggest that specific rumen microbes are altered in cows with high SCC.

Intramammary infections (IMIs) caused by various pathogens may lead to clinical or subclinical mastitis, challenging the health and welfare status of infected animals and decreasing the quantity and quality of the produced milk. Additionally, the zoonotic potential of some of the pathogens isolated from IMI cases, the emergence of antibiotic resistance due to the extensive antibiotic use for IMI treatment, and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in milk and meat represent significant concerns for public health. Therefore, the investigation of IMI risk factors and the proposal of efficient measures to mitigate their effects on animal health and welfare is crucial. Although fly infestation is considered to play a significant role in the transmission of IMI pathogens, its adverse effects on udder health and the overall comfort status of dairy ewes have not been quantified and assessed on an evidential basis. Hence, the objectives of this study were to assess, for the first time, the fly repellent effect of deltamethrin and link it to: (i) the occurrence of common bacterial IMI; (ii) the somatic cell counts in milk; and (iii) the serum cortisol and creatine kinase levels (stress and fatigue indicators). The study was carried out in an intensive dairy sheep farm in northern Greece, during peak fly season. Deltamethrin treatment was associated with a reduced (i) number of flies (mostly Musca domestica) landing on treated ewes, compared to untreated ones (p < 0.05); (ii) colony-forming units in the case of Non-aureus Staphylococci IMIs (p < 0.05); and (iii) number of somatic cells in the milk (p < 0.001). Finally, serum cortisol and creatine kinase levels were significantly lower in deltamethrin-treated ewes (p < 0.001), indicating a less stressful environment for them.

Bovine mastitis is an ongoing significant concern in the dairy and agricultural industry resulting in substantial losses in milk production and revenue. Among the predominant etiological agents of bovine mastitis are Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae , and Escherichia coli. Currently, the treatment of choice for bovine mastitis involves the use of commercial therapeutic antibiotic formulations such as TerrexineTM, containing both kanamycin and cephalexin. Such antibiotics are regularly administered in more than one dose resulting in the withholding of milk for processing for a number of days. Here, we describe the optimization of a formulation of Lactococcus lactis DPC3147, that produces the two-component bacteriocin lacticin 3147, in a liquid paraffin-based emulsion (formulation hereafter designated 'live bio-therapeutic') for the first time and compare it to the commercial antibiotic formulation TerrexineTM, with a view to treating cows with clinical/sub-clinical mastitis. Critically, in a field trial described here, this 'ready-to-use' emulsion containing live L. lactis DPC3147 cells exhibited comparable efficacy to TerrexineTM when used to treat mastitic cows. Furthermore, we found that the L. lactis cells within this novel emulsion-based formulation remained viable for up to 5 weeks, when stored at 4, 22, or 37°C. The relative ease and cost-effective nature of producing this 'live bio-therapeutic' formulation, in addition to its enhanced shelf life compared to previous aqueous-based formulations, indicate that this product could be a viable alternative therapeutic option for bovine mastitis. Moreover, the single-dose administration of this 'live bio-therapeutic' formulation is a further advantage, as it can expedite the return of the milk to the milk pool, in comparison to some commercial antibiotics. Overall, in this field trial, we show that the live bio-therapeutic formulation displayed a 47% cure rate compared to a 50% cure rate for a commercial antibiotic control, with respect to curing cows with clinical/sub-clinical mastitis. The study suggests that a larger field trial to further demonstrate efficacy is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To assess the use of different cut-points based on individual cow somatic cell counts (SCC) to define cows with intramammary infection (IMI) at drying-of, in a herd with a high mean bulk tank SCC. Methods: Results for SCC from four herd tests during lactation and bacterial culture of milk samples collected before drying-off were obtained for 139 cows from a herd with an average bulk milk SCC of >300,000 cells/mL over the final 4 months of the 2006/07 lactation. Based on culture results, cows were defined as being infected with a major (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis or Nocardia spp.) or any pathogen. Receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine optimum cut-points for maximum, average and last herd test SCC, for predicting IMI. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine which variables were associated with IMI, and the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) and positive predictive value (PPV) were determined for different cut-points. Results: At the cow level, 75/139 (54.0%) cows had IMI with a major pathogen and 123/139 (88.5%) with any pathogen. A SCC ≥150,000 cells/mL at ≥2 herd tests and a SCC ≥299,000 cells/mL at the last herd test, for cows aged ≥4 years, were associated with IMI with a major pathogen at drying-off (p<0.05). A SCC ≥150,000 cells/mL at ≥2 herd tests was associated with IMI with any pathogen at drying-off (p<0.001). A cut-point of ≥150,000 cells/mL at any herd test had the highest Se (0.97 and 0.94), but the lowest Sp (0.19 and 0.44) and PPV (0.58 and 0.93) for infection with major and any pathogens, respectively. A cut-point of ≥150,000 cells/mL at ≥2 herd tests doubled the Sp and increased the PPV without large decreases in test Se for infection with either a major or any pathogen. Conclusions and clinical relevance: In this herd with a high bulk milk SCC, use of a cut-point of a SCC ≥150,000 cells/mL at any herd test to define IMI would be appropriate, where the goal at drying-off is to ensure that cows infected with any pathogen receive antimicrobial treatment. Where the goal is to reduce the use of antimicrobial dry cow therapy in uninfected cows while limiting the number of infected cows not being treated, use of a cut-point of SCC ≥150,000 cells/mL at ≥2 herd tests to define IMI may be more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The suggested research specifically addresses the major source of economic loss of the dairy industry, the bovine mastitis (BM), an inflammatory disease of mammary gland caused by bacterial intramammary infection. During udder inflammation, the concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP) in both plasma and milk are escalated, which can be distinctively utilized as predicting diagnostic biomarkers of cattle's BM clinical status. Herein, we demonstrate a liquid-phase luminol chemiluminescence (CL) system for sensitive detection of haptoglobin (Hp), a predictive APP of BM, by utilizing the binding capacity of hemoglobin (Hb). The CL intensity is linearly proportional to Hb-Hp complex formation, resulting in peroxidase-like activity inhibition of luminol-H 2 O 2 -Hb CL system. Enhanced CL, at least 10-fold effect within real samples, is attained by the addition of catalytically active cross-linked gold nanoparticles (GNPs) onto the luminol-H 2 O 2 solution. Moreover, the influence of different somatic cell counts (representing subclinical and clinical BM status) and pathogen types (i.e., CNS and Streptococcus dysgalactiae) on the secreted milk Hp levels obtained from Holstein cows are established. The analyzed Hp concentrations are in agreement with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The proposed CL sensing concept offers cost-effective, simple, label-free and reliable systematic analysis of Hp biomarker for BM, potentially initiating a positive effect on animals' health and overall economy of the dairy farms. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Luminol-H 2 O 2 -hemoglobin CL system for sensitive detection of haptoglobin. • Over 10-fold CL signal enhancement using catalytically active cross-linked GNPs. • Biosensing results are in agreement with a commercial ELISA kit. • Cost-effective, simple and label-free systematic analysis of haptoglobin in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research communication reports the evaluation of cathelicidin in dairy goat milk for its relationship with the somatic cell count (SCC) and microbial culture results. Considering the limited performances of SCC for mastitis monitoring in goats, there is interest in evaluating alternative diagnostic tools. Cathelicidin is an antimicrobial protein involved in innate immunity of the mammary gland. In this work, half-udder milk was sampled bimonthly from a herd of 37 Alpine goats along an entire lactation and tested with the cathelicidin ELISA together with SCC and bacterial culture. Cathelicidin and SCC showed a strong correlation (r = 0.72; n = 360 milk samples). This was highest in mid-lactation (r = 0.83) and lowest in late lactation (r = 0.61), and was higher in primiparous (0.80, n = 130) than in multiparous goats (0.71, n = 230). Both markers increased with stage of lactation, but cathelicidin increased significantly less than SCC. In addition, peak level in late lactation was lower for cathelicidin (5.05-fold increase) than for SCC (7.64-fold increase). Twenty-one (5.8%) samples were positive to bacteriological culture, 20 for coagulase-negative staphylococci and one for Streptococcus spp.; 18 of them were positive to the cathelicidin ELISA (85.71% sensitivity). Sensitivity of SCC >500 000 and of SCC >1 000 000 cells/ml was lower (71.43 and 23.81%, respectively). Therefore, the high correlation of cathelicidin with SCC during the entire lactation, along with its lower increase in late lactation and good sensitivity in detecting intramammary infection (IMI), indicate a potential for monitoring subclinical mastitis in dairy goats. However, based on this preliminary assessment, specificity should be improved (40.41% for cathelicidin vs. 54.57 and 67.85% for SCC >500 000 and >1 000 000 cells/ml, respectively). Therefore, the application of cathelicidin for detecting goat IMI will require further investigation and optimization, especially concerning the definition of diagnostic thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to assess antibody and cellular immune responses in first-lactation dairy heifers reared under a pasture-based production system and to investigate associations between immune competence and stress responsiveness, health, and productivity. A commercial vaccine was used to induce antibody and cellular immune responses and, based on measured responses, animals were classified as above average, average, and below average for each trait independently and in combination (overall immune competence). Overall immune competence phenotypic rankings were generated by combining standardized residual values for antibody and cellular responses measured in individual heifers. Cortisol responses to handling and yarding were used to assess stress responsiveness, worm egg counts were used to assess internal parasite burden, somatic cell counts to assess udder health and estimates of total daily milk volume, and milk fat and milk protein contents to assess productivity. A total of 393 Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey crossbred heifers from 2 herds practicing seasonal calving in a pasture-fed production system were enrolled in the study. The immune competence phenotypes of individual heifers were assessed before their first mating and their subsequent performance during their first lactation was monitored. Animals with below-average antibody and cellular immune competence had higher serum cortisol concentrations compared with their counterparts following handling, suggesting they had a reduced ability to cope with management-induced stress. Furthermore, a significant negative (favorable) correlation was observed between antibody responses and stress responsiveness. Similarly, correlations between antibody responses and internal parasite burden were significant and negative (favorable). No correlations were observed between overall immune competence and milk yield, milk fat, and milk protein content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca has been reported globally, and its incidence is increasing in dairy herds. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Prototheca and persistence of Prototheca zopfii strains in Korean dairy herds. A total of 187 (7.5%) P. zopfii strains were isolated from 2,508 quarter milk samples collected from 50 dairy farms throughout Korea from 2015 to 2017. Prototheca zopfii was isolated from one farm among the 50 farms over the 3-yr period. The P. zopfii isolates belonged to genotype 2. Overall, Prototheca-positive quarter milk samples showed high somatic cell counts with an average value of log 6.48 ± 6.54 cells/mL. Prototheca zopfii was found to be persistent in an infected farm over a 2-yr period. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence and persistence of protothecal mastitis caused by P. zopfii genotype 2 in a Korean dairy herd. This disease leads to a significant increase in somatic cell counts in milk, which persists for more than 1 yr in the affected cow udder. These results suggest that P. zopfii could pose a serious risk to dairy herds. Thus, strict surveillance for protothecal mastitis is urgently needed and sanitary conditions regarding the environment and milk collection are essential because of the lack of effective treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis can prove expensive in sheep reared for meat production due to costs associated with treatment methods, poor lamb growth and premature culling of ewes. The most commonly used method to detect mastitis, in dairy systems, is somatic cell counts. However, in many meat-producing sheep flocks ewes are not routinely handled, thus regular milk sampling is not always possible. It is, therefore, worthwhile to investigate alternative phenotypes, such as those associated with udder conformation and methods of evaluating somatic cell counts in the milk, such as the California Mastitis Test. The main objectives of this study were therefore: (a) to estimate genetic parameters of traits relating to mastitis and udder conformation in a meat sheep breed; (b) estimate the level of association between somatic cell counts and the California Mastitis Test and (c) assess the relationships between mastitis and both udder conformation and lamb live weights. Data were collected from Texel ewes based on 29 flocks, throughout the UK, during 2015 and 2016. The ewes were scored twice each year, at mid- and late-lactation. Eight different conformation traits, relating to udder and teat characteristics, and milk samples were recorded. The data set comprised of data available for 2957 ewes. The pedigree file used contained sire and dam information for 31 775 individuals. The animal models used fitted relevant fixed and random effects. Heritability estimates for traits relating to mastitis (somatic cell score and the California Mastitis Test), ranged from 0.08 to 0.11 and 0.07 to 0.11, respectively. High genetic correlations were observed between somatic cell score and the California Mastitis Test (0.76 to 0.98), indicating the California Mastitis Test to be worthwhile for assessing infection levels, particularly at mid-lactation. The strongest correlations observed between the mastitis traits and the udder conformation traits were associated with udder depth (0.61 to 0.75) also at mid-lactation. Negative phenotypic correlations were estimated between mastitis and the weight of lamb reared by the ewe (−0.15 to −0.23), suggesting that lamb weights fell as infection levels rose. Genetic correlations were not significantly different from zero. Reducing mastitis will lead to improvements in flock productivity and the health and welfare of the animals. It will also improve the efficiency of production and the resilience to disease challenge. The economic benefits, therefore, of these results combined could be substantial not only in this breed but also in the overall meat sheep industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the quality and composition of colostrum samples obtained from Simmental and Brown Swiss heifers on a Turkish dairy farm in Ödemiş, İzmir. The average volume of colostrum obtained from Simmental and Brown Swiss heifers at the first milking was 3.4 L and 3.8 L, respectively. Average colostrometer (Ig) and Brix values were determined as 105.1 mg/mL and 104.9 mg/mL, 29.97 % and 29.68 % of the samples (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed between colostrums' chemical compositions—including total solids, total protein, solids-not-fat, somatic cell counts (SCC), total bacterial counts (TBC), and energy values of the breeds - except for lactose concentration (P

The impacts of high milk somatic cell count (SCC) on different milk fractions are not well understood. In this study, proteins in milk exosomes, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and whey from cows with low (<10 5 cells/mL, CG) and high SCC (>5 × 10 5 cells/mL, HSG) were identified using a tandem mass tag proteomic approach. In total, 1568, 2160, and 1002 proteins were identified, with 65, 552, and 98 proteins being altered by high SCC in exosomes, MFGM, and whey, respectively. With high SCC, the exosome marker (ACTB) was increased in the exosomes of HSG. The main MFGM proteins (BTN1A1, PLIN3, FABP3, and MFGE8) and functional proteins (MUC1, IGSF5, TLR5, and CD36/14) were decreased, while the lipid/energy metabolism-related proteins were increased in the MFGM of HSG. The glycolysis-related proteins were increased in the whey of HSG. Also, the host defense/inflammation-related proteins were changed in three fractions under high SCCs. MFGM was the most sensitive fraction to a high SCC, followed by whey. These findings provide guidance for the early detection of unhealthy mammary glands.

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Abstract: Buffalo milk represents an indispensable source of nourishment in many parts of the world and it is the second most consumed milk worldwide. Buffalo milk is actually used for the production of many dairy products such as pasteurized or concentrated milk, butter, yogurt, ice‐cream, dehydrated milk products and cheeses. Due to its high nutritional value and the presence of natural bioactive substances, buffalo milk can also provide health benefits to consumers. In Italy, buffalo milk is used mainly for cheese making, mozzarella PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), which is a highly valued dairy product. This 3‐year study, carried out between 2011 and 2013, was aimed at evaluating the quality of bulk Italian Mediterranean buffalo milk by monitoring physico‐chemical parameters, somatic cell and total bacterial counts. A total of 51 samples of bulk milk were collected from one herd throughout the monitored period. Analysis of variance, carried out to test month, season and year main effects, highlighted remarkable seasonal effects for fat, protein and lactose content, as well as for predicted mozzarella cheese yield, and somatic cell counts. The calculation of simple correlations allowed the identification of positive correlations between estimated cheese yield and fat and protein content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]