03.04.2025

Mastitis in Dairy Cattle: Main Causes and Prevention

What is Mastitis and Why is it a Serious Issue in Dairy Farming?

Mastitis is inflammation of the udder in cows, caused by bacterial infection or mechanical damage. This disease reduces milk yield, lowers milk quality, and significantly increases farm expenses. In its subclinical form, mastitis can spread unnoticed for a long time and even cause atrophy of the udder tissue.

📌 Main Symptoms of Mastitis

• Hardening, redness, or swelling of the udder

• Change in milk color or thickening

• Reduction in milk quantity and quality

• Increased body temperature

• General decline in cow’s health

• Subclinical mastitis may not show visible symptoms.

📌 What Causes Mastitis?

• Poor hygiene: A contaminated environment or milking equipment are common causes.

• Injuries: Improper milking technique or udder trauma increases risk.

• Bacterial infections: Pathogens like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E. coli enter through the teat canal.

• Dry period mismanagement: Without proper care, this period can become a source of infection.

📌 Damage Mastitis Causes on the Farm

• Decreased milk quality (fat, proteins, calcium)

• Reduced productivity

• Subclinical form may cause long-term damage

• Health risk to newborn calves and consumers

Mastitis Prevention and Proper Farm Management

Prevention is possible by maintaining proper hygiene standards and regularly monitoring animal health. Effective prevention not only reduces infection risk but protects milk quality and the farm’s economic performance.

📌 Why is Prevention Important?

• High-yield cows are more vulnerable

• Treatment is expensive; prevention is cost-saving

• Infected milk is dangerous for consumers and unfit for production

📌 Mastitis Prevention Tips

1. Udder hygiene before and after milking

• Use Musticine Cleaning Foam before milking – eliminates bacteria and prevents irritation.

• Use Musticine Herbal Film after milking – plant-based spray that restores the skin and protects against infection.

2. Proper udder care

• Apply moisturizing gels like Glycogel or Evo Gel to keep the skin soft and healthy.

3. Clean milking equipment

• Regularly disinfect equipment with solutions like Disinfex

• Milk infected cows separately or last in line

4. Diagnosis and Early Detection

• Subclinical mastitis requires regular testing.

• Use Kerba Test or electronic mastitis detector to catch the disease early.

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📌 Why Choose Roqi for Mastitis Prevention?

• Wide selection – Full range of udder care, disinfectants, diagnostics, and preventive solutions

• Free consultation – Roqi’s vets help you choose the right products for your needs

• Affordable quality – High-performance products at farmer-friendly prices

• Available across Georgia – Visit Roqi branches, partner vet pharmacies, or order online: www.agricula.ge

📲 Call for consultation: 597 70 45 88 📩 Email: info@agro.ge