scholarly journals Total and Differential Cell Counts as a Tool to Identify Intramammary Infections in Cows after Calving

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 727
Author(s):  
Alfonso Zecconi ◽  
Gabriele Meroni ◽  
Valerio Sora ◽  
Roberto Mattina ◽  
Micaela Cipolla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Roc Analysis ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Intramammary Infections ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Dry Cow Therapy ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
First Time ◽  
Major Pathogens

Milk differential somatic cells count (DSCC), made possible under field conditions by the recent availability of a high-throughput milk analyzer may represent an improvement in mastitis diagnosis. While an increasing number of studies reports data on DSCC on individual cow samples, very few concerns DSCC from quarter milk samples. This paper reports for the first time the results of a retrospective study aiming to assess the performance of total (SCC), DSCC, and a novel calculated marker (PLCC) measured on quarter milk samples as a method to identify cows at risk for intramammary infection (IMI) in the first 30 days after calving. Overall, 14,586 valid quarter milk samples (3658 cows) taken in the first 30 days of lactation were considered. Quarters with major pathogens (MP) IMI, as expected, showed significantly higher means for SCC, DSCC, and PLCC. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the diagnosis based on different cut-offs calculated by ROC analysis are relatively close among DSCC, PLCC, and SCC (up to cut-off of 200,000 cells/mL). However, decision-tree analysis which includes the costs of analysis, but also the costs of the actions taken after test results showed as PLCC has the lowest cost among the three markers, and PLCC and SCC are cost effective when MP prevalence is higher than 6–10%. This diagnostic approach is of high interest particularly when selective dry cow therapy is applied to improve animal health at the herd level.

Using dairy herd improvement records and clinical mastitis history to identify subclinical mastitis infections at dry-off

2008 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey H Torres ◽  
Päivi J Rajala-Schultz ◽  
Fred J DeGraves ◽  
Kent H Hoblet
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Herd ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Subclinical Mastitis ◽  
Clinical Mastitis ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Dry Cow Therapy ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
On Farm ◽  
First 90 Days ◽  
Major Pathogens

Interest in selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) has been increasing owing to concerns over development of antimicrobial resistance. Implementation of SDCT, however, requires a quick and cost-effective on-farm method for identifying cows for treatment and cows that can be left without treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of clinical mastitis (CM) history and somatic cell counts (SCC) from monthly Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records in identification of infected and uninfected cows at dry-off. A total of 647 Holstein cows were classified as uninfected or infected at dry-off based on CM history and varying number of monthly SCC records (with three different SCC cut-offs). Cows were considered uninfected based on the following criteria: (1) SCC <100 000 cells/ml and no CM during the lactation; (2) SCC <200 000 cells/ml and no CM during the lactation; (3) as criterion two, but additionally a cow was also considered uninfected if it experienced a case of CM during the first 3 months of the lactation and the SCC was <100 000 cells/ml for the rest of the lactation; (4) SCC <300 000 cells/ml and no CM during the lactation; otherwise they were considered infected. Infected and uninfected cows at dry-off were most efficiently identified using three months' SCC records with a threshold of 200 000 cells/ml for cows without CM during the lactation and a threshold of 100 000 cells/ml during the rest of lactation for cows with CM during the first 90 days in milk. Moreover, this criterion also most efficiently identified cows infected with major pathogens only at dry-off. The success of the criteria used for identifying infected and uninfected cows will, however, depend on herd characteristics, such as prevalence of infection and type of pathogens present in the herd.

scholarly journals Will Fly Repellency Using Deltamethrin Reduce Intramammary Infections, Stress and Fatigue Indicators of Dairy Ewes under Intensive Management?

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
Konstantinos V. Arsenopoulos ◽  
Georgios Sioutas ◽  
Eleutherios Triantafillou ◽  
Athanasios I. Gelasakis ◽  
Elias Papadopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Creatine Kinase ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Subclinical Mastitis ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Intramammary Infections ◽  
Dairy Ewes ◽  
Stressful Environment ◽  
Cell Counts

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.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Dry Cow Therapy Comprising Antibiotic Treatment, Internal Teat Sealant, and α-Tocopherol Against New Intramammary Infections in Cows

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Cengiz ◽  
Ayhan Bastan
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Intramammary Infections ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Dry Cow Therapy ◽  
Group A ◽  
Major Pathogens ◽  
Control Group Group

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effectiveness of dry cow therapy based on antibiotic, internal teat sealant, and α-tocopherol administered separately or in various combinations at drying-off The study was performed on 322 uninfected quarters of 95 cows originating from three dairy herds. The new intramammary infection rates after calving were measured to evaluate the effectiveness. The quarters were divided into six groups differing in treatment, namely: control group (group C, n = 40) and five treatment groups. Treatment groups were arranged as follows: group A (antibiotic alone, n = 81), group AS (antibiotic + sealant, n = 40), group AST (antibiotic + sealant + α-tocopherol, n = 40), group T (α-tocopherol alone, n = 40), group S (sealant alone, n = 81). New infection rate amounted to 47.5% in group C. The treatment in group AST significantly prevented from the occurrence of new intramammary infections (12.5%, P < 0.05), especially those caused by major pathogens. Antibiotic treatment alone (group A) did not prevent from new infections (34.6%, P > 0.05), although the use of the sealant alone (group S) decreased the risk of new infection (24.7%, P < 0.05). A decrease in new infection rate (25%, P < 0.05) was also observed in AS group treated with the combination of the sealant and antibiotic. α -tocopherol supplementation alone (group T) had no overall effect on new infections (35%, P > 0.05). Increased α-tocopherol level (P < 0.05) was detected after calving in the quarters from cows that received α-tocopherol injections. In conclusion, the combination of antibiotic, internal teat sealant, and α-tocopherol used in dry cow therapy showed a significantly better preventive effect against new intramammary infections, than the therapeutics administered separately.

scholarly journals Comparison of systemic and intramammary dry cow treatments

2013 ◽  
pp. 3259-3264 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Andres Contreras B ◽  
Walter M. Guterbock ◽  
Juan Muñoz R ◽  
Phillip M. Sears
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Herd ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Intramammary Infections ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Dairy Herd Improvement Association

ABSTRACTObjective. To compare four different dry cow treatments (DCT) and establish their effectiveness in reducing intramammary infections (IIM). Materials and methods. DCTs included systemic tylosin (12g) alone or accompanied by cefapirine intramammary infusions and or an internal teat sealant. A total number of 278 cows at the end of lactation period were randomly assigned to one of 4 dry cow treatment groups: CESE Group (n=89), intramammary cephapirin and teat sealant. TYCESE Group (n=84), intramammary cephapirin, tylosin 12 g intramuscular and teat sealant. TYSE Group (n=86), 12 g intramuscular tylosin and teat sealant; TY Group (n=76) 12 g intramuscular tylosin only. Milk samples for culture were collected at dry-off and 1 and 2 weeks after calving. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were taken from Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHI) tests at dry-off, and the first two test days after calving. Results. Bacteria cure rate for Gram-positive intramammary infections (IMI) for TYCESE group was 93.6%, CESE group 78.9%, TYSE group 88.2%, and TY group 78.1%. All four groups showed a decrease in the SCC upon the first and second test after calving. Conclusions. The use of systemic tylosin in combination with intramammary antibiotics increased DCT effectiveness improving the Gram-positive cure rate IMI. Furthermore, systemic tylosin alone plus teat sealant is as effective as cephapirin plus teat sealant when used as DCT.

Prevalence of intramammary infections by major pathogens at parturition in dairy cows after intramuscular antibiotic therapy at drying-off: a preliminary report

2003 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Tarabla ◽  
Vilma Canavesio
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Therapy ◽  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Subclinical Mastitis ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Staph Aureus ◽  
Intramammary Infections ◽  
Dry Cow Therapy ◽  
Cure Rates ◽  
Major Pathogens

In dry cow therapy (DCT), antibiotics are usually injected direct into the mammary gland after the last milking of the lactation. Most products are designed to eliminate existing intramammary infections (IMI) caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae and to prevent the establishment of new IMI caused by major pathogens during the early non-lactating period (Nickerson et al. 1999). Systemic therapy has been attempted as a way of improving the cure rates of intramammary treatments of clinical and subclinical mastitis during lactation (Ziv, 1980a; Calvinho et al. 1988; Owens et al. 1988). For systemic therapy to be useful, effective passage of the drug from blood to the foci of infection must be achieved. Maintaining an effective antibacterial concentration in the udder depends on the physicochemical properties of the drug, the dose, the bioavailability of the injected formulation, and the sensitivity of the pathogen (Ziv et al. 1980a, b). The theoretical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic basis for systemic DCT has been reported (Soback, 1988). When used in an attempt to improve cure rates of IMI, subcutaneous injection of tilmicosin at drying-off was ineffective against Staph. aureus IMI (Nickerson et al. 1999) and intramuscular (i.m.) oxytetracycline, in combination with intramammary cephapirin dry-cow treatment did not improve the cure rate for Staph. aureus mastitis (Soback et al. 1990a; Erskine et al. 1994). Nevertheless, i.m. tylosin treatment 2 weeks before the expected day of calving decreased IMI after calving (Zecconi et al. 1999) and subcutaneous norfloxacin nicotinate applied at the cessation of milking proved useful in controlling Staph. aureus infections (Soback et al. 1990a). Moreover, the incidence of this pathogen after systemic DCT may be significantly lower compared with untreated control groups (Soback et al. 1990a, b).

Analysis of somatic cell volume distribution as an aid to the diagnosis of mastitis

1980 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roderic J. T. Hoare ◽  
Richard F. Sheldrake ◽  
Paul J. Nicholls ◽  
Gavin D. McGregor ◽  
Victoria E. Woodhouse
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Volume ◽  
Volume Distribution ◽  
Minimal Cost ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Counter Model ◽  
Major Pathogens

SummaryElectronic somatic cell counts (ESCC) and relative cell volume distributions (RCVD) in milk samples were obtained simultaneously on a Coulter Counter Model TA and their potential assessed, either singly or in combination, for identifying mastitic quarters and cows in 2 herds. Using log (ESCC) alone the probability Pm of misclassifying quarters infected with major pathogens was 6–7 % for herd 1 and 18–1% for herd 2. The inclusion of RCVD variables with log (ESCC) did not substantially improve the chance of detecting quarters infected with major pathogens. However, the RCVD variables did improve the chance of identifying quarters infected by major and minor pathogens compared to the use of log (ESCC) alone, the Pm figures being reduced by about one third.When testing composite quarter samples, where milk from infected quarters was diluted with that from uninfected quarters, the inclusion of RCVD variables decreased the Pm compared to the use of log (ESCC) alone. In herd 1 the improvement was from 26–1 to 3·0 %, while in herd 2 the effect was less marked, the Pm being reduced from 28–6 to 21–6%. However, as the RCVD assessment is provided simultaneously with ESCC, the additional information is obtained at minimal cost.

Somatic cell counts in relation to infection status of the goat udder

1992 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Despina Kalogridou-Vassiliadou ◽  
Konstantinos Manolkidis ◽  
Afrodite Tsigoida
Keyword(s):  
Test Scores ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Goat Milk ◽  
Intramammary Infection ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
California Mastitis Test ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Major Pathogens

SummaryBacteriological analyses, cell counts using the Fossomatic method and California Mastitis Test were performed on 1523 goat milk samples taken aseptically at monthly intervals throughout lactation from three goat herds. Of the goat udders, 81·4% were infected, minor pathogens being the most frequent isolates (65·7%). Differences in the level of infection by minor pathogens were found betwccn herds. Cell counts were influenced by stage of lactation and intramammary infection. Cell counts < 106 cells/ml were found in 80% of milk samples infected by major pathogens and in 45% infected by minor pathogens. About 81% of udders infected with major pathogens gave California Mastitis Test scores of 2 and 3, compared with 20% for uninfected goats. A high proportion (65%) of udders infected with minor pathogens also produced scores of 2 and 3. A significant positive correlation was found between the California Mastitis Test and cell counts. The use of cell counts for the detection of abnormal goat milk is discussed.

scholarly journals Evaluation and cluster analysis of inflammatory reactions of dairy cattle mastitis pathogens in milk samples submitted for microbiological examination

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. e0505
Author(s):  
Jose M. Diaz-Cao ◽  
María L. Barreal ◽  
Belén Pombo ◽  
Alberto Prieto ◽  
José M. Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Clinical Mastitis ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Group I ◽  
Major Pathogens ◽  
Mastitis Pathogens

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.

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