Assessment of Early Lactation Screening Time Using Microbiological Evaluation of Quarter Milk Samples

摘要

Subclinical mastitis is a common infectious disease that results in significant economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide (Barkema et al. 2009). Early diagnosis and treatment of subclinical mastitis could minimize its economic impact, as well asimprove treatment success. Screening of udder health during early lactation could provide substantial economic benefits by improving animal health, preventing^ clinical mastitis cases, and decreasing milk losses (Dingwell et al. 2003). The optimal timefor screening in early lactation has not been established. In this study, we cultured quarter milk samples from 42 cows sequentially during early and later stages of the first month of lactation and determined the dynamics of quarter infections. The objective was to assess the best time of sampling to monitor early lactation infections.