Prevalence, economic impact and risk factors associated with mastitis in dairy animals of Punjab

摘要

Mastitis being an animal welfare as well as food safety problem, caused by multiple etiological agents, is the most devastating disease in terms of economic losses. This paper presents the quantitative assessment of various economic losses due to mastitis, its prevalence, and various risk factors associated with it. The study was conducted across 4 districts of Punjab with sample size of 200 dairy farmers including both cattle and buffaloes. The results indicated that the prevalence of clinical and chronic mastitis in cattle (44.69% and 4.8%, respectively) was higher compared to buffaloes (20.32% and 3.86%, respectively). The average loss per animal (in rupees) due to the occurrence of mastitis was more in cattle ((sic) 15,242.66) than buffaloes ((sic) 12,140.34). Among the various break-up factors contributing to economic losses due to mastitis, cost of replacement of culled animals constituted the largest proportion in both cattle (64.53%) and buffaloes (54.89%), followed by veterinary service which was almost same in both cattle and buffaloes (14.43% and 14.33%, respectively). However, the proportional loss due to drop in milk yield was higher in buffalo (15.70%) compared to cows (10.54%). Various risk factors significantly associated with the occurrence of mastitis includes parity number, peripartum diseases, milking hygiene, type of floor, awareness about mastitis and milking practice followed at the farms. It is concluded that to prevent serious economic hazards of mastitis, the above risk factors should be considered before drafting control measures at farm level.