Risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in dairy cows on Swiss organic and conventional production system farms
2007
Doherr, M.G.,University of Bern (Switzerland). Dept. Clinical Veterinary Medicine | Roesch, M.,University of Bern (Switzerland). Inst. of Animal Genetics | Schaeren, W.,Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux, Liebefeld-Bern (Switzerland). Research Station for Animal Production and Dairy Products | Schallibaum, M.,Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux, Liebefeld-Bern (Switzerland). Research Station for Animal Production and Dairy Products | Blum, J.W.,University of Bern (Switzerland). Inst. of Animal Genetics
In 60 organic (OP) and 60 conventional (CP) farms, 970 cows were used to study risk factors for subclinical mastitis (SM) at 31 days postpartum. Cows showing a positive California Mastitis Test in at least one quarter, but without clinical symptoms, were classified SM-positive. In OP farms, increased (P less than 0.05) odds ratios (OR) for SM were found for other than Simmental and Simmental x Red Holstein breeds, for increasing number (more than 27) of cattle on the farm, for the use of mineral feed supplements, for irregular milking intervals (less than 12 and more than 12 h/day), and for milk urea concentrations of 210.1-270 mg/dL, whereas decreased OR for SM were recorded for cows kept in barns on beddings other than on rubber mats or concrete, for farms with rinsing water temperatures of milking systems between 54.75 and 60 deg C, for milk lactose higher than 50.5 g/L, and for blood albumin levels of more than 38.5 g/L. In CP farms, increased (P less than 0.05) OR for SM were found for other than Simmental x Red Holstein and Simmental breeds, for a bedding area width higher than 117 cm, and for antibiotic mastitis treatment since the last dry period, whereas reduced (P less than 0.05) OR for SM were found for farms with a moderate hygiene status and for routine application of antibiotics during the dry period. Observed differences between OP and CP were assumed to be partially related to system-specific management, such as antibiotic dry cow therapy, nutrition and milking routine.
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