An intramammary device (IMD) was adapted for use in ewes; this device was made of abraded poly. ethylene material (1.7 mm in diameter, 47 mm long) and formed a 15-mm-diameter loop in the gland cistern. The IMD was inserted in 1 gland in each of 43 ewes. A significant (P < 0.0001) increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC) was observed in glands provided with an IMD. This increase was attributable to an increase in neutrophil numbers and was observed during the first 12 weeks after insertion. The IMD had a protective effect against experimentally induced staphylococcal mastitis (Staphylococcus aureus and S epidermidis), although different milk SCC were required for protection from each bacterial species in most ewes (10(6) and 2 X 10(5) cells/ml, respectively). Histologic studies revealed that the IMD induced local squamous metaplasia in the glandular part of the lactiferous sinus. Erythrocytes were found in milk from glands provided with an IMD throughout the studied period (35 days of the 45-day lactation) and, in some cases, blood clots were observed during the first 2 weeks of lactation. Glands with IMD also had lower milk production and quality at 30 and 32 days of lactation. Eight ewes with IMD were studied throughout a subsequent lactation. Milk from the IMD-containing glands had an increase in SCC, as in the previous lactation period; did not contain blood clots or erythrocytes; and had normal composition (similar to that in glands without the IMD).

Therapeutic and anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Common name - Amla) was evaluated in mastitic cows. The milk Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and ceruloplasmin concentration was significantly (P0.05) higher in mastitic cows prior to treatment. The parameters of mastitic cows treated with P. emblica (group III) and with amoxicillin sulbactum combination (group IV) were compared to that of healthy cows (group I and II). Significant reduction (P0.05) in Somatic Cell Count (SCC) was observed in both the treated groups. The level of ceruloplasmin significantly (P0.05) reduced in group III and IV after treatment. Results of the present experiment indicate reduction of SCC and ceruloplasmin level in the mastitic animals treated with the P.emblica extract. The extract of P. emblica significantly reduced (P0.05) the udder inflammation and helped in lowering the concentration of inflammatory marker ceruloplasmin. Therefore P. emblica extract could be advised for the treatment of bovine mastitis.

Thirty Staphylococcus aureus isolates used in the study obtained from cattle (20) and goat (10) were haemolytic on blood agar. Twenty one of the isolates (14 from cattle, 7 from goats) produced a-haemolysis, 3 produced b-haemolysis (2 from cattle and 1 from goats), and 6 isolates (4 from cattle and 2 from goats) produced both a- and b-haemolysis. The haemolysins tested against erythrocytes from rabbit, cattle and horse in order to demonstrate a-, b- and d-toxins, respectively revealed that a- and b-toxins were produced by all the isolates but b toxin was produced by only 7 isolates from cattle and by 3 from goats. On titration it was recorded that highest titre was recorded for a-toxins (for cattle, 1:2560 and for goat, 1:1280) whereas the highest titres for b and d-toxins was similar (1:160) for cattle as well as goat isolates. The result obtained for qualitative and quantitative haemolysin assays correlated well with the haemolysis pattern seen on the blood agar plates.

A study was carried out in 2161 quarter milk samples of 550 cows in Durg district Chhattisgarh. Out of 550 animals, 385 (70%) animals were found to be positive for sub clinical mastitis (SCM) by Modified White Side Test (MWST), 432 (78.54%) by Modified California Mastitis Test (MCMT) and 462 (84%) by somatic cell count (SCC). The quarter wise prevalence of sub clinical mastitis was 47.99%, 55.25% and 60.90% by MWST, MCMT and SCC respectively. Prevalence of blind teats was 1.77%. prevalence was highest during second and third lactations and at 5 and 6 years of age. Infection rate was higher during early and late stages of lactation. HF and Jersey cross bred cows were more susceptible than indigenous cows. Microorganisms isolated were predominantly Staphylococci. ABST revealed sensitivity to cefotaxime whereas most of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin.

A study was carried out in 2161 quarter milk samples of 550 cows in Durg district Chhattisgarh. Out of 550 animals, 385 (70%) animals were found to be positive for sub clinical mastitis (SCM) by Modified White Side Test (MWST), 432 (78.54%) by Modified California Mastitis Test (MCMT) and 462 (84%) by somatic cell count (SCC). The quarter wise prevalence of sub clinical mastitis was 47.99%, 55.25% and 60.90% by MWST, MCMT and SCC respectively. Prevalence of blind teats was 1.77%. prevalence was highest during second and third lactations and at 5 and 6 years of age. Infection rate was higher during early and late stages of lactation. HF and Jersey cross bred cows were more susceptible than indigenous cows. Microorganisms isolated were predominantly Staphylococci. ABST revealed sensitivity to cefotaxime whereas most of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin.

Pertaining to the scenario at hand milk samples from Holstein x Hariana crossbred cows were investigated for alternation in enzyme activity as influenced by sub clinical mastitis (SCM) and their percent sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios and correlation with (somatic cell count) SCC were calculated. It was found that SCM influence significantly the activity of ALP at pO.OIand LDH at pO.O5in milk. Aspartate amino transferase activity was not influenced by SCM in milk. Moreover, both were found to be correlated with somaticcellcount, significantly.Fromthe likelihoodratios itwas clearthat both alkalinephosphatase (ALP) and LDH can be used for diagnosis of SCM, but, ALP is the safe indicator of SCM in the present study.

Therapeutic and anti-oxidant potential of vitamin E and selenium was evaluated in mastitic cows. The CMT point score and milk somatic cell count (SCC) was significantly (P0.05) higher in mastitic cows prior to treatment. Reduced activity of enzymatic anti-oxidant catalase was observed in mastitic animals. The parameters studied in mastitic cows treated amoxicillin sulbactum (group II) and with amoxicillin sulbactum, vitamin E and selenium (group III) were compared with that of group I healthy cows. Significant reduction (P0.05) in CMT and SCC was observed in both the treated groups. However, reduction in CMT point score and SCC was more pronounced in group III than group II cows. Synergistic action of antibiotic and vitamin E selenium significantly (P0.05) enhanced the activity of catalase in group III mastitic animals on day 8 time period. Therefore, vitamin E and selenium supplementation could be advised in the therapy of mastitis.