A NEW HORIZON IN THE PATHOBIOLOGY, AETIOLOGY AND NOVEL TREATMENT OF MASTITIS IN BUFFALO

Twenty-one dairy buffaloes suffering from clinical mastitis were the subject of this investigation. The effected quarters of the animals were clinically examined. The appearanceand consistency of their milkand pH, were ascertained and recorded at the sampling site. The pH ranged from 7.00-8.50 (average 7.49). The citrate content of the milk ranged from 24.00-47.50 (average 33.71) mg /100ml. Milk from affected quarters of six buffaloes was cultured; this yielded Staphylococci from four quarters, Streptococci from one, Escherichia coli from two, Bacilli and Klebsiella from one each. On the basis of the lowered citrate content of milk in the affected quarters, the animals were treated with 12 gm or 30 gm of trisodium citrate in 250 ml of water orally once daily till recovery. With 12 gm doses daily, the recovery period was 7-13 days. However, with 30 gm daily, the recovery period was cut-short to 3-5 days. The pH (similar to 6.50) and citrate content of milk (118.30 mg/100 ml) returned to almost normal levels after treatment with trisodium citrate. The bacterial colonies also reduced significantly after the treatment. The constituents of milk, e.g., total protein, fat and lactose, increased significantly after the treatment. The results of our investigation vis-a-vis with other workers have been discussed in detail. It has been proposed logically and conceptually that the initial lesion in the udder is inflicted by the disturbed buffer system of the udder, i.e., lower levels of citrate and free Ca2++ are responsible for this injury in the udder and alkaline pH due to seepage of bicarbonate from blood into the udder providing most conducive conditions for the establishment of environmental non-contagious pathogens. Further, the treatment with trisodium citrate proved safe, economical, very effective, with no discarding of milk, no withdrawal periods and moreover no hazard from residuals in milk and meat.