Subclinical mastitis in buffaloes in different herd sizes and milking management systems

Influence of herd size and milking management on the udder health status of dairy buffaloes was studied. 749 quarter milk samples were taken from 190 animals distributed in two herd sizes and three milking management systems: calf suckling and hand milking (CH), manual pre-stimulation and hand milking (MH), and manual pre-stimutation and machine milking (MM). The samples were analysed for somatic cells (SCC), California Mastitis Test (CMT), proportion of neutrophils (NEU), and bacterial infection. Among the total quarters 97.5% had no clinical signs of mastitis. Milking management significantly influenced occurrence of mastitis white influence of herd size was weaker. Small CH-herds had Lowest prevalence of mastitis white large MM-herds had highest. Among small herds, the MM- and MH-herds had similar prevalence of mastitis. Prevalence on animal basis was: CMT 37%, SCC 32%, increased NEU 21% and infection 33%, white the corresponding figures on quarter basis were: 15%, 14%, 8% and 12%. Among infected quarters environmental bacteria were predominant with large MM-herds having the highest prevalence. The results indicate that mastitis is mainly due to poor environment. Calf suckling had a positive effect on udder health. Machine milking per se did not appear to negatively influence udder health.