Normal somatic cell count and subclinical mastitis in Murrah buffaloes

This study was conducted to investigate the normal somatic cell count (SCC) and to define subclinical mastitis in Murrah buffaloes. Data were collected from 60 clinically normal buffaloes stationed at five farms of Chitwan Nepal and Buffalo Research Center, Hissar, India. Somatic cell count was measured using the Newman-Lampert staining technique. The upper limit of SCC was determined >or=200 000/ml of milk based on the mean +/- 2SD of a total SCC. Abnormal data of the SCC was repeatedly removed, which lie beyond the values of more than mean + 2SD until all the data come to lie within (mean + 2SD). Averages of SCC of right front and right hind quarters were significantly higher than left front and left hind quarters. Nearly 94% of California mastitis test (CMT) negative quarters were having somatic cells >or=200 000/ml. The mean SCC of CMT positive quarter was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than CMT negative quarters. Subclinical mastitis was diagnosed on the basis of samples with SCCs >or=200 000/ml with positive bacterial cultures. Subclinical mastitis was found in 21.7% buffaloes and 8% of the quarter foremilk samples. Neutrophil counts were significantly higher in subclinical mastitis milk.     

The detection of subclinical mastitis in the bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) by somatic cell count and California mastitis test

Milk samples (n=160) from 7 clinically healthy bactrian camels were cultured to detect subclinical udder infection. The samples were assessed by the Californian mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC). Bacteria were recovered from 36 (22.5%) of the milk samples. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the main organisms found.Infected quarters had significantly higher mean values for the SCC (p<0.01) and CMT (p<0.001) than non-infected quarters. All 7 camels were infected with CNS but only 4 with S. aureus. CMT values for S. aureus-infected camels were significantly higher than for those only infected with CNS. The values for SCC and CMT were significantly influenced by the stage of lactation (p<0.05). No significant difference was found from the effect of the quarters. Both SCC and CMT were of value in predicting the infection status of the udder.Abbreviations CMT California mastitis test - SCC somatic cell count - CNS coagulase-negative staphylococci     

Acute coliform mastitis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): Clinical findings and treatment outcomes

This report was delineated to study the clinical, bacteriological and therapeutic aspects concerned with acute coliform mastitis in buffaloes. Bacteriological examination of 80 quarter milk samples obtained aseptically from 56 buffaloes with acute mastitis revealed that coliform bacteria was the most common pathogen (45 cases) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (seven cases) then Streptococcus uberis (three cases), and Streptococcus agalactiae (one case). Clinically, hotness, swelling and painful reaction with serous excretion containing clots was recorded in buffaloes with coliform mastitis. The efficacy of ceftiofur was evaluated in the treatment of buffaloes with acute coliform mastitis. Parenteral ceftiofur neither improved clinical signs nor returned milk to pre-infection production level, whereas intramammary ceftiofur and combination of intramammary with parenteral ceftiofur improved the clinical signs in 10/15 and 12/15 buffaloes, respectively. On quarter level, 3/17, 12/17 and 15/21 quarters recovered in groups received parenteral, intramammary and combination therapy, respectively. This study demonstrates that systemic ceftofur is not effective in the treatment of clinical coliform mastitis in buffaloes.     

Udder health and risk factors for subclinical mastitis in organic dairy farms in Switzerland

A study was performed in 1997 to estimate the prevalence and to investigate the etiology of subclinical mastitis in Swiss dairy herds managed under guidelines of controlled organic farming. It was planned as a longitudinal study over a period of 1 year and included a stratified random sample of 152 certified organic farms and 1907 cows. Two farm visits (the first from June to October when cows were on pasture, the second from January to March when cows were confined to barns) were performed on each farm. At each visit, farm management and individual-cow data (with emphasis on milking procedures and udder sanitation) were recorded. California mastitis tests (CMTs) were performed on each udder quarter of all cows in lactation. Milk samples with CMT >1+ were submitted for somatic cell counting (SCC), bacteriological examination and to test for antibiotic susceptibility. The SCC and germ-cell counts of monthly bulk-tank milk samples were available through Dairy Inspection and Advisory Services and milk production data of 567 herd-book cows were available from breeding associations. Possible individual and environmental predictors of subclinical mastitis were identified using logistic models adjusted for clustering of the data at herd and cow levels. Data were analyzed separately for cows from 7 to 100 and from 101 to 305 days post partum. Prevalences of subclinical mastitis at the quarter level were 21.2% for lactation period 7–100 days and 34.5% for 101–305 days post partum. The geometric mean SCC in bulk-tank milk samples was 85.6×10³ cells/ml. Samples at 7–100 and 101–305 days post partum were positive for Staphylococcus aureus in 16.0 and 7.4%, for coagulase-negative Staphylococci in 51.5 and 50.6%, for Streptococcus agalactiae in 0.0 and 0.8%, for other Streptococci in 19.4 and 15.6%, for E. coli in 1.0 and 0.4%, and for Corynebacterium bovis in 25.7 and 45.1%, respectively. Risks of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with increasing days post partum and advancing age of cow. Cows that were sampled when staying in alpine dairies had considerably higher risks of subclinical mastitis than cows staying in home barns. Significantly lower risks of subclinical mastitis were observed in farms where CMT was performed regularly as a control measure. Bacteria in milk from cows with mastitis exhibited antibiotic resistance at a comparable frequency as found previously in conventional farms.     

Epidemiological and bacteriological survey of buffalo mastitis in Nepal

A total of 355 Murrah cross buffaloes, consisting of 23 subclinical and 332 clinical mastitis cases brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal from 2002 to 2005, were analyzed to determine the organisms involved, the seasonal occurrence of mastitis, and antibiotic susceptibility of mastitis pathogens. Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) such as Staphylococcus albus and S. epidermidis were the predominant organisms associated with subclinical cases, and CNS and Coliforms in clinical cases. The maximum number (16%) of clinical cases of mastitis were observed in the month of July, when temperature and humidity are highest. The incidence of clinical mastitis was higher in animals during 1st calving and during the 1st month of parturition. Resistance to antibiotics was determined for 55, 23 and 149 isolates of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Coliforms, respectively. In vitro drug sensitivity testing revealed that enrofloxacin had the highest average sensitivity (91%) for all types of bacteria. The effectiveness of other drugs detected were gentamicin (87%), tetracycline (83%) and chloramphenicol (82%). The antibiogram showed that both gentamicin and enrofloxacin are slowly becoming resistant. Mastitis pathogens have developed resistance to ampicillin and penicillin.     

Evaluation of a 3% surf solution (surf field mastitis test) for the diagnosis of subclinical bovine and bubaline mastitis

Purpose  

To evaluate a 3% solution of household detergent viz., Surf Excel (Surf field mastitis test, SFMT) vis-à-vis California mastitis test (CMT), Whiteside test (WST), somatic cell counts (SCC; cut off limit = 5 × 10⁵ cells per millilitre) and bacteriological cultures for the detection of subclinical mastitis in quarter foremilk samples (n = 800) of dairy cows and buffaloes.     

Subclinical mastitis in ewes and its effect on lamb performance.

Two studies were conducted to 1) assess the effectiveness of the California mastitis test (CMT) relative to direct microscopic somatic cell count (DMSCC) and(or) somatic cell count (SCC) procedures for detecting subclinical mastitis in ewes, 2) determine the incidence of subclinical mastitis based on repeated or single sample measures and organisms associated with the inflammation, and 3) assess the relationship between milk quality measures and lamb performance. The relationship between DMSCC and SCC scores was significant (P less than .01); 90% of the variation in DMSCC scores was accounted for by SCC scores. In contrast, CMT scores accounted for only 26% of the variation in DMSCC and 30 to 34% of the variation in SCC scores. Incidence of inflammation varied from 17 to 50% of ewes tested, depending on the study and the method of assessment. Staphylococcus species were cultured from 14/41 samples tested, with cultures of Streptococcus species (3/41) and Micrococcus species (1/41) also present. The effect of subclinical mastitis in ewes on lamb performance was minimal when assessed by regressing lamb weights on subclinical mastitis and milk quality scores. In conclusion, growth performance of lambs in a management system where they had access to supplemental feed was not influenced by the quality of milk produced by ewes, or by the degree of subclinical mastitic inflammation present when they suckled.     

Subclinical mastitis causes alterations in nitric oxide, total oxidant and antioxidant capacity in cow milk

The aim of this study was to investigate total antioxidant (TAC), and oxidant capacity (TOC) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Brown Swiss and Holstein breed cows were screened with California Mastitis Test (CMT) to determine mammary glands with subclinical mastitis. Moreover, somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined electronically in all milk samples. Mammary quarters were classified as healthy (n = 25) or subclinical mastitis (n = 35) based on CMT scores and somatic cell count (SCC: ?200,000/ml or >200,000/ml) in milk. Nitric oxide, TOC and SCC levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001, p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively) in milk from mammary quarters with subclinical mastitis compared to those from healthy mammary quarters. In conclusion, subclinical mastitis results in higher NO concentrations, TOC and SCC, and NO and TOC were positively correlated with SCC. Moreover, alterations in NO levels and TOC in milk could be used as an alternative diagnostic tool to screen for subclinical mastitis.     

Dynamics of Staphylococcus aureus infections during vaccination with an autogenous bacterin in dairy cattle

The effect of an autogenous vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus on S. aureus prevalence and mastitis, as well as on somatic cell count (SCC), was studied in a dairy herd with a high prevalence of S. aureus. The vaccination group (n = 35; 22 cows and 13 heifers) and the control group (n = 36; 23 cows and 13 heifers) received the vaccine or a placebo, respectively, according to the following protocol: all animals: basic immunization (twice, 3 weeks apart); cows: booster dose at the time of drying off, 5 and 2 weeks before calculated calving date; heifers: booster dose 2 and 5 weeks before calculated calving date. The vaccine or the placebo was administered subcutaneously in the area of the supramammary lymph nodes. Quarter milk samples were collected monthly and subjected to SCC and bacteriological evaluation. At this time, the animals were also checked for signs of clinical mastitis. Non-clinical S. aureus mastitis diagnoses were based on udder quarter SCC and a positive S. aureus culture. In order to compare the SCC in individual whole milk samples, records from the monthly milk quality testing were evaluated. Cow and udder quarter prevalence of S. aureus intramammary infections calculated for the experimental animals and quarters, respectively, did not differ between groups. However, during the lactation period following the boostcr dose, the prevalence of S. aureus increased in both groups (P < 0.05). The cumulative incidence of various mastitis diagnoses (clinical, subclinical, latent infection) due to S. aureus on an animal basis did not differ between groups. On an udder quarter basis, the cumulative incidence of subclinical mastitis was higher in vaccinated animals than in control animals (33.8 versus 26.0%; P < 0.05). This was mainly due to a higher cumulative incidence of subclinical mastitis in vaccinated than control heifers. The SCC in composite milk samples did not differ between groups, but increased as lactation progressed. The herd prevalence of S. aureus differed considerably throughout the study period, but declined consistently to below 10% at the end of the study period. Recent herd checks revealed a prevalence of S aureus infections of < 5%. It is concluded that the autogenous bacterin tested in this study did not have the desired effect on the prevalence of S. aureus infections and mastitis or SCC. The decline in S. aureus prevalence was very probably due to other factors than specific immunization against S. aureus.     

Evaluation of the on-line electrical conductivity of milk in mastitic dairy cows

Mastitis is a persistent, inflammatory reaction of the udder tissue, which entails a decline in potassium, and is also responsible for a higher somatic cell count (SCC) and electrical conductivity (EC) of milk. The measurement of EC is an indirect, rapid method to detect subclinical mastitis from milk. The aim of this study was to analyse the EC of milk throughout the lactation, around the day of mastitis detection, and also to estimate its heritability based on data from a large-scale dairy farm. Shortly after calving the EC value generally decreases; however, it was discovered that from the thirteenth week onwards, substantial differences arise between the mastitic and healthy groups of cows. The authors observed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in EC before the detection of clinical mastitis. This higher value (around 11 mS) persisted for 4 days, then it gradually returned to the normal level. The EC of milk from daughters sired by different bulls responded differently in case of mastitis. The heritability of EC seems to be high (h2 = 0.56). Therefore, the EC trait can be a beneficial indicator in detecting mastitis and should be considered in sire selection.     

Clinical findings related to intramammary infections in meat-producing ewes

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical findings and bacterial isolation in milk samples of meat-producing ewes. The study was conducted in 17 commercial flocks and 550 udder halves from suckling Santa Ines ewes. Initially, the clinical examination of the mammary glands and teats was performed by visual inspection and palpation of the teats and udder halves; then a scoring system was devised for all the findings. After that, the strip cup test and the California mastitis test (CMT) were performed. Then, milk samples for somatic cell counts (SCCs) and bacteriological analyses were collected. Staphylococci bacteria were the main etiological agent isolated in the present study. Upon investigation of the correlations between bacterial isolation and the clinical findings, only the presence of teat injury, pendulous udder, and alterations in the palpation of the teat were associated with bacterial isolation. A significant correlation between bacteriologically positive milk samples and CMT and SCC was also found. Thus, some clinical findings appeared as a risk factor for bacteriologically positive milk samples and can be used as a tool in mastitis control programs. However, a complete and extensive diagnosis, an appropriate therapy, and an efficient mastitis control program will require the combination of clinical examination, microbiological tests, and SCC.     

Distribution of bacteria and seasonal and regional effects in a new database for mastitis pathogens in Finland

Abstract

A database containing pathogen-specific information on mastitis has been established in Finland. The data consist of the results from routine milk samples collected from clinical and subclinical mastitis and submitted to laboratories all over the country. In the database, bacteriological information has been recorded on an individual cow basis. A total of 77,051 pathogen records submitted to the database from 1 January 2004 to 1 January 2006 were retrieved for this preliminary report of pathogen distribution. Staphylococcus aureus (18.26% and 17.73%) and coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) (17.57% and 23.51%) were the most frequently isolated pathogens from the milk samples. Seasonal and regional differences in pathogen distribution were also found. The pathogen information is primarily used for targeting the antimicrobial treatment of the cow, but also for designing specific mastitis control strategies for the herds. Pathogen data can also be useful for national mastitis control programmes and breeding programmes of dairy cattle for the selection of more resistant animals.     

Serum amyloid A isoforms in serum and milk from cows with Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis

Serum amyloid A proteins (SAA) are very sensitive acute phase proteins, displaying multiple isoforms in plasma and different body fluids. They are currently under investigation as biomarkers of diseases. The aim of the present study was to compare the concentration and isoform expression of SAA in serum and milk of cows with bacteriologically negative milk (control group) and naturally occurring Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) subclinical mastitis (subclinical mastitis group). Somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteriological analyses were performed to establish the control and subclinical mastitis group. SAA concentration was evaluated using a commercial ELISA kit, while expression of different isoforms (serum A-SAA and milk M-SAA3 isoforms) was visualized by denaturing isoelectrical focusing and immunoblotting. The SAA concentrations in sera and milk of cows in the subclinical mastitis group were three and 100 times higher than in those from the control group of cows, respectively. Cows in the subclinical mastitis group had more acidic SAA isoforms in serum with the most prominent one at pI 5.5. This isoform was not detected in sera from the control group. Milk samples in the subclinical mastitis group contained abundant highly alkaline M-SAA3 isoforms and most of the serum isoforms, except for that at pI 5.5. In the subclinical mastitis group SAA isoforms with equivalent pI as serum isoforms accounted for 20% of the total SAA concentration in milk. There were significant differences in the concentrations and isoform patterns of SAA in serum and milk between the control and subclinical mastitis groups of cows. Also, we demonstrated that serum SAA isoforms were not transferred to milk proportion to their plasma content.     

The potential of measuring serum amyloid A in individual ewe milk and in farm bulk milk for monitoring udder health on sheep dairy farms

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of measuring serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in milk of individual ewes and in farm bulk milk for monitoring udder health. Udder health was calculated by examining a randomly selected group of seven flocks at each farm visit by means of California mastitis test and bacteriological examination of 5749 milk samples. SAA was determined additionally in 267 randomly selected milk samples from six flocks. Thirty-one bulk milk samples from these farms were tested for SCC and SAA levels. Subclinical infections were detected in 29.5% of samples whereas no clinical infections were observed. Intramammary infected udder halves showed significantly elevated SAA concentrations (121.3+/-25.3 microg/ml) in milk compared to the levels of healthy udder halves (8.0+/-1.9 microg/ml; p<0.001). SAA was significantly elevated in sheep with elevated CMT scores and positive bacteriological results. Bulk milk SAA levels ranged from 18.6+/-6.7 to 37.4+/-14.1 microg/ml and showed a positive correlation with bSCC (r=0.38, p=0.018) but not with percent infected glands (r=0.022, p=0.453). This study demonstrated that SAA levels in milk can be used to detect subclinical mastitis in individual ewes whereas further investigations are needed to determine the value of measuring SAA in bulk milk for monitoring flock udder health.     

奶牛隐性乳腺炎病原菌的分离鉴定和体细胞数及酶的相关性研究

对330个乳样分别用加州乳腺炎检验(California Mastitis Test,CMT),体细胞计数(Somatic Cell Count,SCC)和细菌的分离培养(Isolation of bacteria)法进行隐性乳腺炎的检测,结果表明3种方法检测的结果差异不显著(P>0.05);对检测患有隐性乳腺炎的241乳区进行了细菌的分离培养,结果表明引起隐性乳腺炎的最主要致病菌为金黄色葡萄球菌、凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌、链球菌、酵母菌、假单胞菌和棒状杆菌、其它细菌的检出率差异根显著(P<0.05)。对分离出优势细菌的部分乳样进行了SCC与LDH,NAGase,ALP和ACP几种酶的测定和相关性分析,结果表明:LDH与SCC有显著的相关性(r=0.7936),并且LDH与NA-Gase,ALP,ACP都有明显的相关性;NAGase与ACP,LDH有明显的相关性,但与ALP没有相关性;ALP只与ACP和LDH有显著的相关性外,与SCC,NAGase没有相关性;ACP与SCC,LDH,NAGase,ALP都有极显著的相关性。     

Amelioration of altered oxidant/antioxidant balance of Indian water buffaloes with subclinical mastitis by vitamins A, D3, E, and H supplementation

The effect of vitamins A, D₃, E, and H supplementation on oxidative stress indices in Indian water buffaloes suffering from subclinical mastitis was investigated. Changes in the total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in milk were evaluated before and after the supplementation of vitamins A, D₃, E, and H. The buffaloes suffering from subclinical mastitis revealed remarkable alterations in the milk oxidants/antioxidants balance shifted towards oxidative status. The buffaloes with subclinical mastitis revealed significantly (P?≤?0.01) higher TOC, NO contents, and CAT activity, while TAC content and GSH-Px activity were significantly (P?≤?0.01) lower in comparison with the healthy controls. However, SOD activity did not show any significant change. Supplementation of vitamins A, D₃, E, and H to these animals revealed significant (P?≤?0.01) reduction in TOC, NO, and CAT, while a significant (P?≤?0.01) increase in TAC and GSH-Px activity was also evident. From the present study, it may be concluded that supplementation of these vitamins can help ameliorate the altered milk oxidants/antioxidants balance towards normalcy and, thus, ensue recovery from subclinical mastitis in the Indian water buffaloes.     

Suitability of lactate dehydrogenase activity and somatic cell counts of milk for detection of subclinical mastitis in Merino ewes (short communication).

The relationship between somatic cell counts (SCC) and LDH activity in milk was examined in Turkey to find out the suitability of these variables for early detection of subclinical mastitis in Merino ewes. A significant positive correlation was found between LDH activity and SCC in ewes' milk. LDH activity in milk samples appeared to be a sensitive and specific indicator of subclinical mastitis in ewes: it was significantly higher in milk from inflamed (mastitic) udders than in normal milk.     

Intramammary treatment of clinical mastitis of dairy cows with a combination of lincomycin and neomycin, or penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin

AIM: To compare clinical and bacteriological cure rates of clinical mastitis following treatment with intramammary preparations containing either lincomycin and neomycin or penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin. METHODS: Cases of clinical mastitis were sourced from four seasonal-calving dairy herds in the central Waikato region of New Zealand during the first 120 days of lactation. Affected quarters were infused three times at 12 h intervals with either 333 mg lincomycin plus 100 mg neomycin (lin/neo; 197 glands),or 1,000 mg penicillin plus 500 mg dihydrostreptomycin (pen/DHS; 207 glands). Milk samples were collected for bacteriology from each quarter immediately before and approximately 21 days after initiation of treatment. Additionally, a composite milk sample from each cow was collected, on average, 54 days after enrolment for assessment of milk yield, composition and somatic cell count (SCC). The probability of bacterial cure was initially analysed using Chi-squared analysis, and factors that were associated (p<0.2) were offered to a reverse stepwise logistic regression model. Continuous variables (e.g. milk solids production and log10 SCC) were analysed using general linear models. RESULTS: A total of 404 quarters diagnosed with clinical mastitis, from 282 cows in the first 120 days of lactation, were included. Streptococcus uberis, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from 56.5%, 18.8% and 10.0% of the bacteriologically positive quarters. There was no difference in the bacteriological cure rate (76.7% vs 76.7%, OR=0.94; p>0.8), the log10 SCC (2.1, SE 0.1, vs 2.0, SE 0.1; p>0.3) or milk production (1.2, SE 0.1, vs 1.2, SE 0.1, kg milksolids/cow/day; p>0.7) between lin/neo vs pen/DHS treatments, respectively. However, the proportion of cows re-treated following initial treatment was higher for the lin/neo compared to pen/DHS-treated group (16.3% vs 5.2%, OR=3.46; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No difference in bacteriological cure rate, milk production or SCC was evident between lin/neo and pen/DHS intramammary treatments for clinical mastitis in dairy cows during the first 120 days of lactation. KEYWORDS: Dairy cow, mastitis, intramammary, antibiotic, treatment, somatic cell count.     

乳房淋巴结内注射胸腺五肽治疗奶牛隐性乳房炎的研究

将患隐性乳房炎的奶牛30头随机分为5组,3个试验组奶牛分别在乳房淋巴结内注入低、中、高剂量的胸腺五肽（TP-5）;阳性药物对照组奶牛在乳房内灌注＂乳炎＂（主要含林可霉素和新霉素）;空白对照组,不作任何处理。治疗前和治疗后1、2、3周采集奶样进行细菌学检查和体细胞计数（SCC）。停药后4d之内每天采样进行牛奶抗生素残留检测。结果表明,和空白对照组比较,经药物治疗后各组感染乳区有不同程度减少,牛奶SCC减少的幅度依次为阳性药物对照组〉TP-5高剂量组〉TP-5中剂量组〉TP-5低剂量组。＂乳炎＂治疗组在停药后3d之内可以在牛奶中检测到抗生素残留,而TP-5则没有。因此,TP-5对奶牛隐性乳房炎具有治疗作用,并且不会在牛奶中造成有害的残留。     

Impact of Mastitis Control Measures on Milk Production and Mastitis Indicators in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Kiambu District,Kenya

Bovine mastitis and mastitis control were investigated on smallholder farms in central Kenya. After an initial observational study, a clinical trial to assess the impact of three different mastitis control strategies – (1) improved udder hygiene, (2) treatment of subclinical cases, and (3) a combination of these – was conducted on 100 randomly selected farms with 332 lactating cows. Before the implementation of control measures, the milk yield was low (mean 6.5 kg/day; median 6 kg/day) and somatic cell counts (SCC) were high, with 80% and 43% of cows having milk with SCC greater than 250×10³ cells/ml and 600×10³ cells/ml, respectively. Infectious pathogens were also commonly isolated, with 63% of cows being positive for pathogenic bacteria. Neither intervention strategy alone had any effect on mastitis indicators or milk yield. In combination, the measures had some impact, lowering the prevalence of contagious pathogens by 18%, but this was not reflected in a significantly increased milk yield, lowered SCC or reduced incidence of clinical mastitis.