Expression of cytokines and respiratory burst activity of milk cells in response to Azadirachta indica during bovine mastitis

The immuno therapeutic potential of hydro-methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) was studied during bovine clinical mastitis (CM). The somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), milk differential leukocyte count (DLC), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻) production and interleukin- 2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) cytokines expression were studied before and after intramammary infusion of A. indica extract in diseased cows. The results revealed that A. indica treatment significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the SCC, TBC, milk neutrophil percent and significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced milk lymphocyte percent, H₂O₂ and O₂ ⁻ production by milk cells. The IL-2 and IFN-γ were expressed in normal healthy cows and diseased cows after A. indica treatment, whereas both the cytokines could not be expressed in cows treated with antibiotic and in untreated diseased cows. The results of the present study indicated anti inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory potential of the herb, these activities could be due to the presence of bioactive principle in the extract. This is a preliminary trial indicated beneficial effect of the herb against bovine mastitis it can be developed as an alternative therapy where the use of antibiotics is normally restricted.     

Alterations in coagulation parameters in dairy cows affected with acute mastitis caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. aureus</Emphasis> pathogens

This study was conducted to evaluate alterations in coagulation parameters in dairy cows affected with acute Escherichia coli (E. coli) mastitis and to compare those values to cows affected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ) mastitis. Twenty-four, adult Holstein-Friesian dairy cows affected with acute E. coli mastitis and 17 cows affected with S. aureus mastitis were studied. Cows affected with E. coli mastitis had significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (P < 0.01), prothrombin time (PT) (P < 0.05) and decreased (P < 0.05) platelets numbers. Cows with S. aureus mastitis had only significantly prolonged APTT (P < 0.05) and decreased (P < 0.05) platelet counts. In the hematology evaluation, cows affected with E. coli and those affected with S. aureus mastitis had elevated hematocrit values but only significantly (P < 0.05) so in mastitic cows caused by E. coli. Both groups of mastitic cows had significantly (P < 0.05) lower leukocyte counts. Only cows with E. coli mastitis had significantly (P < 0.05) lower neutrophil count. In the plasma biochemical evaluation, creatinine concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in both groups of cows. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was only significantly elevated in cows affected with E. coli mastitis. Results of this study indicated that dairy cows affected with acute E. coli mastitis are more likely to develop clinical manifestations of disseminated intravascular coagulation than cows affected with S. aureus mastitis.     

Energetic efficiency of milk synthesis in dual-purpose cows grazing tropical pastures

The aim of this study was to assess the energetic efficiency of milk synthesis by grazing dual-purpose cows with or without a starch-based supplement in tropical South Mexico. Forty-six Holstein × Zebu cows were used in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Factors analysed were diet (supplemented, unsupplemented), age (young: 1–2 calvings, mature: >3 calvings) and day of lactation (21 and 84 days post-calving). The supplement represented about 30% of estimated dry matter (DM) intake. Grass intake was measured using the n-alkane technique at 21 and 84 days post-calving when calculations of efficiency were performed. Efficiency for milk synthesis was reported as feed conversion efficiency (FCE, kilograms of milk per kilogram of DM intake), gross energetic efficiency (GEE, milk energy output/metabolisable energy (ME) intake) and efficiency of ME use for lactation (k _l, adjusted to zero energy balance). There were no interactions between factors. FCE and GEE were not different between diets, but supplemented cows had a lower (p < 0.01) k _l value (0.62) than unsupplemented cows (0.67), suggesting a diverted partition of nutrients towards body tissue. Mature cows were more efficient (p < 0.001) than young cows in terms of FCE (1.13 vs 0.87) and GEE (0.34 vs 0.26), but equal in terms of k _l (0.65). FCE (1.10 vs 0.90) and GEE (0.34 vs 0.27) were both higher on day 21 compared with day 84 post-calving, with a trend for a higher k _l in early lactation. Dual-purpose cows used tropical grasses efficiently for milk synthesis, and higher milk yield observed in supplemented cows was due to a higher intake of nutrients rather than a higher energetic efficiency.     

Prevalence and major bacterial causes of bovine mastitis in Asella,South Eastern Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around Asella town from November 2007 to April 2008 on dairy cows to determine the prevalence of mastitis, impact of risk factors and isolate the dominant mastitis causing bacteria on total of 223 lactating cows, of which 92 were indigenous Arsi, and 131 Holstein Zebu cross by using clinical examination and California mastitis test (CMT). Of these 144 (65.6 %) were positive by clinical examination and CMT for clinical and sub clinical mastitis, with prevalence of 26.5 % and 38 %, respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of mastitis between cows kept under different hygiene of milking process. Similarly a significant difference on the prevalence of mastitis between the two breeds (P < 0.05) was also observed. From 144 CMT and clinically positive milk samples analyzed microbiologically, 133 were culturally positive for known mastitis pathogens and while 11 were negative. The dominant bacterial isolates in the study animals were Staphylococcus species (41.4 %), Streptococcus species (24.8 %), and other Gram positive rods and Gram negative enteric bacteria (33.8 %). Good hygiene in milking process, milking clinically infected cows at last, culling chronic mastitis carriers, treating clinically infected cows and dry period therapy could reduce the prevalence of contagious mastitis in the study area.     

Evaluation of the hygienic quality and associated public health hazards of raw milk marketed by smallholder dairy producers in the Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine three parameters of the quality of the raw milk marketed by milk selling points (MSPs) in Dar es Salaam region. Total bacterial count (TBC) was used as an indicator of the microbial quality of the milk; antimicrobial residues were determined; and the California mastitis test (CMT) was used to screen for milk somatic cells as an indication of the mastitis level in the cows that provided the milk. Moreover, a water sample at each MSP was taken for bacteriological culturing. Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted with the milk sellers at the MSPs to identify risk factors for poor milk hygiene. A total of 128 milk samples and corresponding water samples were collected from randomly selected milk selling points in Dar es Salaam region. The mean TBC was (8.2± 1.9) × 10⁶ cfu/ml, and major bacterial isolates from the milk samples were Escherichia coli (6.3%), Bacillus cereus (6.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.3%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (6.3%), Enterobacter aerogenes (5.6%) and Enterococcus faecalis (4.7%). In most cases, the organisms identified in milk corresponded to those isolated from the corresponding water samples. Of milk samples, 79.0% were positive to the CMT and 7.0% were positive for antimicrobial residues. TBC was normalized by log-transformation, and the possible predictors of TBC were identified by fitting two linear regression models. In a random effect model, water microbial quality, frequency of cleaning the milk containers, frequency of milk supply, milk storage time and the type of containers, and mixing of fresh and previous milk were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the mean log TBC. In a fixed effect model, in addition to these indicators, water shortage, water source and the refrigerator condition were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) associated with log TBC. It was concluded that the milk sold in Dar es Salaam region is of poor quality and is of public health significance.     

Milk yield and quality in Guernsey cows fed cottonseed cake-based diets partially substituted with baobab (<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Adansonia digitata</Emphasis> L.) seed cake

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of partially substituting cottonseed cake with graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seed cake (BSC) on milk yield and quality in Guernsey cows. Sixteen cows in mid-lactation and in their third parity were allocated to diets containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% BSC in a completely randomized design. Each cow was given a daily feed ration of 6 kg and a basal diet of soya bean stover ad libitum. There were no differences in daily feed intake (P > 0.05), but basal intake differed among all treatment groups with cows on the control diet having the highest intake (30 ± 0.34 kg/day). Mean daily milk yield differed (P < 0.05) among all treatment groups. However, the control had higher milk yield of 12.1 ± 0.73 kg/day, and the 15% BSC had the least yield of 7.46 ± 0.73 kg/day. Cows on the control diet had higher milk butterfat content (6.12%; P < 0.05) than those on the BSC-based diets. Protein content differed (P < 0.05) across all treatment groups with cows on 15% BSC producing the highest protein content (3.43%) while the control had the least (2.6%). The concentration of milk total solids for cows fed on 15% BSC was higher (P < 0.05) than that from cows on other diets. Lactose content was not affected by the diets (P > 0.05). These results indicate that BSC can substitute soya bean cake in dairy diets, but milk production and butterfat content are compromised.     

Feed intake and production parameters of lactating crossbred cows fed maize-based diets of stover,silage or quality protein silage

Thirty-six Boran × Friesian dairy cows (392 ± 12 kg; mean ± SD) in early parity were used in a randomised complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity into three blocks of 12 animals and offered normal maize (NM) stover (T1), NM silage (T2) or quality protein maize (QPM) silage (T3) basal diets supplemented with a similar concentrate mix. Feed intake, body weight and condition changes and milk yield and composition were assessed. The daily intake of DM, OM, NDF and ADF for cows fed the NM stover-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the cows fed the NM silage and QPM silage-based diets. However, the daily intake of DOM (9.3 kg) and ME (140.8 MJ) for cows on QPM silage-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for cows on NM stover-based diet (8.4 kg and 124.2 MJ) and NM silage-based diet (7.9 kg and 119.1 MJ). Body weight of cows was affected (P < 0.05) by the diet, but diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on body condition score, milk yield and milk composition. The digestible organic matter in the NM stover-based diet (724 g/kg DM) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the NM (770 g/kg DM) and QPM silage-based diet (762 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the performances of the cows on the NM silage and QPM silage diets were similar and were not superior to that of the NM stover-based diet.     

Bovine mastitis and antibiotic resistance patterns in Selalle smallholder dairy farms, central Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of mastitis, identify the major bacterial pathogens and test the antimicrobial resistance of milk bacterial isolates in smallholder dairy farms in Selalle area, Ethiopia. A total of 109 smallholder dairy farms comprising 500 crossbred lactating cows were included. The prevalence of clinical mastitis at herd, cow and quarter level was 8.3% (n = 9), 1.8% (n = 9) and 0.51% (n = 10), respectively, while that of sub-clinical mastitis was 54.7%, 22.3% and 10.1%, respectively. The univariate logistic regression showed that among the risk factors considered, presence of teat lesion, stage of lactation and parity number had significant effect on the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis. However, after multivariate analysis, only presence of teat lesion and stage of lactation had significant effect. The common isolates from the clinical mastitic quarters were St. agalactiae (30%, n = 3) and St. dysgalactiae (30%, n = 3), while from sub-clinical cases were S. aureus (42.6%, n = 83), S. epidermidis (22.1%, n = 43), St. agalactiae (12.8%, n = 25) and St. uberis (10.3%, n = 20). Staphylococcus intermedius and Streptococcus dysgalactiae were the species, which showed high level of susceptibility for most of the antimicrobials tested, while the remaining had varying levels of resistance for almost all the antimicrobials used. Among the antimicrobials employed, erythromycin and sulphonamide showed the lowest proportion of resistant isolates. Considering the possible significant economic losses that could be incurred by both clinical and sub-clinical mastitis, attention should be paid for further detailed investigations including the economic losses and benefits of interventions in the study area.     

Efficacy of conventional and extended intra-mammary treatment of persistent sub-clinical mastitis with cefquinome in lactating dairy cows

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy of intra-mammary-administered cefquinome for the treatment of sub-clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows and to determine if extended therapy would enhance treatment efficacy. Seventy-three Holstein dairy cows from a single farm with 150 infected quarters were enrolled in the study. Infected cows were allocated randomly to one of three treatment regimens: (1) conventional (standard) regimen: 75 mg of cefquinome administered three times at 16-h intervals (25 infected cows, 52 intra-mammary infections (IMI)), (2) extended regimen: 75 mg of cefquinome administered six times at 16-h intervals (26 infected cows, 58 IMI) and (3) negative untreated control group (22 cows, 40 IMI). Most IMI were caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci, streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae and coliforms. The overall bacteriological cure (BC) rates for sub-clinical IMI were 84.61%, 91.37% and 20% for the conventional, extended and the control groups, respectively, indicating a higher BC rate for the treated groups than the control group (P < 0.001). Significant differences in somatic cell count (SCC) were detected between the treated versus the control group (P < 0.001). No differences, concerning the BC rate or SCC, were observed between the extended and the conventional groups. Although fat and protein percentages increased in the treated groups, there were no significant differences in post-treatment milk production between the groups. Results of this study indicate that cefquinome therapy was effective in reducing SCC and eliminating sub-clinical IMI in lactating dairy cows, but extended therapy did not enhance treatment efficacy.     

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.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium bovis</Emphasis>, but also <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. africanum</Emphasis> present in raw milk of pastoral cattle in north-central Nigeria

Using deletion typing technique, five mycobacteria isolated from unpasteurised milk samples from cows in north-central Nigeria were characterized as Mycobacterium bovis (n = 4) and M. africanum (n = 1). This report emphasizes that transmission between the animal and human reservoir is a serious threat in Nigeria.     

Effects of first postpartum progesterone rise,metabolites, milk yield,and body condition score on the subsequent ovarian activity and fertility in lactating Holstein dairy cows

Seventy multiparous healthy lactating Holstein cows (fat-corrected milk yield = 7,561.8 kg) were monitored from 14 days before to 70 days after calving. Transrectal ultrasound scanning was performed twice weekly from 7 to 65 days postpartum. Blood samples were also collected twice weekly to measure serum P₄ and biweekly to detect serum β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Body condition score (BCS) was taken biweekly after calving. Based on the serum P₄ profile of 59 cows (11 cows were excluded due to the occurrence of postpartum diseases) studied, 27 (45.8%) had normal ovarian activity, while 21 (35.6%), six (10.1%), three (5.1%), and two (3.4%) had delayed ovulation (DOV), prolonged luteal phase (PLP), short luteal phase (SLP), and cessation of ovarian activity, respectively. Cows with PLP had an earlier ovulation compared to that of cows with normal ovarian activity (23.16 ± 4.02 vs 31.9 ± 8.35 days; P < 0.05). PLP cows also had a greater mean ± standard deviation peak milk yield (44.2 ± 5.8 vs 37.2 ± 5.7 kg/day, 75 days postpartum; P < 0.05) than cows with normal postpartum ovarian activity. The PLP group also had greater milk production in the previous lactation period. Logistic regression analysis indicated that cows with P₄ concentration ≥1 ng/ml on day 24 after calving were more at risk for PLP by 1.1 for each 1 kg increase in mean peak milk yield during 75 days after calving. BCS was lower in cows with DOV compared to that of cows with normal ovarian activity at any time after calving (P < 0.05). Serum βHB concentrations in DOV cows were significantly higher than that of normal cows on day 42 after calving (0.69 ± 0.29 vs 0.54 ± 0.12 mmol/L, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the mean concentrations of NEFA between cows in different groups at any time after calving (P > 0.05). The concentrations of P₄ on days 28 and 31 were negatively correlated with βHB concentration on day 42 after calving in cows with normal ovarian activity (R = −0.44, P = 0.02). In conclusion, these findings suggest that early ovulation and hence early postpartum P₄ rise in addition to the high milk production could partly be responsible for the occurrence of PLP in dairy cows.     

Influence of feeding Tinospora cordifolia peripartum on lactation parameters in crossbred cows

For studying the effect of dietary supplementation of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) peripartum on lactation an investigation was conducted on 15 pregnant Karan Fries crossbred cows which were divided into two groups: treatment group of eight cows which were supplemented with guduchi at 60 g/day for 45 days prepartum and 120 g/day for 45 days postpartum; control group of seven pregnant cows which were not supplemented with guduchi. Jugular blood samples were collected from all cows during the periparturient period for analysis of various blood cell and plasma parameters. A significantly higher total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was recorded in the guduchi supplemented treatment group in comparison to untreated control cows throughout the experimental period. The increase of milk production over 305 days of lactation due to guduchi supplementation was significant (p < 0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in somatic cell count was also observed during the experimental period. Milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and SNF) was similar (p > 0.05) for both the groups. Plasma non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in cows supplemented with guduchi throughout the course of study. Plasma concentration of growth hormone in the treated cows was also significantly higher beginning on the day of parturition up to 3 weeks postpartum (p < 0.05) in comparison to unsupplemented group.     

Dystocia in Friesian cows and its effects on postpartum reproductive performance and milk production

A total of 1,243 records for 585 dairy Friesian cows from 1997–2004 were used to study the factors affecting dystocia and its effects on reproductive performance and milk production. The overall incidence of dystocia was 6.9%. The percentage of dystocia decreased with increasing live body weight, age, and parity of cows (P < 0.05); however, it increased with increasing birth weight of calves (P < 0.05). The highest percentage of dystocia was detected in winter season, but the least percentage was in summer season (P < 0.05). The percentage of incidence of dystocia was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with winter feeding compared to summer ration (8.2% vs. 5.1%). The percentage of incidence of dystocia was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with twinning than single calving (15.5% vs. 6.5%), while not significantly affected by the sex of born calves. Incidence of dystocia had adverse effects on reproductive performance and milk yield. The service interval, service period, days open, and calving interval were significantly (P < 0.05) longer in cows afflicted with dystocia compared to normal cows. The conception rate was lower (P < 0.05), but the number of service per conception was higher (P < 0.05) in cows afflicted with dystocia compared to normal cows (60.5% vs. 73.0% and 3.4 vs. 2.7, respectively). Average daily milk yield was lower (P < 0.05) by 1 kg for cows with incidence of dystocia compared to normal cows.     

Feeding strategies for small-scale dairy systems based on perennial (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lolium perenne</Emphasis>) or annual (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lolium multiflorum</Emphasis>) ryegrass in the central highlands of Mexico

Small-scale dairying is an option for campesinos in Mexico. The costs of feeding are high and strategies based on quality forages are a priority. The performance, agronomic variables and feeding costs were evaluated for dairy cows continuously grazing perennial ryegrass–white clover for 9 h/day (PRG) or fed cut herbage from annual ryegrass for 8 weeks followed by 9 h/day for 6 weeks on a tethered rotational grazing pattern (ARG). All cows received 3 kg/day of an 18% crude protein (CP) concentrate. A 14-week split-plot on-farm experiment was designed with 10 cows from two participating farmers, and 1.5 ha per strategy. Milk yield was recorded weekly and milk composition, live weight and body condition score were recorded every 14 days. Net herbage accumulation was greater for ARG (8222 kg organic matter (OM)/ha) than for PRG (5915 kg OM/ha) (p < 0.05), with higher CP in PRG (p < 0.05). Milk yield was 19 kg/cow per day for PRG and 15.9 kg/cow per day for ARG (p > 0.05). Over 14 weeks, PRG produced 1422 kg more milk. There were no differences for live weight or condition score (p > 0.05), but linear regression shows a live weight gain of 0.200 kg/cow per day for PRG. Protein and fat content showed no differences (p > 0.05), but milk fat content in PRG was below standard. ARG had 60% higher costs, and margins were 38% higher in PRG. ARG has a place in rain-fed fields. The results provide viable options for improving these systems that may be suitable in their socio-economic context and their social and personal objectives.     

Factors influencing production of hygienic raw milk by small scale dairy producers in selected areas of the Jaffna district,Sri Lanka

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of dairy cow management techniques and milking methods on hygienic quality of raw milk. Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Colonies (TCC) were studied to determine the effects. Investigations were carried out in fifty dairy farms from August 2007 to December 2007. The mean TBC and TCC for the herds with comparatively good and poor management practices were 0.9 × 10⁵ cfu/ml and 0.2 × 10³/ml and 99 × 10⁵ cfu/ml and >180 × 10³/ml, respectively. The overall mean TBC (22 × 10⁵ cfu/ml) and TCC (47 × 10³/ml) obtained in this study exceeded the internationally recommended levels for TBC (10⁵ cfu/ml) and TCC (<1,000/ml). The overall results obtained suggested that the raw milk tested was of poor hygienic quality with the presence of a great variability among milk samples.     

Association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection with milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins

There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection with production and reproduction in dairy cows. Determination of these associations in each region is essential to encourage participation of dairy cattle producers in disease control programs. This study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, to quantify the association of subclinical MAP infection with 305-day milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins. A total of 21 dairy herds were selected for the study and in each herd, quarter milk samples were collected from ten to 12 dairy cows for PCR analysis. Data about parity, calving interval, length of lactation period, total milk production and 305-day milk production were also provided for each animal. Overall, 252 individual milk samples were collected. Herd- and individual-level prevalence of MAP infection were 23.8% (95% CI, 6.2–41.4%) and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.3–5.1%), respectively based on IS900 nested PCR. The results for 305-day milk production revealed a 248 kg reduction in positive cows compared with negative ones (P = 0.009). When cows from positive herds were compared with cows from negative herds, a 335-kg reduction in 305-day milk production (P = 0.005) and a 30-day increase in calving interval (P = 0.057) were observed in the former group. These findings support the previous results that paratuberculosis infection is negatively associated with the performance of the animals.     

Effect of supplementing a high-protein ram press sunflower cake concentrate on smallholder milk production in Zimbabwe

Ram press sunflower cake protein concentrate was formulated locally and its effect on the performance of dairy cows was compared with that of a commercial dairy concentrate. The effects of concentrate on roughage dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition, live weight and calving intervals were similar for all concentrates, which indicated that the home grown dairy concentrates were as effective as the dairy commercial concentrate. The lack of significant differences in the concentrations of rumen NH₃-N, pH, VFAs and total AA in all the cows between concentrate types supported this. The results indicated that in the low-resource and low-input production systems, crossbreds were as productive as Jersey and Red Dane cows. The exotic cows were more susceptible to tick-borne diseases and mastitis, and showed higher incidences of calving problems and retained placenta compared with crossbred cows. The economics of feeding ram press sunflower concentrate were compared with those of a commercial dairy concentrate on the performance of crossbred, Red Dane and Jersey cows. The gross margin was higher when feeding sunflower cake than when feeding commercial dairy concentrate (p < 0.05).     

Selenium and vitamin E increases polymorphonuclear cell phagocytosis and antioxidant levels during acute mastitis in riverine buffaloes

Antioxidant, antiinflammatory and phagocytic activities were studied in milk polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) isolated from healthy buffaloes (group I) and during clinical mastitis with the treatment of Enrofloxacin alone (group II) and combined treatment with Enrofloxacin and Vitamin E plus selenium (group III). On days 0,3, 8 and 15 the milk Somatic cell count (SCC) were significantly higher in mastitic milk than in milk obtained from healthy buffaloes. In group II SCC decreased significantly on day 3 and day 8, however in group III reduction in SCC was observed on day 3, day 8 and day 15 (P < 0.05). The antiinflammatory activity was evaluated by determining nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) production in the milk PMNs before treatment and on day 8. NOx activity was significantly higher in mastitic milk than from healthy controls, both before and after treatment (P < 0.05). In group II and group III the activity decreased significantly on day 8 (P < 0.05). The Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was estimated in the milk polymorphonuclear cell (PMNs) supernatant. GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in mastitic buffaloes than in healthy controls, both before and after treatment (P < 0.05). In group II levels did not change in response to treatment, whereas in group III levels had increased significantly on day 8 (P < 0.05). The phagocytic activity (PA) (percentage of neutrophil that had phagocytosed 1–6 bacteria) and phagocytic index (PI) (average number of bacteria/ leukocytes counted in 100 cells) of the milk PMNs was significantly lower in mastitic buffaloes (P < 0.05). In group II the PA and PI did not change in response to treatment, whereas in group III both the parameters had increased significantly on day 8 (P < 0.05). The results of the present experiment indicated enhancement of antioxidative and cellular defense and reduction of somatic cell count in the mastitic animals treated with Enrofloxacin and Vitamin E plus Selenium as compared to the Enrofloxacin treatment alone. Hence Vitamin E plus selenium therapy may be added along with the antibiotics for effective amelioration of intramammary infection in buffaloes.