Effect of mastitis on macro-minerals of bovine milk and blood serum in Sudan

Milk and blood serum from clinically mastitis infected, subclinically mastitis infected and healthy Friesian cows (15 samples from each of 3 groups) were evaluated for macrominerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus). The milk from cows infected with subclinical mastitis revealed a significant decrease in potassium (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in sodium and phosphorus content (P < 0.01). Similarly, the milk from cows with the clinical form of the disease showed a significant increase in sodium (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in potassium, magnesium (P < 0.001) and calcium (P < 0.01). Comparison of healthy cow's milk with that from cows with subclinical mastitis revealed a highly significant increase in sodium (P < 0.001). Comparison of healthy cow's milk with that of clinically mastitic milk showed a highly significant decrease in levels of calcium, magnesium (P < 0.001) and potassium (P < 0.01). However, sodium increased highly significantly (P < 0.001). Comparison of macro-minerals in milk from cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis revealed a significant decrease in potassium contents (P < 0.05) compared with that of healthy cows. Potassium levels were found to decrease significantly (P < 0.05) in subclinically infected cow's blood serum. However, calcium and phosphorus showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in blood serum samples from the clinically infected cows.