The Effects of Udder Dermatitis Due to Sarcoptic Mange on Milk Yield in Dairy Cows

Abstract

In the present study the aim was to elucidate the relationship between udder dermatitis due to naturally occuring sarcoptic mange infestation and milk yield in dairy cattle. Field observation was carried out in a private dairy farm in Bozdogan, Aydin comprising 18 out of 80 cattle were diagnosed with udder dermatitis in association with sarcoptic mange on the basis of clinical and parasitological examinations. For assessment of milk yield production, the data set included 5490 test day yields. The actual milk yield evaluated in second lactation changed between 2594-7742 kg (with a mean milk yield: 5394±327.5 kg). The lactation periods of cows were detected between 181-306 day (the mean lactation period: 275±9.5 days). The first occurence of each lesions were included in the analysis and 6 cows had udder dermatitis in first 5 month and other cows at later lactation period. The mean daily milk loss was calculated 8.17 kg and daily milk yields loss for a cow was 0.44 kg. This pruritic disease invoving udder led severe infection and dramatic drop of milk yield among dairy cattle enrolled in the present study. Results of the present study reported herein suggested that udder dermatitis in relation to scabies could be identified in cows in all stages of the lactating period, especially the prevalence was higher in later lactation period. The milk losses consequent to udder dermatitis may cause significant economic problems.