Udder health in beef cows and its association with calf growth

Abstract

BackgroundStudies outside the Nordic countries have indicated that subclinical mastitis (measured by milk somatic cell count or the California Mastitis Test), intramammary infections (IMI), or blind quarters in beef cows may have negative effects on beef calf growth. Knowledge on prevalence of such udder health problems in Swedish beef cows is scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate subclinical mastitis, IMI and udder conformation in a number of beef cow herds. Production of β-lactamase in staphylococci was also investigated. Associations between certain cow factors and subclinical mastitis and IMI, and associations between cow and calf factors and 200 day calf weaning weight were also studied. The herds were visited once within a month after calving and once at weaning. Udder examination and quarter milk sampling, for somatic cell count and bacteriology, were performed in 8 to 12 cows per herd and occasion.ResultsApproximately 50%, 40% and 10% of the cows had subclinical mastitis, IMI, and at least one blind quarter, respectively, but the prevalence varied markedly between herds. Intramammary infections (mainly due to staphylococci) were identified in 13-16% of the milk samples. Less than 5% of the staphylococcal isolates produced β-lactamase. Approximately 11% of the cows sampled twice had the same IMI (mostly Staphylococcus aureus) at both samplings. Cow factors of importance for subclinical mastitis and/or IMI were teat and udder shape, breed, parity, presence of blind quarters, and cow hygiene. No significant associations were found between udder health parameters studied and calf weaning weights.ConclusionsSubclinical mastitis and IMI, but not blind quarters, were common in beef cows, but the prevalence varied markedly between herds. Most IMI were caused by staphylococci and more than 95% of those were sensitive to penicillin. Cows with large funnel-shaped teats or pendulous udder after calving, and cows with blind quarters were at risk of having subclinical mastitis and/or IMI. Poor hygiene was also a risk factor for udder health problems. No significant associations were found between udder health and calf weaning weight. More studies on risk factors are warranted to improve advisory services on awareness and prevention of mastitis in beef cows.

Detection of quantitative trait loci for maternal traits using high-density genotypes of Blonde d’Aquitaine beef cattle

“…These authors highlighted the negative impact of cow mastitis on calf weaning weight. Moreover, Persson Waller et al [ 45 ] noted that beef cows with funnel-shaped teats or pendulous udders had a greater risk of mastitis, although they did not find any association between udder health and calf weaning weight. However, this might explain why our QTL detection for US highlighted this region as a major QTL.…”

Bovine mastitis: risk factors, therapeutic strategies, and alternative treatments — A review

“…Udder structure: The structure of the udder also affects the susceptibility to the infection. Cattle with large funnel-shaped teats or pendular-shaped udder and blind quarters after calving are at greater risk of sub-clinical mastitis [49]. Other than that, teat size and teat to floor distance may also decrease the in vitro activity of leukocytes in milk hence increase the occurrence of IMIs [50].…”

Differential responsiveness of Holstein and Angus dermal fibroblasts to LPS challenge occurs without major differences in the methylome

“…Infection of the mammary gland resulting in mastitis is an important and well characterized disease of dairy cattle, such as the Holstein breed [ 1 ]. However, the incidence and severity of this disease in beef cattle has received little attention although two recent studies that examined mastitis prevalence in beef cows reported a moderate incidence with a surprising lack of Escherichia coli induced mastitis [ 2 , 3 ]. This pathogen is a major cause of mastitis in dairy animals and thus differences in susceptibility to E. coli infection may exist between dairy and beef breeds.…”