Udder health in beef cows and its association with calf growth

Abstract

Conclusions: Subclinical 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.

Keywords

Beef cows; Mastitis; Intra-mammary infections; Blind quarters; Risk factors; Calf weaning weight

Published in

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
2014, volume: 56, article number: 9

SLU Authors

• Persson Waller, Karin

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Persson, Ylva

  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

UKÄ Subject classification

Other Veterinary Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-56-9

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/66545