Lifetime risk and cost of clinical mastitis in dairy cows in relation to heifer rearing conditions in southwest Sweden
How Early-Life Rearing Practices Influence Mastitis Risk and Economic Loss in Dairy Herds
The study “Lifetime Risk and Cost of Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows in Relation to Heifer Rearing Conditions in Southwest Sweden” examines how different heifer rearing practices affect the incidence and economic impact of clinical mastitis throughout a cow’s productive life. It reveals that suboptimal rearing conditions—such as poor nutrition, inadequate housing, or delayed calving—can significantly increase both the lifetime risk and cost of mastitis, emphasizing the long-term benefits of proper heifer management in reducing disease burden and improving dairy farm profitability.
Title: Lifetime Risk and Cost of Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows in Relation to Heifer Rearing Conditions in Southwest Sweden
Authors: J. Hultgren and C. Svensson
Published in: Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 92, Issue 7, 2009, Pages 3274–3280
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2008-1678AGRIS
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship between heifer rearing conditions and the lifetime risk and cost of clinical mastitis (CM) in dairy cows. Data from 5,693 lactations in 2,126 cows across 110 herds in southwest Sweden were analyzed using generalized linear mixed modeling. The study found that factors such as severe diarrhea between 3 and 7 months of age, prepubertal growth rate, and concentrate feeding before first calving significantly influenced the risk of CM. The estimated mean cost of CM was $735 per lactation with a diagnosis of CM, translating to $95 per cow annually over its lifetime.
Study Overview:
The research aimed to quantify the impact of heifer rearing conditions on the incidence and economic burden of CM in dairy cows. The study utilized data from 110 herds in southwest Sweden, encompassing 5,693 lactations of 2,126 cows. The analysis focused on various factors, including breed, parity, health status, and specific rearing conditions, to assess their influence on the risk of CM.
Key Findings:
- Incidence of Clinical Mastitis: The study found that 31% of cows experienced at least one episode of CM during their productive life. The annual incidence rate was 0.11 cases per cow.
- Influential Rearing Factors: Severe diarrhea between 3 and 7 months of age was associated with a 2.8-fold increase in the odds of developing CM. Additionally, a prepubertal growth rate of 859 g/day was identified as a critical threshold, with higher growth rates increasing the risk of CM. An increase in concentrate feeding before first calving also elevated the risk.
- Economic Impact: The estimated mean cost of CM was $735 per lactation with a diagnosis of CM. This translates to $95 per cow annually over its lifetime. The costs encompassed veterinary services, extra labor, culling, herd replacement, discarded milk, and production losses.
Conclusions:
The study underscores the significant role of heifer rearing conditions in influencing the risk and economic impact of CM in dairy cows. Factors such as severe diarrhea during the rearing period, inadequate growth rates, and excessive concentrate feeding before first calving are detrimental to udder health. Implementing optimal rearing practices can mitigate the incidence of CM, thereby reducing associated costs and enhancing overall herd productivity.
Implications for Dairy Management:
- Health Monitoring: Regular monitoring and management of heifer health, particularly addressing issues like diarrhea, can reduce the risk of CM.
- Growth Management: Ensuring appropriate growth rates during the rearing period is crucial. Avoiding excessive concentrate feeding before first calving can help maintain optimal growth and reduce CM risk.
- Cost Management: Understanding the economic implications of CM can guide management decisions to minimize costs associated with veterinary services, culling, and production losses.AGRIS
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