Mastitis remains one of the costliest and most persistent challenges facing Indian dairy farmers today. Veterinary officers across major milk-producing states report that subclinical mastitis—often invisible to the eye—is now more common than acute cases, quietly reducing milk yield and quality. With higher input costs, stricter milk quality norms from cooperatives, and rising antibiotic resistance concerns, controlling mastitis is no longer optional. What matters now is early detection, disciplined hygiene, and management practices that fit Indian farm conditions. This briefing outlines what actually works on the ground—based on field experience, veterinary guidance, and current best practice.
Why Mastitis Control Matters More Than Ever
Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder, usually caused by bacterial infection. In India, it directly affects farm profitability due to:
10–30% drop in milk yield per affected animal
Milk rejection due to high somatic cell count (SCC)
Higher treatment costs and milk discard during antibiotic withdrawal
Premature culling of otherwise productive cows
What has changed in recent years is the shift toward subclinical mastitis, which shows no obvious swelling or clots but steadily damages udder tissue. Many farmers discover it only after cooperative testing or repeated milk quality penalties.
Early Detection: The Single Most Effective Step
Most mastitis losses occur because detection comes too late. Farmers should move beyond visual checks alone.
What to do now:
Use the California Mastitis Test (CMT) once every 2–4 weeks, especially for high-yield cows
Monitor milk yield daily; sudden drops are often the first warning
Check foremilk for watery texture or flakes before milking
High-risk periods include:
First 30 days after calving
Peak lactation
Late lactation and drying-off stage
Early detection allows targeted treatment and prevents spread to other quarters or animals.
Milking Hygiene: Small Lapses, Big Losses
Poor milking hygiene remains the most common cause of contagious mastitis on Indian farms—particularly where hand milking is practiced.
Essential hygiene practices that work:
Wash hands thoroughly before milking each cow
Clean udders with separate cloths per animal; never share
Dry teats completely—wet teats attract bacteria
Follow a consistent milking order: healthy cows first, infected cows last
Post-milking teat dipping with iodine or chlorhexidine solutions reduces new infections by up to 50%. This is one of the lowest-cost, highest-return interventions available.
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Housing and Environment: Control the Source of Infection
Environmental mastitis pathogens thrive in wet, dirty conditions. Many cases can be traced back to housing rather than milking.
Key improvements that deliver results:
Keep floors dry with proper slope and drainage
Remove dung at least twice daily
Use clean, dry bedding (sand is preferred where feasible)
Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce humidity
During monsoon months, mastitis incidence typically spikes. Extra attention to bedding dryness and udder cleanliness during this period is critical.
Nutrition and Immunity: The Overlooked Link
Cows with poor immunity are more vulnerable to mastitis and slower to recover. Nutrition directly affects udder health.
Focus areas:
Adequate energy intake, especially in early lactation
Balanced mineral mixture with zinc, copper, and selenium
Sufficient Vitamin E to support immune response
Undernourished cows or those in negative energy balance show higher SCC levels and repeated infections.
Treatment: Use Antibiotics Responsibly
Blind or repeated antibiotic use is no longer acceptable—and often ineffective.
Best practice today:
Treat only confirmed cases
Follow veterinary advice on drug choice and duration
Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve
Respect milk withdrawal periods strictly
For chronic or repeatedly infected quarters, dry cow therapy at the end of lactation has shown strong preventive benefits when used correctly.
Conclusion: Discipline Beats Damage Control
Mastitis control is not about one product or one-time treatment. It is about daily discipline—in milking, housing, nutrition, and observation. Indian dairy farms that treat mastitis as a management issue rather than a medical emergency see fewer cases, lower costs, and better milk prices. The solutions are known, proven, and practical. What delivers results is consistent execution. In today’s tighter margins and stricter quality environment, mastitis prevention is no longer a recommendation—it is a requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the first signs of mastitis in cows?
Early signs include a drop in milk yield, watery or clotted milk, mild swelling or hardness in one or more udder quarters, and sometimes mild discomfort in the cow during milking. Subclinical cases may show no visible signs, making tests like the California Mastitis Test (CMT) important.
2. How can mastitis be prevented in Indian dairy farms?
Prevention relies on good milking hygiene, clean and dry housing, regular monitoring for early symptoms, proper nutrition to boost immunity, and post-milking teat dipping. Following these consistently can drastically reduce infection rates.
3. Can mastitis affect the quality of milk?
Yes. Mastitis increases somatic cell count (SCC) and may contain bacteria, reducing milk quality. High SCC can lead to milk rejection by cooperatives, affecting farm income.
4. How is mastitis treated in cows?
Treatment involves identifying the infected quarters, using appropriate antibiotics under veterinary guidance, completing the full treatment course, and observing milk withdrawal periods. Chronic cases may require dry cow therapy.
5. Are certain cows more prone to mastitis?
Yes. High-yielding cows, cows in early lactation, cows with previous udder injuries, and undernourished animals are at higher risk. Environmental conditions like wet or dirty housing also increase susceptibility.
