Evaluation of the California Mastitis Test for Screening Dairy Cows for Intramammary Infection at Calving

Authors

  • J. M. Sargeant Food Animal Health and Management Center, Kansas State University
  • K. E. Leslie Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph
  • J. E. Shirley Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University
  • M. E. Sheffel Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University
  • G. H. Lim Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph
  • B. J. Pulkrabek Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20005381

Keywords:

management program, udder health, mastitis, intramammary infection, diagnostic test, time post-calving

Abstract

Udder health management programs at dry-off and during the dry period are essential to control and prevention of mastitis in dairy cattle. Knowledge of the prevalence of subclinical intramammary infection status at calving, and the specific pathogens involved, allows producers to evaluate effectiveness of these udder health programs. However, milk sampling and culturing all cows at the time of calving can be expensive and time consuming, and has not been widely adopted by the industry. California mastitis test (CMT) has not been recommended for use in recently fresh cows. This study examined the use of the CMT for selecting quarters in fresh cows for further bacteriological examination to identify the presence of intramammary infection. Cut-points for defining a positive CMT test and length of time post-calving were evaluated.

Cover image of the 33rd Conference Proceedings: Cattle and calves standing in a field of wildflowers, gazing curiously at the photographer. Yellow background.

Downloads

Published

2000-09-21

Issue

2000

Section

Research Summaries 1

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 > >>