Wael Wardeh*(1), Ali Nisafi (1), and SaraJ Rayya (2)
(1). Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University,
Lattakia, Syria.
(2). Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Damascus, Syria.
(*Corresponding author Email: Wael Wardeh Email: Wardah_wael@yahoo.com)
Mobile: 0960003634).
Received: 12/02/2023 Accepted: 31/08/2023
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of early detection and screening for subclinical mastitis in 200 Holstein Friesian cows at Al-Bustan farm in Latakia province, Syria for a period of three months in 2019. The cows were managed under a semi-open system with an automatic milking system, and samples were collected from quarters of cows that were free of any clinical signs of mastitis. Results showed that there was no significant difference in milk production before and after the infection, as the infection was detected and treated quickly within the first few days of occurrence. The period required for cows to return to normal production after treatment and complete recovery was approximately 10.5 days, and this period had a significant effect on cow productivity by 1%. The percentage of spoiled production (unusable milk) was 56.8%, while the percentage of decreased production (usable milk) was 43.2%. The cost of veterinary care was 22,800 SYP per head, and the cost of losses due to spoiled milk and decreased production was 177,792.1 SYP per head. The total cost of lost and spoiled milk, treatment, and veterinary care in cases of subclinical mastitis was approximately 200,592.1 SYP per head. The results of the study showed that early detection of subclinical mastitis plays a crucial role in the success of treatment and reducing expected economic losses, as well as reducing veterinary costs and improving milk quality by reducing the amount of spoilage that affects the net income of the farm.
Keywords: Sub clinical mastitis, California test, Mastitis Detector Dramiński, Holstein-Friesian cows, Veterinary Costs.
Full paper in Arabic: pdf