Ja’Nesia Akers Animal Breeding and Genetics November 23, 2011 Dr. Johnson

 The most common disease in dairy cattle in the U.S.  Most costly in the milk industry

 The inflammatory reaction of the udder tissue  Occurs when white blood cells are released into the mammary gland  Can be identified by swelling, heat, redness, hardness, or pain  Appearance of mastitis: + Flakes + Clots + Pus

Clinical Mastitis: (Mild, Severe, Chronic) + can be either mild or acute + white blood cells in the milk Mild: + milk will be abnormal (flakes, clots) + signs of swelling Severe: + hot sensitive udder + loss of appetite and weakness Chronic: + hard lumps

 Subclinical Mastitis: + known as “hidden” + based on the somatic cell count + certain test will determine the changes in the milk

 Differences of mastitis of the breeds is the immune response to intramammary infection  Study to compare the phase and responses of the cattle + E. Coli was comparable between both of the breeds  Holstein Cow Jersey Cow 

 Bacteria that is common to cause mastitis  Resistant to treatment  Only 15% of infections are curable with antibiotics

 Introduced a gene, S. Simulans, to the DNA of a Jersey cow  The cow produced a protein that kills S. Aureus (which causes mastitis)  “We did not want to waste genetic engineering on a task that animal breeders could already achieve. That made mastitis an attractive tract, because breeding for mastitis resistant cows has not been successful.” (Well, Robert)

Exposure originates from + existing infections + bacteria found on the skin Dirty teats and udders are considered a major source Cleanliness of stalls (housing)

 Dry teats using a single service paper towel or a clean cloth towel.  Maintain clean hands or wear disposable milking gloves.  Check foremilk and udder for mastitis.  Dip teats with a post milking teat dip.

“…FDA approved intramammary antibiotics at drying off can decrease the number of existing mastitis infections and prevent new infections during the early weeks of the dry period.”

 ToDAY + helps treat mastitis flare-ups in lactating cows ToMORROW + provides protection for dry cows + kills leading mastitis causing pathogens

There forth, this presentation shows that dry cows needs as much attention as milking cows. It is important for cattle producers to know that there are certain precautions necessary when caring for cattle.

 Wall R. J., et al. Nature Biotech., Advanced online publication, doc: /nbt1078 (2005). . "Comparison of Holstein and Jersey innate immune responses to Escherichia coli intramammary infection.". J Dairy Sci., June Web. 30 Nov . "Mastitis Treatment." Accelerated Genetics. N.p., Web. 30 Nov < products/udder health/Mastitis_Treatment.asp&xgt;.