Use of physiologic variables to predict milk yield after clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association between intramammary infections caused by various bacteria and hepatic damage, as measured by serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, WBC counts, and PCV and the association of clinical variables with milk production after a case of clinical mastitis.


METHODS
Prospective, cohort study.


METHODS
82 cows with clinical mastitis.


METHODS
Information on milk production, mastitis status, and selected physiologic variables was collected during a 1-year period. Milk samples for bacteriologic evaluation were collected on day 1 of an episode of clinical mastitis. Physical examination was performed and blood samples for laboratory evaluation were collected on days 1, 5, and 9. Primary outcome was mature equivalent 305-day (ME305) milk production. Correlations were assessed using a multiple regression model.


RESULTS
Higher WBC counts were associated with higher ME305 values. For cows with coliform mastitis, increases in SDH values were associated with higher ME305 values. For cows with coliform and streptococci/staphylococci mastitis, PCV was associated with ME305 values. Higher PCV values were associated with lower ME305 values for streptococci/ staphylococci and coliform infections.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between milk production and WBC count indicated that cows mobilizing WBC were better able to neutralize mammary gland infections, which may result in better milk production. The association between milk production and PCV suggested that maintaining hydration in cows with clinical mastitis may be a critical aspect of treating all cows with mastitis.
Sischo
W M
WM
Department of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Extension and Field Studies, College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
Moore
D A
DA
Fedon
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D007064:L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D007774:Lactation; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008414:Mastitis, Bovine / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008892:Milk / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary
D007064:L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase