Study on Prevalence of Sub-Clinical Mastitis in Crossbred Dairy Cattle and its Potential Risk Factors

The study was designed to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in cross-bred dairy cattle and potential risk factors associated with the disease. The study was conducted in organized dairy farm at Jammu, and milk samples collected from 106 animals were put to MCMT (Modified Californian Mastitis Test). The overall prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis was found to be 59.43 per cent (%) and quarter level prevalence was at 34.78%. The risk factors under study; parity, age, milk yield and position of quarters, had significant influence on prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis. Prevalence was high in animals with greater than 20 litre (77.41%) of milk yield, and those falling in age group of greater than 8 years (82.92%). In relation to parity of animals and position of quarters, prevalence was maximum in six and above parity animals (78.6%), and with regard to position of quarters, mostly right hind quarters (49.39%) were affected. The pathogens isolated were mostly contagious in nature, and Staphylococcus aureus (66.67%) was most commonly found organisms.