1Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Ain Temouchent, Algeria
2Laboratory of Biotechnology, Related to Animal Reproduction, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Blidal, Blida, Algeria
3Labotaory of Biology and Experimental Pharmacology, University of Medea
4Department of Agro-food, Faculty of Natural and Life Science, University of Blida1, Blida, Algeria
5Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Mouloud Mammeri, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria
*Corresponding Author: M. Bouamra, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Ain Temouchent, Algeria, Email: vetobouamra@yahoo.fr.
Online published on 18 June, 2025.
The current study aimed to detect in the first month of lactation the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and its effects on reproductive performance in dairy cows in western Algeria.
530 cows from 18 herds were examined in the study. California Mastitis Test (CMT) was used to screen subclinical mastitis for individual cows and a score of two or more for any quarter without any clinical symptoms and abnormalities in milk was considered as positive for SCM. Milk samples positive for subclinical mastitis were subjected to bacteriological analysis.
The present study revealed a prevalence of subclinical mastitis of 34.90%, (185 of 530). The most common pathogen identified from CMT-positive milk samples was Staphylococcus aureus with 35.62%. Logistic regression analysis showed that parity, farming system and milking method affect significantly the prevalence of SCM. Subclinical mastitis during the first month of lactation affected significantly the reproductive performance by increasing calving to first service interval (CFSI), calving-to conception interval (CCI)and number of services per conception (NSPC). The results of this study highlight the importance of mastitis control programs in dairy farms by showing that a high frequency of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus may have a negative impact on the reproductive performance of dairy cows.
Dairy cow, Risk factor, Subclinical mastitis
