Subclinical mastitis and intra-mammary infections in Swedish beef cows

Background In beef cows, milk production is the most important factor affecting calf growth. Thus, factors that limit production has negative effects on calf weaning weight. Mastitis is a disease, which reduces milk production and is often associated with bacterial intra-mammary infection (IMI). Studies from UK and USA indicate that subclinical mastitis and/or IMI significantly affects calf weaning weight. The knowledge on subclinical mastitis in Swedish beef cows is, however, very limited.