Mastitis and Associated Histo-pathological Consequences in the Context of Udder Morphology

This study determined association of some morphometric characteristics of udder with mastitis in dairy cattle. For this purpose; 100 animals each negative and positive for mastitis by California Mastitis Test and bacteriology, were selected from amongst those brought for slaughter at Faisalabad abattoir. Morphometric observations on udder were recorded pre-slaughter; whereas, samples from mammary tissues were collected post-slaughter for histopathology, alkaline phosphatase and protein activity. Staphylococci were predominant (95% C.I.=31.7‒50.8) being significantly higher than Streptococci (95% C.I.=9.8‒24.2) and Escherichia coli (95% C.I.= 3.8‒14.6) in mastitic cattle. Morphometric comparisons revealed lower (P<0.0001) teat and teat canal length; whereas, higher (P<0.0001) teat base and mid diameter in mastitic cattle. The results of univariate and bivariate logistic regression including species and individual variable in the model revealed association of teat involved, teat shape, udder shape, somatic cell count and teat/udder pathology with the occurrence of mastitis. Histopathological findings revealed significantly lower alveolar diameter, number of alveoli and alveolar epithelial cell population in mastitic dairy cattle. Mammary tissues from mastitic animals also demonstrated weak alkaline phosphatase and protein activity. Results of the study may have application in selection of dairy animals and in a better understanding of the pathological consequences of mastitis. © 2012 Friends Science Publishers