The evaluation of udder health status in Holstein dairy farms located in Qom province

BACKGROUND:Mastitis is the most economically importantdisease in dairy industry worldwide. Bulk tank milk (BTM)analysis has been suggested for monitoring the udder healthstatus at herd level. OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study wasconducted to evaluate udder health status in 15 Holstein dairyfarms located in Qom province. METHODS: Bulk tank somaticcell count (BTMSCC) was analyzed using opto-fluoroelectroniccounter. Standard plate count, preliminary incubationcount, laboratory pasteurized count, and the number ofenvironmental streptococci, S. agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, S.uberis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, coagulase negative streptococci,S. aureus and C. bovis were determined using specific culturemedia. Moreover, clinical and subclinical mastitis were diagnosedusing physical examination and California mastitis test,respectively. RESULTS: Most herds had moderate to highBTMSCC and high bacterial counts. The prevalence of clinicaland subclinical mastitis was 1.3% and 24.7%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated inefficient stallmanagement, udder hygiene, and milking practices in the herdsinvestigated.