EFFECT OF MASTITIS ON MILK PRODUCTION IN DAIRY COWS IN KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: Mastitis is an inflammatory disease condition of udder affecting milk production negatively and having a serious impact on the economy of dairy enterprises. It is considered to be the most costly disease of dairy animals and losses mainly occur through discarded milk, reduction in milk yield, premature culling of animals and replacements. It is usually caused due to the effects of infection by bacterial or mycotic pathogens. Pathological changes to milk-secreting epithelial cells due to the inflammatory processes often bring about a decrease in functional capacity. The general objective of the study is establish the effect of mastitis on milk production in dairy cows in Kenya

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Findings: The study found out that mastitis significantly affect milk production and leads to losses due to discarded abnormal milk and withheld milk from cows treated with antibiotic.   There is also lack of information on the economic impact of the disease in the majority of developing countries; lack of awareness among farmers concerning sub-clinical mastitis and the importance of udder health; and lack of specific national programmes to control mastitis in the majority of countries.

Recommendations: The study recommends that government should create awareness, management and control measures to be developed for education at farmers' level as udder health, hygiene and nutrition play an important role in the control of mastitis. The best practices for reducing the incidence of mastitis like teat dip after milking; not allowing the cows to sit for 30 minutes after milking should be propagated widely among the farming community through mass media. The government should provide provision adequate funds and infrastructure required to undertake research in this direction.