Milk production losses associated with clinical mastitis within identical-twin sets

M.W. Woolford, J.H. Williamson

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1980, 40: 175-179

Daily milk yield data over a period of three years have been analysed for differences in production occurring within identical-twin sets where one member was recorded as having a clinical intramammary infection. For 22 such instances, the infected group showed 6.9% lower yield (P<0.01) over the 7-day period following diagnosis and treatment. Within 14 days, yields had recovered to pre-infection levels in all but two sets. The data suggest that if clinical symptoms of mastitis are detected at an early age, as through foremilk examination, production losses can be minimal.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998