Author/Authors :
Saleem, H. D Department of Density - Al-Manara College of Medical Sciences - Al-Manara, Iraq , Razooqi, M. A Department of Veterinary Public Health - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Baghdad, Iraq , Gharban, H. A. J Department of Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Wasit - Wasit, Iraq
Abstract :
Mastitis is a complex and multifactorial disease that leads to chemical, physical, and bacteriological changes in
milk, which is associated with great economic losses. This study was carried out on lactating cows to investigate
the effect of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on milk production through the estimation of immunological and
biochemical characteristics of milk. Therefore, a total of 200 apparently-healthy lactating cows were randomly
selected from different areas in Baghdad and Maysan provinces in Iraq from April to July 2021, and 100 ml of
fresh milk was directly collected from each cow. Milk samples were examined by the California mastitis test
(CMT), and IgG concentration in milk was estimated by the ELISA method. Moreover, the changes in
biochemical parameters and enzymatic parameters were analyzed to determine the prevalence of SCM. Based
on the results of the CMT test, the prevalence of SCM was 41.5% with a significant increase in a mild degree of
severity (61.45%). IgG antibodies increased significantly in positive cows (4.92± 0.21 μg/ml). Significant
prevalence of infection was observed among cows ≥5 years old compared to those <5 years, crossbred ones
compared to natives, and those with lower milk production without udder/milk abnormalities, compared to cows
with normal milk production. However, a significant difference was observed between the two regions under
investigation (i.e., Baghdad and Maysan provinces of Iraq). Results of biochemical and enzymatic parameters
showed significant increases in the concentration of Cl, FFA, and Na, and a reduction in LAC and TP, though
not in Ca and K. The pH of mastitis milk was significantly higher. Although no significant difference was
observed in the values of ALT and LDH, AST was increased in mastitis milk. In conclusion, this study is one of
the first reports on the estimated concentration of IgG in mastitis milk samples in Iraq. Increases in the
concentration of SSCs and IgG in milk can apply to the detection of intra-mammary infections.
Keywords :
Iraq , ELISA , California mastitis test , Biochemical parameter
