Mastitis remains one of the most common and costly health challenges for dairy farmers in Bangladesh, affecting nearly every cattle owner at some point. This disease can severely disrupt milk production and cause long-term damage to a cow’s health. However, following proper preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder tissue, often caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, direct injuries, or harmful chemical exposure. It leads to swelling, reduced milk output, and in severe cases, complete cessation of milk production, along with other health complications.
Rangamati Sadar Upazila Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Suchayan Chowdhury has outlined ten practical strategies to prevent mastitis in dairy cows. These include maintaining a clean and comfortable farm environment, ensuring udder hygiene before milking, and avoiding bedding materials that harbor harmful bacteria. He stressed the importance of examining udders for injuries, using disinfectants to clean teats before milking, drying teats with clean towels, and discarding any contaminated cleaning solution.
Other key measures include drawing and inspecting small amounts of milk before attaching milking machines to check for abnormalities, ensuring operators are well-trained in machine use, and closely monitoring the milking process. Feeding cows immediately after milking helps keep them standing while the teat canals close, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, a balanced diet with adequate vitamin E and selenium is essential for udder health.
According to Dr. Chowdhury, these low-cost, disciplined practices can greatly reduce mastitis cases, improving both productivity and animal welfare in dairy farms.
