Practical application of a tool to evaluate mastitis risk factors and costs in 25 Italian dairy herds

A practical tool was developed to investigate mastitis risks and costs in dairy herd. This tool is based on a questionnaire and on random sampling of quarter milk. The questionnaire was developed to collect the data in an objective and rationale way, avoiding personal interpretation of data. The aim was to evaluate the different critical points within a dairy herd (i.e. milking, therapy, bedding hygiene) and to calculate mastitis cost by partial budget analysis. Random sampling of quarter milk is based on epidemiological approach, to maximize the chance to identify prevalent pathogens. Questionnaires and milk samples were collected in 25 Italian dairy herds during 2010. Data were analyzed to assess mastitis costs, bacteria and risk factors. The results showed that in each dairy herd a prevalent source of infections could be identified (contagious or environmental pathogens). More interestingly, the cost of mastitis showed very large variations mostly due to the different protocols applied in each farm and not to the different pathogens identified. The tool developed showed to be practical and useful to identify prevalent pathogens and critical factors at herd level, and to improve herd sustainability by applying more rational and efficient therapeutic protocols.