The role of the milking machine in the aetiology and epidemiology of bovine mastitis.

Abstract

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that causes major economic losses In developed dairy countries. A great deal of research has been directed toward the identification of machine factors related to mastitis. The milking machine has little effect on the new mastitis infection rate if it is installed, operated and functions according to internationally recognised standards. Its role in causing mastitis is often overestimated. It has proven difficult to produce mastitis experimentally soley by altering machine functions within accepted parameters. Although not a direct prerequisite for mastitis, the milking machine has significant effects upon the aetiology and epidemiology of mastitis. These effects may operate directly by increasing the new intramammary infection rate, or indirectly by increasing the risk of exposure of the mammary gland to mastitis-causing organisms, and reducing disease resistance in the cow.