Incidence, inheritance and economics of mastitis in an organised herd of Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

The average incidence of mastitis in Murrah buffalo herd was 12.53%. Mastitis showed a consistent increase in incidence with advancement ofthe lactation order. Incidence ofmastitis was observed higher in buffaloes that calved in summer and rainy seasons. The heritability ofmastitis was 0.11 whereas repeatability was 0.12. The period oftreatment for mastitis was 14.09 days. The expenditure incurred on treatment of mastitis was Rs 209. 86/case. The older buffaloes were more susceptible to mastitis, requiring treatment for a longer duration incurring relatively higher expenditure on treatment ofthe younger buffaloes. There was a drop in milk production to the extent of 46.91 kg during the period of mastitis when compared to the average of other unaffected buffaloes in the same lactation. The total lactation milk yield and 305 days lactation milk yield were significantly and adversely affected by the incidence of mastitis.