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Bovine mastitis and its impact on milk quality

Abstract:

Mastitis is a pathology that is triggered by multifactorial factors in cattle. This paper deals with aspects about its impact on the quality of milk and the economic losses that it causes in the industry in the world and in Ecuador. Quality at the moment of milking and adequate control of this clinical and subclinical disease are important factors for the profitability of a farm. However, this malady remains one of the most important problems today, representing a high percentage (70) of total expenditure for dairy farmers. In Ecuador, 75% of total production is destined for human and industrial consumption. Most of the main dairy processing industries are located in the Sierra with 73% of the national production, and are mainly engaged in the production of pasteurized milk, cheeses and cream, with other dairy products being a secondary one. The main factors that influence quality are the lack of hygiene in the routine of milking, equipment malfunction, poor management of disinfectants and sealants, non-identification of the infectious agent and finally the effectiveness of control measures and Treatments. It was concluded that bovine mastitis is an important public health problem that causes a decrease in the quality and quantity of processed milk, a situation that can be improved with the application of good livestock practices.