An Investigation on the Determination of Mastitis Risk Levels and Milk Production Traits in Holstein Cows

Abstract

This investigation was conducted to determine mastitis risk levels and milk production traits of Holstein cows (169) raised in farms (24) enrolled to Cattle Breeders Assocation (CBA) of Samsun, Turkey, on 70 +/- 14, 140 +/- 14 and 210 +/- 14 days in milk in 4 parities and 4 seasons. Somatic cell count (SCC), electrical conductivity (EC) and catalase (CAT) were used as mastitis risk markers. High correlations were found (P<0.01) among mastitis markers and also milk yield parameters, except for EC and daily milk yield (dMY). The results of the study shown that mastitis risk levels and milk production losses increase with advancing parity and lactation stage and also in winter and spring calving seasons.