Influence of management practices on the development of subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in the Inhamuns Region, Ceará, Brazil

Subclinical mastitis is a prevalent and underdiagnosed condition affecting dairy herds, particularly in Brazil's Northeast. Although it is a frequently studied condition in Brazil, in some cities of Ceará such studies are scarce. Based on this, our study aimed to assess the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in a semiarid region of Brazil and identify its associated risk factors. Conducted in the Inhamuns Region, the research involved 15 rural properties, evaluating 1167 mammary quarters using a questionnaire addressing production characteristics, milking management practices, and milk sample collection. Results indicated that 54.1% of the mammary quarters exhibited somatic cell counts (SCC) >200,000 cells/mL, indicative of subclinical mastitis. Key risk factors included high milk productivity (over 5 liters/day per animal), poor conditions of milking equipment and facilities, nutritional imbalances, and inadequate hygiene and sanitary management practices. The study underscores the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the Inhamuns region, highlighting the necessity for targeted strategies to improve herd health, productivity, and milk quality. These findings also provide a basis for future interventions aimed at controlling this disease and mitigating economic losses for small rural producers.