Variability of milk production traits and the mastitis prevalence in Simmental cows considering breeding region

This research aimed to analyse the variability in daily milk production and quality, as well as the prevalence of subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy Simmental cows, with a focus on the influence of breeding region. The data, collected over a 10-year period, included test-day records from cows in three regions of Croatia: Central, Eastern, and Mediterranean. Notable regional differences were observed in daily milk yield, fat content, and other milk quality parameters. Cows from the Central and Eastern regions had higher milk yield and fat content compared to those from the Mediterranean region. The study also examined the prevalence of mastitis, revealing higher rates of both subclinical and clinical mastitis in the Central and Eastern regions compared to the Mediterranean. Clinical mastitis was associated with a notable reduction in milk yield and quality, while subclinical mastitis, though less severe, still resulted in some decrease in milk production and quality compared to healthy cows. The results indicate the importance of monitoring mastitis prevalence and its impact on milk production, emphasizing the need for regional-specific management strategies to optimize dairy cattle health and productivity.