Effect of udder health status on daily milk production parameters considering animal related factors in Holstein cattle

This study analysed the effect of udder health status on daily milk production parameters in Holstein cattle, considering lactation stage, parity, and production level. A total of 2,509,222 test-day records were analyzed, with somatic cell count (SCC) used as a key indicator for detecting mastitis. Cows were classified into three health categories based on SCC thresholds: healthy (<200,000 cells/ml), subclinical mastitis (200,000-400,000 cells/ml), and clinical mastitis (>400,000 cells/ml). The results showed a significant reduction in daily milk yield in cows affected by mastitis, with the most pronounced declines observed in clinical cases. Additionally, milk composition parameters were influenced by udder health status, with fat and protein content increasing, while lactose concentration decreased in mastitic cows. Across all production levels and parity classes, mastitic cows exhibited lower milk urea concentrations, suggesting potential metabolic alterations. Obtained results highlight the detrimental impact of mastitis on milk production efficiency and composition, reinforcing the need for effective disease prevention and management strategies. Precision monitoring and early mastitis detection remain crucial for optimizing milk quality, improving dairy farm sustainability, and ensuring animal welfare.