Factors Affecting Clinical Mastitis in Danish Dairy Herds
Author Information
Author(s): Sato Kenji, Bartlett Paul C, Alban Lis, Agger Jens F, Houe Hans
Primary Institution: Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming
Hypothesis
What herd-specific management and environmental factors are associated with clinical mastitis incidence in Danish dairy herds?
Conclusion
The study suggested that farmer attitudes toward mastitis and lameness treatment were important determinants for mastitis incidence rate.
Supporting Evidence
- Daily milk production per cow was significantly associated with mastitis incidence rate.
- Quality of labor on the farm was identified as a significant latent factor related to mastitis incidence.
- Regions of Denmark showed varying mastitis incidence rates, indicating environmental influences.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different management practices on dairy farms in Denmark can affect the number of cows getting sick with mastitis, a common infection.
Methodology
Data from 2,146 herds were analyzed using disease reports and a management questionnaire, with regression models to identify risk factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to farmers' subjective reporting of mastitis cases and management practices.
Limitations
The study relied on farmer-reported data, which may have included reporting bias and under-reporting of mastitis cases.
Participant Demographics
Danish dairy herds, with a sample representing 20% of the dairy herd population in Denmark in 1993.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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