Most dairy producers don’t need to be reminded that mastitis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases facing the industry. But beyond its frequency and economic impact, it’s important to note that mastitis can be one of the most painful conditions a dairy cow can experience.
Intensive research conducted over the past several decades has helped to grow our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of mastitis. Still, the negative consequences stemming from the pain associated with mastitis remain largely unexplored.
While there seems to be a consensus among both producers and veterinarians that severe mastitis is a significant pain source, the pain from the more frequently occurring mild to moderate mastitis isn’t as obvious.
Many researchers contend that animals with mastitis have compromised welfare, and emerging research demonstrates that there are clear benefits associated with the use of NSAIDs for the management of inflammation and the alleviation of pain associated with all types of mastitis.
Improved Fertility and Cure Rates
A 2016 European study published in the Journal of Dairy Science showed that NSAIDs can deliver more than just pain relief to cows suffering from mastitis. Results demonstrated that using meloxicam, in tandem with a standard antibiotic, improved both cure rates and fertility rates when treating mild to moderate mastitis:
- Improved the success of the first breeding from 21% to 31%
- Reduced the number of breedings needed for each pregnancy by 20%
- Increased the number of cows pregnant at 120 days in milk by 29%
Improved Cattle Welfare
It is contented that animals suffering from mastitis have compromised welfare and need supportive therapy. Some researchers suggest that the appropriate treatment of clinical mastitis should be mandatory to provide dairy cows relief from pain, discomfort, distress, and disease. The use of NSAIDs has been shown to improve the welfare of animals suffering from mastitis by accelerating recovery, decreasing signs of udder inflammation and pain, maintaining rumen motility, reducing rectal temperature and heart rate, and, in some cases, improving feed intake and milk yield.
Conclusion
Improved fertility and cure rates, fewer antimicrobials, happier cows, and more satisfied consumers are all good for business. While there is still much to learn about mastitis pain, early research shows promising results in NSAIDs’ role to help reduce costs, increase productivity and improve cattle welfare when used as part of a holistic mastitis management protocol.
Since NSAIDs are prescription drugs, it is important to work with your veterinarian when introducing them as part of your ongoing mastitis management protocols.
Let us know what you think!
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