As much as 90% of dairy cows in Indonesia are infected with mastitis of various degrees of severity, causing a large decrease in milk production. This is because of independent breeders (people) do not understand livestock management.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the internal tissues of the udder gland due to microbial infiltration in the nipple or a wound that can cause acute, sub-acute or chronic infection. Therefore, mastitis is a main problem for dairy farmers.
The manifestations of disease in dairy cows can be divided into two types, namely clinical and subclinical mastitis. Clinical mastitis is indicated by symptoms of swelling, hardening of the udder, pain, heat, and redness and even decreased udder function. Meanwhile, sub clinical mastitis showed no change in udder physical condition or symptoms.
The causes of mastitis include poor raising management, always dirty cages, rarely bathed cows, lack of drinking water, changes in feed types, cage is close to sewage treatment, and stress on livestock due to constant cages and ties.
The presentation of mastitis was the topic of an online seminar held by Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Brawijaya, Tuesday (13/10/2020). The speakers include Dr. Ir. Puguh Surjowardojo, MS. (Head of Dairy Livestock Laboratory Faculty of Animal Husbandry UB), Ir. H. SS. Sulistyanto, MM (Setia Kawan Dairy Farm Cooperative), Firmansyah Tri Saputra, S.Pt., MP (Fapet UB), and Rifa’i, S.Pt., M.Pt (Fapet UB).
According to Sulistyanto, online seminars are expected to provide knowledge and insight to the community, especially breeders. Hence, creating public awareness about the importance of preventing mastitis to improve milk quality according to SNI.
Meanwhile, Firmansyah said that mastitis attacks the nipples, even though the putting has a layer of protective oil called serbum. However, the immune system in cows affects the function of the serbum, so that cows that are less fit will easily be infected with mastitis bacteria.
“One of the solutions to prevent mastitis is to increase the cow’s immune system, by not stressing the cattle, providing sufficient water and nutrition, and releasing them from the cage so they can bask in the sun to get vitamin D.” clear the Word
Besides, it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the cage, sanitation, cleanliness of the cows, cleanliness of the milkman and its equipment, as well as isolation of sick cows and cows that have just arrived. (dta / Humas UB/ Trans. Iir)
