Sub-clinical mastitis and associated risk factors on lactating cows in the Savannah Region of Nigeria
© Shittu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012
Received: 11 January 2012
Accepted: 18 July 2012
Published: 15 August 2012
Sub-clinical mastitis limits milk production and represents an important barrier to profitable livestock economics worldwide. Milk production from cows in Nigeria is not at optimum levels in view of many factors including sub-clinical mastitis.
The overall herd-level prevalence rate for SCM was 85.33% (256/300 heads of cows) while the quarter-level prevalence rate of SCM was 43.25% (519/1,200 quarters). The prevalence of SCM was 50.67%, 43.67%, 39.67% and 39.13% for the left fore-quarter, right hind-quarter, left hind-quarter and right fore-quarter, respectively. The Rahaji breed had the highest prevalence of SCM with 65.91% (29/44), while the White Fulani breed had the least with 32.39% (57/176). A total of 32.33% (97/300) had only one mammary quarter affected, 30.33% (91/300) had two quarters affected, 16.00% (48/300) had three quarters affected while 6.67% (20/300) had all the four quarters affected. A total of 53.00% had SCM in multiple quarters (159/300). The risk of SCM decreased significantly among young lactating cows compared to older animals (OR = 0.283; P < 0.001; 95%CI = 0.155; 0.516). The Rahaji breed had significantly higher risk compared with the White Fulani breed (OR = 8.205; P = 0.013; 95% CI = 1.557; 43.226). Improved sanitation (washing hands before milking) will decrease the risk of SCM (OR = 0.173; P = 0.003; 95% CI = 0.054; 0.554).
SCM is prevalent among lactating cows in the Nigerian Savannah; and this is associated with both animal characteristics (age, breed and individual milk quarters) and milking practices (hand washing).Good knowledge of the environment and careful management of the identified risk factors with improved sanitation should assist farm managers and veterinarians in implementing preventative programmes to reduce the incidence of SCM.
KeywordsRisk factors Sub-clinical mastitis Cattle Nigeria
Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) remains an economically important condition for the dairy industry . SCM is one of the major causes of animal suffering, responsible for poor growth in young animals, reduced milk quality, poor product hygiene and undesirable changes in the milk’s composition [2–5]. Mastitis is characterized by physical, chemical and bacteriological changes in the milk and pathological changes in the glandular tissue of the udder [6–8]. Effective mastitis control strategies depend on early and accurate detection, since proactive management of the condition can reduce the negative effects of the disease and achieve higher cure rates [9, 10].
Previous studies on mastitis in livestock in Nigeria have been focused primarily on small ruminants which supply the lesser percentages of the national milk requirements. To date, no published reports have examined the condition in cattle or evaluated the risk factors for SCM in lactating cows [11–15]. However, several cases of mastitis have been recorded in cows presenting at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria and other such locations in Nigeria, it is therefore important to assess the situation and recommend preventative measures.
In this study, California mastitis test (CMT) was used to determine the prevalence of quarter and herd-level sub-clinical mastitis for individual cows and the herds. This study also investigated potential risk factors associated with QSCM. The outcome is expected to enhance better planning of a mastitis control programme with implications for the Nigerian dairy industry. It also provides strong evidence for the value of hand washing, a message that the extension veterinarians can pass to farmers to reduce the risk of SCM.
Descriptive data showing the prevalence of SCM at quarter level
Descriptive data showing prevalence of QSCM by cow breed
Results of four categories representing CMT scores by cow breed
Intensity of infection
Weak positive (%)
Strong positive (%)
Risk factors associated with CMT - positive quarters and SCM
Univariable analysis of risk factors associated with SCM in lactating cow on herds in the Savannah region of Nigeria
95 % CI
Washing of teat
Pre-striping before milking
Washing hands before milking
Heifer and cow
Feeding after milking
Correlation matrix for the broad set of explanatory variables considered in the analysis of risk factors associated with the SCM among lactating cow in the Savannah region of Nigeria
Final multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model, with cow nested in herd being random factors, of risk factors significantly associated with SCM in the Savannah region of Nigeria
Washing hands before milking
Summary of questions in relation to improved udder health and analysed for association with SCM in lactating cow on herds in the Savannah region of Nigeria
Do you wash hands and/or wear gloves during milking?
Do you pre strip as part of your preparation before the cows are milked?
Do you wash the teats as part of your preparation before milking?
Never/ Only the cows with dirty udders/all cows
Do you use paper towels for the preparation of the udder before milking?
Do you use a (wet) cloth for preparation of the udder?
Do you use teat dipping/spraying before milking?
Do you use teat dipping/spraying after milking?
How regularly are your milking equipments washed?
How regularly are your milking equipments replaced?
Which of the following options describe your dry cow therapy best?
No dry cow therapy used/ Selective in the cows which I used dry cow therapy on/ I use dry cow therapy on each cows which is dried off
Do you have a separate calving paddock for your cows?
Do heifers and cows have the same calving paddock?
Do you buy replacement heifers?
Do you feed your cows after milking?
If yes, are they fed in a feed pad or in a paddock? If not continue with question 17
Do you feed additional supplement to your lactating cows, choose one of the following option
To all lactating and dry cows/only lactating cows/only dry cows/other options like
Is mastitis a primary reason for you to cull a cow?
Do you check the udder health of individual cow timely?
Do you record treatments of clinical cases of mastitis?
This study indicates that there is an association between certain risk factors and SCM in lactating cows of the Savannah region of Nigeria. Broadly, certain animal characteristics and poor husbandry management practices contributed to increased prevalence of SCM. While this study has certain limitations, such as non-independent sampling and spatial auto-correlation, an effort was made to ensure geographical spread and adequate representation of cow herds and farm types that exist in Sokoto State. The overall majority (over 90%) of the herds in Sokoto are semi-intensive or extensive herds. The purely extensive herds were not particularly selected in this study because lactating cows are usually resident under the semi-intensive system while other cows are taken out to pastures. We believe this sampled population represents the available herds in the region.
While we are aware that the testing system is somewhat subjective and may incorporate some misclassification/overestimation bias, we made all effort to reduce any bias by: a) allowing three technicians to conduct some preliminary tests on known samples and testing the kappa statistics for strength of agreement between the individual scores of the three testers (Kappa = 0.70 (0.40-0.99 at CI95%); b) usage of pasteurized milk samples as gold standard for negative test; c) carrying out random bacteria culture and analyses of selected milk sample to match them with the CMT scores ; and d) we are aware that convenient sampling of herds which was done may bias the outcomes of our investigation, however it is difficult to randomize the herds in view of frequent movement and change of locations most of this herds were subjected to. Finally, the manufacturer’s instructions for the use of the kit were adhered to in carrying out the test. Bias in body condition scoring was reduced by using the same standard (modification of ELANCO-Kellogg’s pictoral chart) in scoring all animals . Interviewers’ and courtesy biases were reduced by allowing the farmers to give free opinions on all issues and by asking certain check questions in addition to questions needed to collect the required parameters.
An overall quarter-level prevalence of 43.25% of SCM was observed, based on CMT scores, and but the LFQ were more affected than the other quarters (Table 1). Though an immediate explanation cannot be established for this observation, it is highly likely that in the process of milking, these particular quarters were milked first before the other quarters because most of the operators tend to be right handed and sit first to the left of the animals. It is also possible that contaminations from the operators left hands, which are used for less hygienic purposes (sometimes without proper washing and disinfection), and which are most often used to milk the LFQ and the RHQ (based on sitting position) contributed to the higher incidence observed in these two quarters. At the herd-level, the prevalence was 85.33%. This value is higher that those obtained previously in Tanzania (43.25%), . The fact that the prevalence of SCM was higher in a single quarter (32.33%) and reduced as more quarters are affected (30.33%, 16.00% and 6.67% in 2, 3 and 4 quarters respectively) is an indication that possibly, one quarter is usually first infected and the others become affected through contamination and other means especially during the milking procedures.
Among the breeds, the Rahaji and Sokoto Gudali were more frequently affected with documented prevalence of 65.91% and 45.67%, respectively (Table 2). The reason for the breed differences is not clear although these more affected breeds were primarily beef cattle, while Holstein-Friesian and White Fulani are better “milkers” and are preferentially selected by dairy farmers in Nigeria. It is also possible that environmental selection has caused some breeds to better adapt to a less hygienic environment, the main source of teat contamination and SCM. Such adaptations may include narrower teat canal or firmer sphincters at the tip of teats. The results from the multivariable model support this suggestion. Future research may critically evaluate breed differences to understand their individual contributions to SCM.
A statistical association was found between the four risk factors, age (in years), washing of hands before milking, breed of a cow, and different mammary quarters. Younger cows were less likely to be afflicted with SCM. This could be explained by the fact that the teat canal in older animals is more dilated or it remains partially open permanently due to years of repeated milking. This encourages the introduction of environmental and skin-associated microorganisms into the teat canal, leading to SCM and milk production losses. Schroeder had previously stated that milk production losses are nearly double for older cows than in first lactation cows .
Cows in herds where hand-washing before milking is being frequently practiced had a reduced risk of developing SCM compared to herds with less hygienic milking practices. Certain infectious organisms are normal residents of human hands and these microbes could be transmitted to uninfected animals and quarters during milking. The importance of thorough teat and hand washing before milking cannot be overemphasized in view of this finding. Where feasible, the use of hand gloves during milking should be encouraged. This has similarly been established in past reports [1, 20]. Our survey found that approximately 37.33% of the farmers do not wash their hands before milking, and the value of hand washing is an important message that extension veterinarians can pass along to farmers to reduce the risk of SCM.
The level of SCM in lactating cows in this study is comparable or higher than those obtained elsewhere in Africa (Tanzania = 51.6-75.9%, [18, 21]; Ethiopia = 80%, ), and it is indicative of poor management of animals and a heavily contaminated milking environment. Though this study is based only on the qualitative test of CMT, we believed that there is a need to conduct laboratory evaluations and establish the pathogens that may be involved in this observation. Such microbes may include Escherichia coli and Streptococcus uberis amongst others. There may also be a need to conduct broader studies, taking into account regional and socio-cultural differences, to determine the effect of other potential risk factors not included in this study, such as season and geographical location of herds.
Since a sound mastitis control programme can only be designed with the full knowledge of environmental and potential risk factors, this work should assist dairy cattle veterinarians in planning and adopting preventive practices to decrease both the cow and herd-level incidence of SCM and improve milk quality.
Prior to the commencement of the study, project and ethical clearance was obtained from relevant authorities of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto*. Owner’s consent was obtained at the time of sampling. This study was conducted among cow herds located in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Sokoto State is located in the extreme northwest region of Nigeria between longitudes 4° 8’E and 6° 54’E and latitudes 12° and 13° 58’N. It shares boundaries with Zamfara State to the East, Republic of Niger to the North and Kebbi State to the west and southwest . It has a land area of about 32,000 km2 and a tropico-continental climate which is broadly grouped into two including the moist condition with peak annual rainfall of approximately 550 mm in August and a dry harsh condition which presents both as an initial cold Harmattan (dry North-easterly wind with dust) from October to March, and a hot dry season in April to May with temperature peaking at 100° F (39°C) and a humidity of less than 20% .
While a sizeable proportion of the cattle population in Sokoto are resident herds, an equally large population of animals are migratory (trans-humance, pastoral or trade). These animals cross the inter-state and national boundaries with implications for spreading diseases. Sokoto State ranked the second-largest in Nigeria in term of animal population with an estimated livestock population of about 2 million cattle, 3 million sheep, 5 million goats, 4,600 camels and variable species of poultry including chickens, guinea fowls, ducks and turkeys . These animal species serve as the source of meat, milk, egg and other animal products to the inhabitants of the state. The cattle herds in Sokoto state vary widely in size from a few animals (usually ≤5) up to a few hundreds [25, 26].
Sample collection and California Mastitis Test
Three hundred cows were recruited from seventy-seven herds comprised of 9 intensive/sedentary (11.69%) and 68 semi-intensive/partially sedentary (88.31%) systems of management. The inclusion criteria were the willingness to participate in the study, agreement to allow access to all animals for the period of the study and presence of lactating cows in the herd. Though the herds were conveniently selected, selection of participating cows from each herd was done randomly. All intensive herds engaged in the study were on commercial farms. The survey was carried out between August and October 2011. The target population were lactating cows (n = 300) within the herds ranging from 1 to 110 cows (median = 6, min = 1, max = 110). These animals included 44 White Fulani (median = 5, min = 1, max = 110), 104 Sokoto Gudali (median = 5, min = 1, max = 110), 141 Holstein-Friesian (median = 52, min = 1, max = 110) and 11 Rahaji breeds (median = 5, min = 1, max = 6). CMT, an indirect measure of the health status of the udder, was conducted on a total of 1,200 (300 × 4 quarters) individual quarter milk samples obtained from 300 lactating cows. This test and its effectiveness in detecting SCM has been established and previously validated based on somatic cell counts (SCC) [27–31]. Prior to milk sample collection, udders and teats were cleaned with alcohol and dried in order to avoid presence of feacal debris in the milk as it could interfere with the interpretation of CMT result. Milk samples were collected directly from each quarter of the udder of a lactating cow into the corresponding segment of the four-quartered paddle. Quarters were identified as left fore-quarter (LFQ), right fore-quarter (RFQ), left hind-quarter (LHQ), and right hind-quarter (RHQ). The surplus milk was sucked out of the paddle leaving approximately 2 ml in each segment.
Two (2) ml of the CMT-test liquid was added into each segment of the paddle and mixed gently to test for SCM. The results for CMT were read in approximately 10 seconds and were recorded as – (negative; SCC score of ≤100,000 cells/ml), + (weak positive; SCC score of >100,000 – 500,000 cells/ml), ++ (positive; SCC score of >500,000 – 1,000,000 cells/ml), and +++ (strong positive; SCC score of ≥1,000,000 cells/ml), as described by the manufacturers (Schroeder, 2010). SCM has also been defined previously to include any mammary gland achieving a test result with a quarter somatic cell counts (QSCC) of >2 × 105 cells/ml. A value of >100,000 cells/ml was used as the cut-off value for an intra-mammary infection for our diagnosis of SCM [32, 33]. All CMT scores of 0 and trace (<100,000 cells) were considered as negative while CMT scores of +, ++, and +++ were considered indicators of SCM. The test mixture (milk sample and CMT-test liquid) was discarded and the paddle washed with clean water and dried properly after each use to enable the paddle to be used for another lactating cow in the same herd. For every herd, a new paddle was used.
Epidemiologic questionnaire and herds surveyed
A closed-ended questionnaire (n = 77) modified from a study by Plozza et. al. was administered to each farmer or cow handlers at the time of sampling to collect information about improving udder health. A pilot survey of 5 participating herds was conducted to validate the questionnaire and reduce ambiguity before the commencement of the main study. Questions relating to improving udder health of the herd were asked during each visit (Table 4). Data on animal characteristics were collected from the farm record or cow owner. These included: cow type/origin, age using dentition, and breed identification using specific skin markings and phenotypic characteristics. An assessment of body condition score (BCS) was done according to de Souza et al..
Data on animal characteristics and herd management practices, including the results of the individual QSCC, by cow and herd identifications, were recorded in the field form and transferred into MS-Excel® for Windows 2007 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, USA). Data from all questionnaires were verified, rechecked and filtered by three persons. Variables with many outliers and wide disparities were dropped to prevent bias in the analyses. The “age” variable (mean = 6.04 years, SD = 1.97, min = 3, max = 14) was split into 2 categories [young or cows that are ≤5 years old (n = 142, mean = 4.46 years, min = 3, max = 5), and old that are > 5 years (n = 158, mean = 7.45 years, min =6, max = 14)]. For the purpose of building the logistic regression model, a quarter was defined as CMT positive if it had a CMT score of 1+ or above. A lactating cow was defined as CMT positive if it had at least one quarter with a CMT score of 1+ or above, hence, all CMT scores of negative (−) were coded as 0 and all positive scores of +, ++, +++ were coded as 1. Similarly, all of the explanatory variables were coded appropriately before the data were transferred into Stata® v. 10 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas 77845 USA) for statistical analyses.
Based on the results of the CMT, the prevalence of SCM by quarter and cow breed was calculated. The effects of herd management and animal predictor covariates on the probability of QSCM were initially investigated using a univariable analysis. Only variables that had unconditional association with the outcome that were significant at a probability value P ≤ 0.20 in the univariable analysis were retained for further investigation in the multivariable logistic regression base model , with cow nested in herd being random factors. The correlations between the selected explanatory variables were analyzed for each category of herd management and animal characteristics. In the logistic model, CMT score (1/0) was the dependent variable and cow and herd were incorporated as random (frailty) effect term to address potential data clustering at cow and herd levels. A Likelihood ratio test (LRT) was performed via stepwise backward elimination procedure. Reduced models were compared with full models in order to assess whether the new model was a better “fit” than the other candidate models. All statistically significant variables (P ≤ 0.05) were kept in the model based on the LRT. Confounding was assessed every time a non-significant variable was dropped from the model by comparing the change in the ORs for the variable remaining in the model. Any variable that caused a 20% or greater change to the ORs of a statistically significant variable when removed from the model was considered as a potential confounder .
*At the time of carrying out this project, no standing Committee existed specifically for ethical approval of projects. However, ethical clearance was part of the discussion and approval process of project proposals by the Large Animal Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria (August, 2011).
We acknowledge the co-operation of the dairy farmers in the conduct of this study.
- Plozza K, Lievaart JJ, Pottsb G, Barkema HW: Sub-clinical mastitis and associated risk factors on dairy farms in New South Wales. Aust Vet J. 2011, 89: 41-46. 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00649.x.View ArticlePubMed
- Brightling P, Mein GA, Malmo J, Ryan DP: Countdown down under: farm guidelines for mastitis control. Countdown Downunder. 1998, Dairy Research and Development Corporation, http://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Animals-feed-and-environment/Animal-health/Mastitis-2/Countdown-resources-and-tools-2/~/media/Documents/Animals-feed-and-environment/Animal-health/Countdown-Downunder/Tools%20and%20resources/sample.ashx. Accessed 14 April, 2012.
- Seegers H, Fourichon C, Beaudeau F: Production effects related to mastitis and mastitis economics in dairy cattle herds. Vet Res. 2003, 34: 475-491. 10.1051/vetres:2003027.View ArticlePubMed
- Chagunda MGG, Friggens NC, Rasmussen MD, Larsen T: A Model for Detection of Individual Cow Mastitis Based on an Indicator Measured in Milk. J Dairy Sci. 2006, 89: 2980-2998. 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72571-1.View ArticlePubMed
- Halasa T, Nielen M, De Roos APW, Van Hoorne R, de Jong G, Lam TJGM, van Werven T, Hogeveen H: Production loss due to new sub-clinical mastitis in Dutch dairy cows estimated with a test-day model. J Dairy Sci. 2009, 92: 599-606. 10.3168/jds.2008-1564.View ArticlePubMed
- Sharma N, Gautam A, Upadhyay SR, Hussain K, Soodan JS, Gupta SK: Role of antioxidants in udder health: a review. Indian J. Field Vet. 2006, 2 (1): 73-76.
- Sharma N, Gupta SK, Sharma U, Hussai K: Treatment of clinical mastitis in buffalo-A case report. Buffalo Bull. 2007, 26 (2): 56-58.
- Sharma N, Singh NK, Bhadwal MS: Relationship of somatic cell count and mastitis: An overview. Asian-Aust. J Anim Sci. 2011, 24 (3): 429-438. 10.5713/ajas.2011.10233.View Article
- Fricke PM: Scanning the future-Ultrasonology as a reproductive management tool in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2002, 85: 1918-1926. 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74268-9.View ArticlePubMed
- Deluyker HA, Van Oye SN, Boucher JF: Factors affecting cure and somatic cell count after Pirlimycin treatment of sub-clinical mastitis in lactating cows. J Dairy Sci. 2005, 88: 604-614. 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72724-7.View ArticlePubMed
- Ameh JA, Addo PB, Adekeye JO, Gyang EO: Prevalence of clinical mastitis and of Intramammary infections in Nigerian goats. Prev Vet Med. 1993, 17: 41-46. 10.1016/0167-5877(93)90053-V.View Article
- Egwu GO, Zaria LT, Onyeyili PA, Ambali AG, Adamu SS, Birdling M: Studies on the microbiological flora of caprine mastitis and antibiotic inhibitory concentrations in Nigeria. Small Rumin Res. 1994, 14: 233-239. 10.1016/0921-4488(94)90046-9.View Article
- Anyam AA, Adekeye JO: Bacterial flora associated with mastitis in goats and sheep in Zaria (Nigeria) area. Bul Anim Health Prod Afr. 1995, 43 (3): 163-166.
- Alawa JP, Negele MB, Ogwu D: Chronic caprine mastitis in Nigerian goat breeds: microbiological flora and histopathological findings. Small Rumin Res. 2000, 35: 203-207. 10.1016/S0921-4488(99)00099-1.View Article
- Ameh JA, Tari LS: Observation on the prevalence of caprine mastitis in relation to predisposing factors in Maiduguri. Small Rumin Res. 2000, 35 (1): 1-5.View Article
- Dingwell RT, Leslie KE, Schukken YH, Sargeant JM, Timms LL: Evaluation of the California mastitis test to detect an intramammary infection with a major pathogen in early lactation dairy cows. Canadian Vet J. 2003, 44 (5): 413-416.
- Kellogg W, et al: Body condition scoring with dairy cows-FAS4008. University of Arkansas, Available at http://www.uaex.edu/other_Areas/Publications/PDF/FSA-4008.pdf. Accessed 15 April, 2012.
- Mgedela RH, Ryoba R, Karimuribo ED, Phiri EJ, Loken T, Reksen O, Mtengeti E, Urio NA: Prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical mastitis and quality of milk on smallholder dairy farms in Tanzania. J South African Vet Assoc. 2009, 80 (3): 163-168.
- Schroeder JW: Bovine mastitits and milking management. Extension Bulletin AS-1129. 2010, North Dakota State University, Available online at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/dairy/as1129.pdf. Accessed 13 December, 2011.
- Olde-Riekerink RGM, Sampimon OC, Eerland VJ, Swarts MJ, Lam TJGM: Comparing bacterial counts on bare hands with gloved hands duringmilking. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Mastitis Control: From Science to Practice, September 30–October 2, 2008, Hague, TheNetherlands. Edited by Lam TJGM. Wageningen: Wageningen Academic Publishers; 2008:77.
- Karimuribo ED, Fitzpatrick JL, Swai ES, Bell C, Byrant MJ, Ogden NH, Kambarage DM, French NP: Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and associated risk factors in smallholder dairy cows in Tanzania. Vet Rec. 2008, 163: 16-21. 10.1136/vr.163.1.16.View ArticlePubMed
- Abdurahman OA: Udder health and milk quality among camels in the Errer valley of eastern Ethiopia. Livest Res Rural Dev. 2006, 18 (8): Available at: http://Irrd.org/Irr18/8/abdul18110.htm
- Sakkwato BA: The Study of Local Geography for Nigerian Secondary Schools. 1st edition. Sokoto: M.O.E; 2001:104–110.
- Anon: Report on National Livestock Survey. Nigeria: Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services. Federal Ministry of Agriculture; 2000.
- Hoffmann I: Diversity in Northern Nigeria risk-prone systems. Biodiversity and the Ecosystem Approach in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 2003, Available at http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y4586e/y4586e03.htm. Accessed on 15 April 2012.
- Jarvis DI, Padoch C, Cooper HD: Managing Biodiversity in Agricultural Ecosystems. USA: Columbia University Press; 2010:512.
- Younan M, Ali Z, Bornstein S, Muller W: Application of the California mastitis test in intramammary Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus infections of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Kenya. Prev Vet Med. 2001, 51: 307-316. 10.1016/S0167-5877(01)00228-8.View ArticlePubMed
- Woubit S, Bayleyegn M, Bonnet P, Jean-Baptiste S: Camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis in Borena lowland pastoral area, southwestern Ethiopia. Rev Elev Med Vet Pays Trop. 2001, 54: 207-212.
- Abdel Gadir AE, Hildebrandt G, Kleer JN, Molla B, Kyule MN, Baumann MP: Comparison of California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) and bacteriological examinations for detection of camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis in Ethiopia. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 2006, 119: 45-54.
- Hawari AD, Hassawi DS: Mastitis in one humped she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Jordan. J Biological Sci. 2008, 8: 958-961. 10.3923/jbs.2008.958.961.View Article
- Kathiriya JB, Shah NM: A comparative study of different tests for diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis in camels. Indian J Animal Res. 2009, 43: 6703-6722.
- Brolund L: Cell counts in bovine milk: Causes of variation and applicability for diagnosis of sub-clinical mastitis. Acta Vet Scand. 1985, 80: 1-123.
- Schepers AJ, Lam TJGM, Schukken YH, Wilmink JBM, Hanekamp WJA: Estimation of variance components for somatic cell counts to determine thresholds for uninfected quarters. J Dairy Sci. 1997, 80: 1833-1840. 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(97)76118-6.View ArticlePubMed
- de Souza AG, de Souza JC, de Andrade IF, de Freitas RTF, Cirillo MA: Characterisation of Cattle Slaughtered at the Public Abattoir in Lavras-MG. Ciênc Agrotec Lavras. 2008, 32 (1): 251-257.View Article
- Dohoo IR, Martin SW, Stryhn H: Veterinary Epidemiologic Research. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada: VER Inc; 2009.
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.