Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.0773

Evaluation of a standard protocol for drying off and drying off therapy in dairy cows based on the comparison of two different commercial antimicrobials

Luca Turini orcid.org/0000-0002-4164-8263 ; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Filippo Fratini ; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Giuseppe Conte ; Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-Environmental Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Barbara Turchi ; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Domenico Cerri ; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Fabrizio Bertelloni ; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Francesca Bonelli ; Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate two commercial antibiotics for drying off. Ninety-five Friesian cows and 380 quarters were included. The cows were classified as Control or Subclinical Mastitis based on somatic cell count. The California Mastitis Test and the teat end score were performed. Quarters were randomly treated with Cloxacillin and Ampicillin (TA) or Cephalexin (TB). The effect of the therapy (TA vs. TB) was estimated by X2 analysis based on the Wald test. The preservative and therapeutic actions of TA vs. TB were evaluated by the Kruskall-Wallis test. TB showed a statistically significant therapeutic effect in the control group, that might be related to the pharmacological activity of the two antibiotics. Also, the subclinical mastitis group most commonly presented more quarters affected compared to the control group, leading to worse improvement despite proper therapy. In conclusion, in abrupt drying off, the California mastitis test, teat end score and somatic cell count evaluation, as well as microbial herd data, might represent key concepts for an efficient drying off standard protocol on a dairy farm. In line with the herd bacterial population, both TA and TB may be employed for drying off therapy.

Keywords

veterinary; dairy cow; mastitis; dry period; drying-off therapy

Hrčak ID:

241718

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/241718

Publication date:

22.7.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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