25 November 2014

1 minute read

Researchers in Israel recently examined the effects of subclinical mastitis induced by gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus or gram-negative Escherichia coli on follicular growth in Holstein dairy cows.

The research was published in the November issue of Theriogenology, reports the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council.

During the trial, somatic cell count was higher in the treated groups than in controls, and higher in the gram-negative versus gram-positive group. Results also showed that most cows in the gram-negative group (83 per cent) and 40 per cent of cows in the gram-positive group were defined as affected by induced mastitis.

An immediate decrease in the number of medium-size follicles was recorded on day four of the induced cycle in the affected gram-positive group of cows compared with the uninfected control group.

The researchers conclude that subclinical mastitis induced by gram negative and gram positive toxin disrupts follicular functions. Furthermore, it also seems that the ovarian pool of early antral follicles is susceptible to subclinical mastitis.