Assessment of Subclinical Mastitis through California Mastitis Test in Dairy Cattle of Bidar District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: India's dairy sector is a major contributor to the national economy and the livelihoods of millions of people. Improving milk quality through good dairy farming practices and proper milking hygiene is essential for sustainable dairy production. These measures help prevent subclinical mastitis, a common udder infection that reduces milk quality and farmer profitability. Aim: To evaluate the impact of improved dairy management practices on udder health, milk quality, productivity, and economic returns under real-world dairy farming conditions. Study Design: A comparative field-based demonstration study was conducted between a control group following conventional dairy practices and a demonstration group adopting improved dairy management practices. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out under field conditions in dairy farms of Bidar District of ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bidar (UAS, Raichur) for one year. Methodology: Improved dairy management practices were implemented in the demonstration group and compared with conventional practices followed in the control group. Parameters assessed included incidence of subclinical mastitis, raw milk shelf life, Methylene Blue Reduction Test (MBRT) time, milk yield per lactation, milk fat percentage, solids-not-fat (SNF) content, gross cost, gross returns, net returns, and benefit–cost ratio. The performance of both groups was compared to determine the effectiveness of the improved practices. Results: The incidence of subclinical mastitis decreased substantially from 79.70% in the control group to 18.60% in the demonstration group, representing a 76.66% reduction. Milk quality improved significantly, with raw milk shelf life increasing from 2.10 to 4.15 h (+97.60%) and MBRT time from 1.15 to 2.10h (+82.60%), indicating reduced microbial load. Milk productivity also improved, with milk yield per lactation increasing from 1595 to 2030 litres (+27.30%). Milk composition showed enhancement, with fat content increasing from 3.50% to 4.70% (+34.30%) and SNF content from 8.10% to 9.10% (+12.30%), respectively. Economic analysis revealed a slight increase in gross cost (₹28,200 to ₹31,800), while gross returns increased markedly from ₹63,800 to ₹81,200. Net returns improved from ₹22,900 to ₹37,400, and the benefit–cost ratio increased from 2.20 to 2.55. Conclusion: The adoption of improved dairy management practices significantly enhanced udder health, milk quality, milk productivity, and economic profitability. These findings demonstrate that improved dairy practice