Negatively controlled, randomized clinical trial to evaluate a culture-based selective antimicrobial treatment of non-severe clinical mastitis on behavior of dairy cows

ABSTRACT The aim of the present negatively controlled, randomized clinical trial was to assess dry matter intake (DMI) and behavior in cows with mild and moderate naturally occurring CM caused by gram-negative or culture-negative pathogens. Enrolled cases were assigned to either the negative control or to the treatment group, which received one infusion of intramammary ciprofloxacin for three consecutive days. Behavior was assessed through neck collars which monitors rumination, activity, and rest times. Electronic feeders were used to record feeding behavior and DMI. Also, average daily milk yield, milk composition, somatic cells count (SCC), and white blood cells count (WBC) were evaluated. Of a total of 67 cases of CM, 23 met the criteria to enter the experiment and were enrolled to the negative control (n=13) and to the treated group (n=10). There was no difference in behavior between groups throughout the studied period. Also, no difference was found in DMI, feeding behavior and in the other parameters between negative control and treated cases. Therefore, the selective treatment did not have negative impacts on behavior and DMI, as well as in the other parameters. This therapeutic strategy can be beneficial since reduces costs and the use of antimicrobials in dairy farms.