Sensor-Generated Data for Evaluation of Subclinical Mastitis Treatment Effectiveness with Garlic Extract (Allicin) in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of subclinical mastitis treatment in dairy cattle on biomarkers registered with in-line sensors such as milk yield (MY), electric milk conductivity (EC), rumination time (RT), and somatic cell count (SCC). At the start of the experiment, all cows according to SCC level were divided into two groups: healthy cows (n = 30, with SCCs less than 200,000 per mL and without the growth of bacteria in the milk samples) and cows with subclinical mastitis (n = 32), with SCC levels greater than 200,000 per mL and with growth of bacteria. Streptococcus spp. was found in 15 samples, and Strep. uberis was found in 17 samples. Streptococcus spp. and Strep. uberis were sensitive to amoxicillin and calvulanic acid. According to these results, 32 cows with subclinical mastitis were treated with two treatment protocols: one 1 (n = 16) and two (n = 16). In the first protocol, we used SCC boluses and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SCCB and NSAID). The second protocol consists of intramammary antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications (Synulox LC and NSAIDs). All parameters (MY, EC, RT, and SCC) were recorded with Lely Astronaut® A3 milking robots on the day of mastitis diagnosis (0 day) and 14 days after treatment began. All animal experimental procedures were approved by the ethical committee; the approval number is PK01696. On the basis of our findings, we may infer that SCC boluses and NSAIDs are effective in treating subclinical mastitis. After 14 days of treatment, the electrical conductivity of milk in cows treated with AB and NSAID was also higher in all quarters of the udder compared to cows treated with SCCB + NSAID. The RT of cows on disease diagnosis day of cows treated with AB and NSAID was 11.41% lower compared to cows treated with SCCB and NSAID, while the RT of cows after 14 days treated with AB and NSAID was 7.01% lower compared to cows treated with SCCB and NSAID. On the practical side, for treatment of subclinical mastitis, we recommend using a feed supplement SCC bolus (one per os) with a composition containing Meloxicam 20 mg with a single subcutaneous injection at a dosage of 2.5 mL per 100 kg body weight.