Mastitis in Dairy Cattle | Causes, Symptoms & Effective Management

Mastitis is a common and costly inflammation of the mammary gland in dairy cows and buffaloes, usually caused by bacterial infection, poor hygiene, or improper milking practices. Symptoms include swollen or painful udders, abnormal milk (watery, clots, or pus), reduced milk production, and fever in severe cases. Early detection and proper management are essential to prevent production losses and long-term udder damage. Mastitis control includes good milking hygiene, clean housing, balanced nutrition, regular udder health checks, and timely treatment. Effective mastitis management helps improve milk quality, animal welfare, and overall dairy farm profitability.