Abstract

A cross sectional study was undertaken from October, 2010 to June, 2011 to estimate prevalence of mastitis, to identify potential risk factors, and to assess impact of mastitis on chemical composition of bovine milk in and around Gondar town, Ethiopia. The study was conducted using California Mastitis Test for screening of subclinical mastitis, clinical examination and ultramilker to analyze chemical composition of milk. A total of 1,097 quarter milk samples collected from 290 local zebu and Holestein-zebu cross breed cows were examined; and overall prevalence of 46.9 and 24.3% was observed at cow and quarter level, respectively. Clinical and subclinical mastitis were detected with prevalence of 9.7 and 37.2%, respectively. From observed risk factors breed, milk yield, housing and feeding show statistically significance difference (p < 0.05) in prevalence of mastitis. Of all parameters, chemical composition of milk, statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the mean fat composition among different mastitic milk. In conclusion, prevalent occurrence of mastitis accompanied with different potential risk factors was an important problem affecting dairy production; therefore, integrated control measures and monitoring were suggested.

Key words: Gondar, mastitis, milk composition, risk factors, prevalence.