ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEIFERS’ MASTITIS

Mastitis in dairy heifers is a problem that has reached remarkable importance since the development of highly specialized dairy operations. The bovine female is susceptible to intramammary infections (IMI) from the moment at which the mammary gland is completely developed in the fetus. A number of features, from individual-based variability to environmental and managerial practices can increase or decreased the risk to acquire IMI. The bacteria most commonly associated with IMI are coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS), however, other pathogens including Staphylococus aureus, Mycoplasma spp, Streptococcus uberis y Streptococcus agalactiae, are also ethiological agents of IMI. Management alternatives for mastitis in dairy heifers are aimed towards the reduction of risk factors, and are complemented by the inclusion of teat sealants, disinfectants, and antibiotics, in addition to a prior evaluation of herd health programs in each dairy farm.