Update on the use of polyethylene intramammary device [IMD] in mastitis control

IMD are small flexible organic polymer loop inserted aseptically into the gl and cistern of the udder to stimulate an immune response and increase levels of milk somatic cell counts [MSCC] within the mammary gl and to a number sufficient to create a leucocytic barrier against intramammary infection [IMI], this was shown after experimental challenge with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae,. etc. into quarters fitted with IMD compared to control quarters. Results from field testing of the abraded IMD indicated that it was highly successful in reducing the incidence of clinical mastitis. The effect of IMD on milk yield is conflicting but generally is not significant. Immunization appeared to confer additional protection to mammary quarters containing IMD. The lack of any difference in N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase [NAGase] activity and RBCs concentration in milk between IMD and control quarters, indicated no damage to milk secretory tissues due to IMD. The IMD appeared to be well tolerated by dairy cows and abnormal side effects were not a problem, and in general it offers promise in the control mastitis

Effect of antibiotics on the bacterial flora of raw milk

Raw antibiotic free milk samples were collected from different farms in Giza city. Each milk sample was tested immediately for SPC and coli-form content [control]. The milk samples was divided into 4 subsample, the first was used as control and the remaining were treated by adding 3 different levels of antibiotic. Treated samples were examined within 2 hours posttreatment [zero time], all subsamples were held at 10°C and examined periodically after 12 hours intervals for SPC and Coliform contentml, milk. The antibiotics studied were Penicillin, Streptomycin and combination of both antibiotics. All antibiotics in the different levels studied were found to reduce the number of bacteria in raw milk samples as compared with the control samples. The public health importance of antibiotic residues in milk and their effect on dairy industry as well as suggested control measures were discussed