Mastitis in Goats

Pathogenic microorganisms enter the animal's body through mechanical damage to the mammary glands, through open wounds.

Causes of udder damage include:

• errors during machine milking (poorly fitted cups, equipment malfunctions)
• scratches at insect bite sites
• scratches from hard objects or branches
• cuts, cracks, or bruises of the teats

The following causes of infection are identified:

• violation of hygiene rules during milking
• unsanitary conditions in housing areas
• inadequate nutrition, leading to weakening of the body
• inflammatory processes in other organs and tissues

Goats often develop mastitis after kidding, when the body is weakened and susceptible to bacteria. Animals at risk include those with retained placenta, vaginitis, or endometritis.

Mastitis in goats can be identified by general signs:

• reduced productivity
• depressed state
• weakness, reluctance to move
• loss of appetite
• elevated temperature

There are a number of signs characteristic of this disease in particular. First of all, these are signs of an inflammatory process in the udder tissues, which develops within 2–4 days.

SEROUS

The most common form: the affected part of the udder is enlarged and edematous due to exudate secretion, which accumulates in the connective tissue.

• skin reddening
• enlargement of the supramammary lymph node
• milk is watery, with clots and flakes

CATARRHAL

Bacteria affect the glandular and surface epithelium. It is actively rejected, exudate forms, and the udder mucous membranes become inflamed.

• flakes and clots in the milk
• seals are palpable under the skin at the base of the teats
• affected udder quarter is enlarged and painful
• supramammary lymph node is enlarged

HEMORRHAGIC

Small and large blood vessels become porous, and blood circulation is disrupted. Blood accumulates in the milk ducts and alveoli.

• instead of milk, a watery red or pink fluid is secreted, in which flakes are easily noticeable
• rumen hypotension is observed
• affected area becomes swollen, feels firmer, has elevated temperature, and is painful
• skin takes on a bluish-red hue

PURULENT

In purulent-catarrhal mastitis, pus accumulates in the milk ducts and alveoli. In case of an abscess – in pustules on the udder skin. In case of phlegmon – in the subcutaneous tissue.

• pus is visible in the milk
• animal's breathing becomes rapid
• udder is initially hot and painful, but after a day it becomes swollen, loses sensitivity, and the temperature subsides
• skin of the affected area has a bluish tint

NITA-FARM has developed products that have demonstrated high efficacy during scientific expert studies.

• Nitox 200. Just one intramuscular injection of this antibacterial product based on oxytetracycline and magnesium eliminates mastitis in the animal. Action begins within half an hour after administration. The product destroys most pathogenic bacteria for up to 72 hours. Goat milk can be consumed after 7 days, meat – after 28 days.

• Tylosin 50 and 200. The active ingredient is safe for the animal's body. The product differs from tylosin tartrate in higher efficacy, stability, and better tolerability. It acts on most types of bacteria within one hour after injection and maintains its effect for 24 hours. Treatment course: 5–7 days (1 injection per day). Goat milk can be consumed after 4 days.