How does mastitis affect a dairy cow's performance?

Mastitis significantly decreases milk production and quality in dairy cows due to inflammation of the mammary gland. When a cow develops mastitis, this condition disrupts normal milk secretion, which can lead to reduced overall milk yield. Additionally, mastitis can alter the composition of milk, resulting in higher somatic cell counts and potentially affecting its safety and quality for consumer use.

The infection and inflammation associated with mastitis can cause pain and discomfort, further impacting the cow's overall health and ability to produce milk effectively. This decrease in both quantity and quality of milk can have substantial economic implications for dairy producers, as lower-quality milk may not meet the standards required for sale or processing. Thus, understanding the detrimental effects of mastitis on dairy cow performance is crucial for the management and health maintenance of dairy herds.