Vol. 10, Special Issue 9 (2021)

Author(s):
LM Sorathiya, CM Bhadesiya, AI Dadawala, GR Chaudhary, PP Makwana and TP Patel

Abstract:
India ranks first in terms of population of milch animals and amount of milk production. The quality of milk produced in India has direct relationship with knowledge level and adoption of scientific animal husbandry practices by livestock owners. Mastitis is the main udder/mammary gland affection of milch animals which reduces the quality of milk and has devastating economic impacts on livestock owners. The proportion of bacterial mastitis caused by environmental pathogens is less as compared to infectious mastitis. Moreover, the present era is facing challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, it is important to look after possible preventive strategies. A minor effort to reduce incidence of environmental mastitis can also lead to reduction in economic losses. With a similar view, the present investigation was carried out to identify common bacterial pathogens present in water trough, on milker’s hands and on milking utensils. Additionally, a chemical-based water disinfectant (AQUA PRO), an alcohol-free hand sanitizer (DERMA PRO) and a utensil detergent (CIRCO BLUE) provided within Mylchize kit (a commercial farm hygiene kit) were evaluated for their in-vitro efficacy against the bacterial pathogens recovered from samples. The present paper highlights the results and places special emphasis on newer aspects to promote clean milk production for economic benefit of the livestock owners.