Incidence and impacts of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle farms: case of Maharastra farmers

A cross sectional farm sample survey was conducted to assess the consequences of mastitis on farmer’s economy. Daily milk records of 187 animals from 28 farms were investigated by personal interview methods. Extra-resources used for the treatment and reduced revenues in terms of production were quantified and aggregated. The overall loss of mastitis from dairy animals was recorded Rs.1390.46 per lactation, in which 48.53 percent was from milk loss followed by veterinary expenses (36.57%), and additional cost of labour. Greater loss in crossbred due to its high production yield affected during the mastitis period. The cost of treating an animal is Rs. 508.52, includes cost of medicine (31.10 %) and services (5.47%). In farmer’s perception, inadequate sanitation, hygiene and veterinary services were the major factors responsible for occurrence of the disease. Therefore effective extension strategy suggested to make farmer aware to reduce incidence and improving profit margin of the farmer.