Mastitis - inflammation of the mammary gland - is the most costly and common disease in dairy cows, causing significant pain and welfare harm requiring active prevention and treatment.
Mastitis is a painful condition that severely affects cow welfare. Cows with clinical mastitis show reduced lying time, altered gait and decreased feed intake. Pain assessment using validated scoring tools enables appropriate treatment intensity. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are as important as antibiotics in mastitis treatment for welfare and recovery. Prevention through hygiene and dry cow management is more effective than treatment.