The effect of bacterial infections of the udder on the yield and composition of cow's milk

Abstract

Summary The effect of bacterial infections, produced by infusions of Streptococcus dysgalactiae and of Staphylococcus pyogenes into one quarter of the udder, on milk yield and composition in heifers has been investigated. After a quarter became infected there was invariably a decrease in the yield of milk and in the concentrations of lactose and potassium, while there was an increase in those of sodium, chloride and non-casein proteins. These effects persisted into the 2nd lactation if the infection was not eliminated. If the infection was eliminated during the 1st lactation or during the dry period before 2nd calving there was a complete recovery in the composition of the milk in the 2nd lactation, but the recovery in milk yield was not complete.