Características do manejo e controle da mastite em bovinos leiteiros: estudo comparativo entre duas propriedades rurais em Minas Gerais

Abstract

This study described and compared mastite management and control in two dairy farms in São Roque de Minas, MG, identifying the most effective practices and their points for improvement. A descriptive and comparative case study with a qualitative approach was conducted through direct observation and collection of productive and sanitary data. Infrastructure, milking routine, treatment protocols, and indicators such as SCC and TBC were evaluated. As results, Property A (intensive/technified system, Holstein herd, 320 cows, and 39.8 L/day) performs three milkings, pre- and post-dipping, the strip cup test, microbiological culture, and monthly SCC. It obtained excellent indexes: SCC of 130,000 cells/mL, TBC of 10,000 CFU/mL, and a clinical mastitis incidence between 5% and 6%. Property B (traditional/family system, Girolando herd, 50-70 cows, and 10 L/day) performs one milking with the calf at foot, pre-dipping, and monthly CMT. It registered up to three monthly cases of mastitis, influenced by mud/moisture during the rainy season, and a lack of continuous laboratory analysis. The comparison shows that the technification of farm A generated better sanitary indexes, but farm B proved that family systems also adopt effective and affordable preventive measures (such as CMT). It is concluded that mastitis control requires an integrated set of good practices and biosecurity adapted to each producer's reality. Intensive systems are challenged by sanitary rigor due to the large volume of animals, while traditional systems face routine standardization and environmental control obstacles. Simple hygienic measures directly impact udder health and milk quality.