Association between veterinary technical practices, mastitis control, and milk quality in intensive dairy farms of Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION

Bovine mastitis is one of the most important diseases affecting dairy production worldwide, resulting in reduced milk yield, impaired milk quality, increased treatment costs, and substantial economic losses. This study evaluated the association between veterinary technical practices, mastitis occurrence, and milk quality in intensive dairy farms in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and September 2024 involving 150 intensive dairy farms selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, farm health records, and on-farm observations. Variables included routine California Mastitis Test (CMT) implementation, hygiene and milk management scores, vaccination practices, technical staff qualifications, and mastitis occurrence. Associations were evaluated using Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Mastitis was reported in 116 of 150 farms (77.3%), while the estimated animal-level occurrence of clinical mastitis was approximately 12%. Routine CMT implementation was associated with significantly lower odds of mastitis occurrence (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.88; p < 0.05). Farms lacking qualified technical personnel had higher odds of mastitis occurrence (OR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.12-4.13; p < 0.05). Only 28.0% of farms practiced mastitis vaccination, and low vaccination uptake was associated with increased mastitis occurrence (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.01-3.52). Hygiene score was not significantly associated with mastitis occurrence or milk quality (p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION: The findings demonstrate that routine diagnostic screening and qualified veterinary technical support play key roles in mastitis control in intensive dairy systems. Strengthening preventive herd health programs, improving technical capacity, and promoting early detection strategies are essential to enhance udder health, improve milk quality, and support sustainable dairy production under arid environmental conditions.