ROLAND MEÇAJ1,2, GERALD MUÇA1, MAJLIND SULÇE1, FLORIAN PLAKU1, RENIS MAÇI3, ENKELEJDA SALLAKU1, ETLEVA DELIA1, XHELIL KOLECI1, MYQEREM TAFAJ1*
1Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania, 1029, Tirana, Albania
2National Authority of Veterinary and Plant Protection, 1017, Tirana, Albania
3Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary, 1027 Tirana, Albania
*Corresponding author; E-mail: dp.rolandi.akvmb@gmail.com
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Abstract
Subclinical mastitis (SCM) presents a significant challenge in Albanian dairy farming due to its asymptomatic nature, which impedes early detection and prevention. Environmental factors such as nutrition, hygiene, milking and housing remain insufficiently studied, and despite high prevalence, standardized detection and prevention protocols are lacking. This study adapted and evaluated a practical protocol for assessing SCM risk factors across nine Holstein dairy farms in Albania. The protocol included: (i) collection of farm and husbandry data; (ii) assessment of feeding status; (iii) establishment of a testing group of cows; (iv) administration of the California Mastitis Test (CMT); (v) evaluation of udder hygiene and mastitis management; (vi) milk sampling for pathogen and quality analyses; and (vii)
data analysis with formulation of practical recommendations. The adapted protocol was evaluated under real production conditions on nine Holstein dairy farms, aiming to identify biotic and abiotic risk factors for SCM. On each farm, 6 to 11 cows in lactation years 1 to 5 were randomly selected. Herd sizes ranged from 21 to 140 animals, with daily milk yields between 12 and 30 kg. The average prevalence of SCM was 43.2% (range 6–83%). Significant associations were found between SCM prevalence and mineral and vitamin intake—particularly calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and vitamins E, A, and D. Additionally, udder hygiene, teat infection status, and post-milking udder
disinfection were significantly correlated with SCM prevalence (p = 0.01). SCM prevalence was also significantly influenced by housing and milking systems (p = 0.001). Significant regression was observed between lactose content,conductivity, SNF content, protein, and milk density to SCM prevalence (R² = 0.26 – 0.41).These findings demonstrate that the adapted protocol enables comprehensive identification of both biotic and abiotic risk factors and is appropriate for practical application on Albanian dairy farms, provided farmers receive basic training.
Keywords: subclinical mastitis; dairy cows; biotic and abiotic factors; working protocol
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