Animal Health
Cows & Buffaloes
Mastitis Signs in Cows and What Farmers Should Do
Updated 13 Jun 2026 • By Falah Nutrition Desk, Animal Nutrition Advisor
Mastitis - infection and inflammation of the udder - is one of the most costly diseases for dairy farmers. It reduces milk, damages udder tissue permanently if untreated, and in severe cases threatens the animal's life. Knowing the early signs and acting fast makes all the difference.
Common Signs
- Clots, flakes or watery milk from one or more quarters
- Swollen, hard, hot or painful udder quarter
- Sudden drop in milk yield
- Animal kicks during milking due to pain
- In severe cases: fever, dullness, loss of appetite
- Sometimes no visible signs (subclinical mastitis) - only milk testing reveals it
Possible Causes
- Bacteria entering the teat canal, especially after milking when the canal stays open
- Wet, dirty bedding and muddy sheds
- Incomplete milking leaving milk in the udder
- Injuries to teats
- Poor milking hygiene - dirty hands or cloth
- Weak immunity during transition period around calving
What the Farmer Should Check
- Examine first streams of milk from each quarter daily on a dark surface
- Feel each quarter for heat, swelling or hardness
- Check bedding - is it dry and clean?
- Are teats dipped or cleaned after milking?
- Is the animal in the high-risk period (first weeks after calving)?
Feed Guidance
Nutrition cannot cure mastitis, but it strongly affects prevention. Animals with good mineral and vitamin status (especially Vitamin E, selenium and zinc) resist udder infection much better. The transition period is the highest-risk window - feeding Goka Transition -21 for the final 20 days before calving is specifically designed to support udder health and help prevent post-calving mastitis. Balanced feeds enriched with minerals and vitamins, like Goka Smile, support overall immunity during lactation.
Relevant GOKA Products
Dairy Cows & Buffaloes
12-18 liters/day
NDF-rich feed for healthy digestion
Pregnant Cows & Buffaloes
20 days of feeding, 300 days of benefits
When to Contact a Veterinary Doctor
For serious symptoms, consult a qualified veterinary doctor. Feed support can help overall nutrition and recovery but should not replace veterinary treatment.
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