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Effect of Oxytocin Injections on Mastitis-Screening Tests and Milk Composition¹

Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison

ABSTRACT

Quarter samples from 159 quarters were collected from the normal and residual milk fractions of 40 cows, to determine differences in milk composition and mastitis-screening tests. Residual milk was higher (P<.01) in fat, protein, and chloride per cent, mastitis screening test reactions, and leucocyte concentration. No difference was found between normal and residual milk for lactose per cent when calculated on a fat-free basis. Except for fat per cent, positive correlations (P<.01) existed between the normal and residual fractions for all milk components and mastitis-screening test reactions.

Injection of oxytocin into 16 cows prior to milking for five consecutive milkings caused a significant reduction (P<.01) in fat and protein per cent, and in leucocyte concentration, of milk obtained during the post-treatment period. Milk production and chloride per cent increased significantly (P < .01) as a result of the injections.

Injection of oxytocin following three consecutive milkings revealed that the decrease in fat per cent and increase in milk yield occurred both in the normal and the residual fractions, whereas the decrease in leucocytes was primarily in the residual fraction.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.