Comparison of feeding management and body condition of dairy cows in herds with low and high mastitis rates.

Feeding practices, ration composition, and body condition scores (BCS) were assessed in an observational case-contrast study of Norwegian dairy herds with low (n = 98) and high (n = 94) mastitis infection rates. Differences between the 2 groups of herds were associated with feeding practices and amount of roughage. More herds in the low-infection group were fed a reduced amount of roughage at drying off, and reduced rations during the dry period resulted in lower BCS at calving. Cows in the low-infection herds had significantly lower BCS in the last month before calving and the first month of lactation than cows in the high-infection herds. The significant associations between mastitis infection rates and BCS, frequency of concentrate feeding, and amount of roughage at drying off and during the dry period indicated that feeding practices may have an important influence on the risk of mastitis in Norwegian dairy cows.