Management Practices and Subclinical Mastitis in Bandung Regency: A Comparative Study of Intensive and Semi-Intensive Farms Yusuf Subagyo 1, Hermawan Setyo Widodo 1, Merryafinola Ifani 1, Afduha Nurus Syamsi 1, Asep Rahmat Khaerudin 2, Arif Pujiyono 3
1. Faculty of Animal Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto
2. Faculty of Animal Science, Persatuan Islam University, Bandung
3. Farming High School Cikole, Bandung
Abstract
Mastitis is a primary disease affecting dairy farm productivity, and its prevalence is closely linked to herd management practices. In Bandung Regency, a major hub for dairy production, farms operate under diverse intensive and semi intensive systems. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the occurrence of subclinical mastitis relative to management practices in these two systems. A cross sectional study was conducted in the Lembang and Pangalengan areas, involving two intensive farms (n 25 cows) and nine semi intensive farms (n 32 cows). Subclinical mastitis was assessed using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), with scores averaged per animal. Farmer interviews were also conducted to determine the frequency of CMT screening. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that intensive farms performed CMT more frequently (2.48 times per lactation) and more recently (2.68 months ago) than semi intensive farms (1.16 times per lactation and 17.63 months ago, respectively). Consequently, the mean CMT score, indicating mastitis severity, was significantly lower in intensive farms (0.84) compared to semi intensive farms (1.94). In conclusion, the higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis in semi intensive farms is strongly linked to infrequent screening. This was attributed by farmers to significant barriers, including the low availability, inconsistent supply, and high cost of CMT reagent. These findings highlight that improving farmer education on udder health must be paired with policies to increase the accessibility and affordability of diagnostic tools to enhance milk quality and farm profitability.
Keywords: Subclinical Mastitis, California Mastitis Test (CMT), Dairy Management, Supply Chain, Smallholder Farmers, Bandung
