Mammary Gland Immunobiology and Resistance to Mastitis

The ability of dairy cattle to prevent infectious pathogens from causing mastitis is related to the efficiency of the mammary immune system. The primary roles of the bovine immune system are to prevent bacterial invasion of the mammary gland, eliminate existing infections, and restore mammary tissues to normal function. Mammary gland immunity uses a multifaceted network of physical, cellular, and soluble factors to protect the cow from the diverse array of mastitis-causing pathogens. Strategies to optimize mammary gland defenses can be an effective way to prevent the establishment of new intramammary infections and limit the use of antimicrobials to treat mastitis.