Abstract

This study was aimed at identifying the most significant bacteria isolates in the udder quarters as pathogenic causes of subclinical mastitis, and as well to investigate antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated organisms. The study was carried out at three cattle farm locations in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total number of 105 apparently healthy lactating cows without udder inflammation were sampled for milk; sampling by hand stripping was done after swabbing the teats with cotton wool dipped in alcohol and discarding the first stripping. Culture and isolation techniques, as well as biochemical tests of milk samples from the four quarters of udders of the 105 apparently healthy cows were carried out. In addition, an in vitro antibacterial sensitivity test was performed for six classes of antibacterial agents. A test of independent assessment (Chi-square test) was used to determine if association existed between the bacterial species collectively isolated and the affected animals (p = 0.716) or quarters (p =

Key words: Cows; Subclinical Mastitis; Bacterial Pathogens; Quarters; Antibacterial Sensitivity