Abstract
Mastitis is a key factor reducing the profitability of dairy farms due to decreased animal productivity and deterioration of technological and sanitary quality of milk. The widespread use of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance, contamination of milk and dairy products, and environmental risks. Therefore, the development of alternative, environmentally friendly preventive solutions is highly relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytobiotic dipping agent for mastitis prevention in cows and goats. The experiment was conducted at a private farm in the Akmola region using Ayrshire cows and Kamori goats. In the experimental groups, teat dipping with the phytobiotic agent was performed after each milking for 30 days, while control groups received no treatment. Standard microbiological methods (total viable count, coliform bacteria, yeasts, molds), physicochemical tests of milk (fat, protein, lactose, solids-not-fat, density, somatic cell count), and CMT tests were applied. The results showed complete elimination of coliform bacteria and yeasts in treated animals and a reduction in microbial contamination of the udder surface (total viable count reduced by 86.8% in cows and 53.4% in goats). In cow milk, fat, protein, and lactose increased by 9.6%, 4.1%, and 5.5%, respectively, while somatic cell count decreased by 24.3% (in control, it increased by 50%). In goats, physicochemical parameters stabilized and somatic cell count decreased by 38.1%. The findings confirm the potential of the phytobiotic agent as an effective and safe alternative for mastitis prevention, improving milk sanitary quality and nutrient value, and reducing economic losses.