Effects of a single dose of cabergoline on udder involution, milk leakage, and dry-period mastitis in dairy cattle
Abstract
Mastitis frequently originates during the dry period, and abrupt drying-off in high-yielding dairy cows increases milk leakage, delays udder involution, and predisposes them to intramammary infections. Prolactin inhibitors, such as cabergoline (CAB), may help mitigate these challenges. Sixty-five Holstein-Friesian cows were assigned to the cabergoline group (GCAB, n=33) or control group (GCON, n=32). At drying-off, GCAB cows received a single intramuscular dose of 5.6 mg of CAB, while GCON cows received 5 mL of 0.9% NaCl. Milk leakage, teat measurements, and postpartum mastitis incidence were monitored. Milk leakage was significantly lower in GCAB group (Day 1: 3% vs. 46.9%; Day 2: 18.2% vs. 56.3%). Teat measurements indicated faster udder involution in GCAB (Day 1: 6.90 ± 2.01 cm vs. 8.29 ± 1.56 cm; Day 2: 7.37 ± 1.79 cm vs. 8.84 ± 1.86 cm). The incidence of postpartum mastitis was lower in the GCAB group (3.0% vs. 21.9%). CAB was well tolerated, and no major adverse effects were observed. The study was limited to a single farm and a relatively small sample size, which may restrict generalizability. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings. Single-dose CAB administered at abrupt drying-off effectively reduces milk leakage, accelerates udder involution, and decreases the risk of postpartum mastitis. CAB may be a promising non-antibiotic strategy to improve dry period management in dairy cows.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynecology
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
April 2, 2026
Publication Date
-
Submission Date
November 24, 2025
Acceptance Date
February 19, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication