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
July 1, 2026
Submission Date
November 24, 2025
Acceptance Date
February 19, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 73 Number: 3