| Abstract: | Two experiments were done to determine the rate of intramammary infection (IMI) in dairy cows during the nonlactating period. In experiment 1, all glands were equally exposed to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus agalactiae for the first 3 weeks after the start of the nonlactating period. Nearly all new IMI was caused by S agalactiae. In experiment 2, the susceptibility of nonlactating mammary glands to new IMI by S agalactiae after direct inoculation into the lactiferous sinus was determined. During the 1st month of the nonlactating period, 30% of inoculated glands became infected. During the last month of the nonlactating period, 90% of inoculated glands became infected. |
