Enzymes in mastitis milk

Mastitis diagnosis and awareness are becoming increasingly important as the severity of mastitis not only decreases milk yield and quality but also affects the well-being of lactating animals. During mastitis, the enzyme activity of the mammary gland changes drastically. Based on the severity of infection, inflammatory enzymes may increase, whereas enzymes involved in milk synthesis may decrease. In the current scenario, milk enzyme activities, such as lactate dehydrogenase, N-acetyl-d-glucosaminidase and phosphatases are used as an alternate source to screen the extent of mammary gland epithelial cell damage and deterioration of milk quality during mastitis. These enzymes varied significantly between healthy, subclinical, and clinical mastitis animals. In this context, the present chapter highlights the properties of enzymes in milk that vary with animal or mammary gland health status and efforts to use these biomarkers in diagnosing mastitis.