Postpartum Dairy Cow Mammary Health and Mastitis Prevention and Control

Dear Colleagues,

The mammary gland is a critical organ for milk production in dairy cows, and its health status during the postpartum period is decisive for the entire production system. During lactogenesis and lactation maintenance, mammary tissue, under the complex regulation of hormonal, nutritional, and immunomodulatory signals, undergoes significant physiological and dynamic changes. The disruption of mammary homeostasis can readily lead to mastitis, which severely affects milk yield, quality, and reproductive efficiency, resulting in substantial economic losses and animal welfare concerns. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms maintaining mammary health and the identification of key regulatory points require the integration of the latest advances in both basic research and clinical management. With the development of molecular biology, genomics, and intelligent detection technologies, our insights into the pathogenesis and control of mastitis have considerably improved, providing crucial support for developing novel diagnostic strategies and effective interventions.

This Special Issue aims to focus on the theme of "Postpartum Dairy Cow Mammary Health and Mastitis Prevention and Control," and will feature original research articles and reviews. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: adaptive regulatory mechanisms of the mammary gland during the lactation cycle, immune and inflammatory response mechanisms in mastitis, pathogenic mechanisms of mastitis-causing microorganisms and host–pathogen interactions, novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of mastitis, impacts of dairy cattle nutrition, management, and environmental control on mammary health, as well as other innovative research related to the regulation of mammary function and disease control.

Dr. Qiang Shan
Dr. Yanan Li
Guest Editors

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