Shirli Notcovich

Citation

Thesis Title
The physiology of the keratin plug formation in dairy cattle and its interaction with current and novel methods for prevention of intramammary infections

The keratin plug is a waxy substance that forms at the end of lactation in the teat of mammals and acts as a barrier to impede the entrance of bacteria. The physiology of keratin plug formation remains unclear and intramammary infection during the dry period in dairy cattle is high. Shirli Notcovich investigated the gene expression of the teat canal during keratin plug formation and interactions with current and novel methods used for prevention of intramammary infections. Ms Notcovich found reduced expression of genes related to immune response and multiplication of the epithelial tissue of the teat canal, which could explain the higher incidence of mastitis during the early dry period. She also discovered details about the mechanism of action of the current methods to prevent mastitis that could re-orient approaches to the development of new products to prevent mastitis.

Supervisors
Professor Norm Williamson
Professor Ynte Schukken
Professor Cord Heuer
Dr Jimena Yapura