Final answer:
The optimal way to manage mild clinical mastitis is supportive care without antibiotics, which focuses on alleviating symptoms and promoting healing through regular milking, topical antiseptics, and good hygiene practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The optimal way to manage mild clinical mastitis in order to address concerns with antibiotic resistance, drug residues in milk, and indiscriminate use of antibiotics is c. Supportive care without antibiotics. This approach focuses on providing supportive treatment to alleviate symptoms and support the cow's natural immune response to fight the infection.
Supportive care may include measures such as regular milking of infected quarters, applying topical antiseptics to the teats, maintaining good hygiene practices, and addressing any underlying causes such as poor ventilation or improper milking techniques. These measures help promote healing and reduce the need for antibiotics.
However, it is important to note that the decision to use antibiotics should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with a veterinarian, based on the severity of the infection and the overall health of the cow.