Marketing | OZOLEA

Mammary epithelial tissue integrity is vital to autonomous defense mechanism

Marketing 17 November 2021 News

At OZOLEA, we stress the importance of tissue integrity and healthy udder. The reason lies in the cow’s natural defense mechanisms, which also includes epithelial cells.

At a macroscopic level, the first natural line of defense against pathogens causing mastitis is the teat, in particular the teat skin. Its integrity is essential to prevent bacteria from entering the teat canal, which is another key element in first line defense mechanisms.

The teat canal can be considered a barrier against pathogens, when intact and functional. Between milkings and during the dry period, the teat canal is sealed by a keratin plug stemming from the stratified epithelial layer of the canal; this plug plays a role as a physical barrier against bacteria. Between milkings, sphincter muscles maintain tight closure; after each milking, sphincter muscles require two hours to contract and close the teat canal.

The integrity and elasticity of sphincter muscles will be vital against infections, but this is an issue we will discuss in the next weeks.

The lumen of the teat canal is an aseptic environment. Moreover, unlike other epithelia (e.g., intestinal, buccal, or upper respiratory epithelia), the mammary epithelium is generally not stimulated by bacterial components, and bacteria are taken as intruders.

Bacteria can overcome the barriers described above, entering the gland and causing infections. In the mammary gland, cellular and humoral mechanisms represent other lines of defense. If the infection is not eradicated, bacteria proliferate and start damaging mammary epithelium. The tissue damage proceeds until the loss of structural integrity of alveoli and the breach of the blood-milk barrier.

As a consequence, the somatic cell count in milk rises and changes in milk and udder are observable. In addition, the immune response involves different chemical reactions that further worsen the tissue damage (Zhao and Lacasse, 2008). Researchers (Zhao and Lacasse, 2008) suggested that the effects of proteolytic or oxidative cascades on udder tissue occurring during immune response could be reduced by pharmacological intervention. However, creating new specific active substances is found to be in contrast with the goal of tackling antimicrobial resistance development.

Besides the function as a cellular barrier, there is evidence that epithelial cells are vital in defense responses. In addition to acting as an initial sensor of dangers, their integrity is critical to their immunocompetence and role as a physical barrier against harmful molecules and microorganisms (Günther and Seyfert, 2018). This means that udder tissue has the potential to autonomously manage infections.

Aiming at the reduction of veterinary medicinal products in general, and antibiotics in particular, OZOLEA designed a tool, OZOLEA-MAST, which combines a new concept for physical udder tissue support and protection with improved herd management practices.

As we discussed in the last articles on SSafeMILK protocols, one of the key features of OZOLEA-MAST is its versatility of use in different situations, both in lactating cows and at dry-off. This is because an intact mammary epithelial tissue is able to defend itself against bacteria.

Pascal Rainard, Céline Riollet. Innate immunity of the bovine mammary gland. Veterinary Research, BioMed Central, 2006, 37 (3), pp.369-400. ff10.1051/vetres:2006007ff. ffhal-00903030

Günther J., Seyfert H.-M., 2018. The first line of defence: insights into mechanisms and relevance of phagocytosis in epithelial cells. Seminars in Immunopathology. (2018) 40:555–565 doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-018-0701-1

Zhao X., Lacasse P., 2008. Mammary tissue damage during bovine mastitis: Causes and control. J. Anim. Sci. 2008. 86(Suppl. 1):57–65 doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0302

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How individual somatic cell count can help us opt for selective dry cow treatment

Marketing 10 November 2021 News

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest challenges we are facing in the dairy cattle. The new Veterinary Medicine Regulation will force dairy farmers from blanket dry cow therapy to selective dry cow therapy, which generally allows a prudent and reduced use of antimicrobials in dairy cows.

As discussed previously¹, somatic cell count (SCC) is one of the key elements that drive the decision-making process for selective dry cow therapy at herd level. Specifically, are SCC and mastitis issues under control? At least, the followings have to occur:

bulk tank SCC constantly below the reference value of 200,000 cell/ml in the current lactation;
contagious mastitis pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae) under control;
no infections (including subclinical issues) at the time of drying-off;
no clinical mastitis events during current lactation.

Measuring the bulk tank SCC (BTSCC) gives an idea of the quality of the milk. It is generally recognized by the law as a specific parameter to comply with for milk delivery. If we want to know the prevalence and incidence of subclinical mastitis at cow level and, thus, to understand the udder health status and cow’s eligibility to a selective dry cow procedure, we also need to measure individual SCC.

However, BTSCC is also useful to understand globally the herd health status. Generally, BTSCC constantly below the threshold value (200,000 cell/ml) can indicate healthy herds. Regular monitoring and recording both of BTSCC and individual SCC allow an efficient mastitis control.

On the other hand, measuring individual cow SCC regularly over each lactation is the best practice to monitor the udder health in each cow. We can consider individual SCC an essential parameter for management decisions, allowing us to exclude those animals not eligible for selective dry cow therapy.

For an improved implementation of a selective dry cow procedure, we may also consider checking SCC at a single quarter level. When the cow shows SCC values higher than the threshold value (200,000 cells/ml) during the last 3 months before dry-off, we have to consider antibiotic treatment in all quarters with our vet. If not, and no clinical events have occured in this period, we will check each quarter for SCC.

It is possible that, during lactation, the cow has experienced udder issues in only one quarter. Using the information collected, considering also farm practices and with lab tests per individual quarter right before dry-off, we can understand which quarter needs to be treated with antibiotics.

In those quarters with no issues, we can use OZOLEA-MAST: where antibiotics are not needed, the advantage of OZOLEA-MAST lies in the maintenance of a contained SCC count at the third and fourth month after calving. For this specific application, OZOLEA implemented Protocol M9 (M9. Udder at dry-off: selective dry cow treatment quarter by quarter).

Dry-off and the dry period are very delicate moments in a cow’s life because, if something does not work, future lactations as well as the life of cow and calf are at risk. Accordingly, veterinary advice is required also for the application of this protocol and for the evaluation of the results. What local authorities suggest with regard to dry cow therapies is to be taken into account as well.

¹ Blanket dry cow therapy, ban on prophylaxis from January 2022. Any alternative? Selective treatment.

https://www.ozolea.it/blanket-dry-cow-therapy-ban-on-prophylaxis-from-january-2022-any-alternative-selective-treatment/

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Selective dry cow treatment: field data for the use of OZOLEA-MAST

Marketing 3 November 2021 News

We are quite close to the application date of the new Regulation on Veterinary Medicinal Products, scheduled for 28 January 2022. Thus, we are closer to the forced transition to the selective dry cow therapy (SDCT).

SDCT allows the dairy farmer to identify and individually treat cows or quarters likely to be infected at dry-off. Recently, scientific research has been able to verify whether SDCT could be successful in protecting udder health and to describe its effect on antimicrobial use and profitability.

Not all dairy herds are ready for SDCT. As a consequence, an important work on management improvement must be done in the next few months to get ready for the new regulatory framework. We discussed previously how it is possibile to understand whether our dairy herd could be ready or not for SDCT¹.

We also stressed the importance of a correct procedure for milk cessation. A gradual milk cessation will help protect udder health, further reducing the occurence of intra-mammary infections in the future lactation².

At OZOLEA, we also thought about how dairy farmers could further reduce the use of antibiotics at dry-off. Thanks to its versatility, OZOLEA-MAST can be applied in a selective dry cow treatment in those herd eligible for this procedure.

The decision-making process to understant what cows can be dried off with OZOLEA-MAST follows the general rules for SDCT.

One may wonder what the advantage of applying OZOLEA-MAST at dry-off is, and how to do it.

To answer the first question, OZOLEA conducted a field trial on a farm with a herd eligible for SDCT. As for the second one, OZOLEA prepared a specific protocol (M8. Udder, dry-off: selective dry cow treatment).

Selective dry cow treatment: field data for the use of OZOLEA-MAST

As part of its field activity, OZOLEA collected data on the use of OZOLEA-MAST in selective dry cow treatment (SDCT), applied according to the specific protocol for dry-off, to investigate the effects on somatic cell count (SCC) during the first four months after calving.

The results were compared with the effects on SCC in case of a conventional intra-mammary antibiotic treatment.

A total of 60 lactating dairy cows were assessed. One group was administered with OZOLEA-MAST (30 cows, Group O) and the other group was given a conventional antibiotic treatment (30 cows, Group A) at dry-off. Regardless of the procedure used, all cows in both groups were eligible for SDCT in terms of health and SCC. The antibiotic treatment was conducted as per manufacturer’s indications. Milk SCC values were measured monthly during the following lactation for four months after calving.

As shown in Figure 1, group O showed no statistical differences as for SCC values with Group A during the first two months after calving, while during third and fourth months, Group O showed a lower average SCC level compared to the cows treated with antibiotics.

As shown in Figure 1, the group of cows treated with OZOLEA-MAST displayed no statistically significant differences in somatic cell count data compared to those treated with the antibiotic for the first two months after calving. In the third and fourth month, however, there is a statistically significant difference between the two groups of cows: in particular, the cows treated with OZOLEA-MAST showed a lower average of somatic cells than those treated with antibiotics.

In this work, the results showed that OZOLEA-MAST can be a possible alternative to conventional antibiotic therapies at dry-off, further contributing to the reduction of antimicrobials in dairy cattle. Furthermore, the statistical differences shown during the third and fourth months after calving are a clear indication of better milk quality, which would benefit profitability for both farmers and processors.

Globally, the use of OZOLEA-MAST is an effective strategy for tackling AMR, further protecting food consumers.

**Figure 1** Statistical analysis of OZOLEA-MAST versus ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT DATASET t-test for unpaired data with R Studio.

How to use OZOLEA-MAST at dry-off

As discussed above, the first thing is to check the cows and quarters eligible for the selective procedure. Before drying-off, it is essential to reduce milk production according to a correct procedure, keeping in mind that udder health must be protected also while ceasing milk production, involving the veterinarian in this process.

Then, once ready for drying-off, we will apply one intra-mammary applicator per quarter after the second to last milking and one intra-mammary applicator per quarter after the last milking.

We will check the results by monitoring the behavior in the following lactation and, if possible, by detecting the values of differential SCCs in periodic functional checks³.

¹ Blanket dry cow therapy, ban on prophylaxis from January 2022. Any alternative? Selective treatment.

https://www.ozolea.it/blanket-dry-cow-therapy-ban-on-prophylaxis-from-january-2022-any-alternative-selective-treatment/

² A suitable drying-off procedure helps protect udder health.

https://www.ozolea.it/a-suitable-drying-off-procedure-helps-protect-udder-health/

³ DSCC: another useful tool to strategically tackle AMR in dairy farming?

https://www.ozolea.it/dscc-another-useful-tool-to-strategically-tackle-amr-in-dairy-farming/

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Proper use of data from robotic milking systems for antibiotic reduction

Marketing 27 October 2021 News

In the decision-making process for the treatment of mastitis, accurate diagnosis plays a vital role, particularly for prudent use of antimicrobials.

Today, many dairy farms are introducing automatic milking systems, where mastitis detection occurs differently than on those farms with conventional milking systems.

This difference lies in the availability of sensors, such as those measuring electrical conductivity (EC)¹. However, despite the speed with which automatic systems provide information, much depends on how dairy farmers decide to treat the animal.

Automatic milking systems help standardize the milking routine and improve animal welfare. Most importantly, they allow the dairy farmer to check the health status of individual cows and the presence of any chemical-physical alterations in the milk.

Among automatic milking systems, milking robots are becoming increasingly popular. These systems can be equipped with sensors monitoring, at udder or quarter level, parameters such as: milk production, milking times, temperature and color of the milk, and for specific indicators such as somatic cell counts (SCCs), lactose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity to help early detect the onset of inflammatory conditions.

Sensors detect, process and provide information to operators generally as alerts. This helps with the decision-making process, but not without difficulties: in fact, the alert arrives early, and in this situation using an antibiotic for udder issues would be completely useless and risky.

Thus, in order to have a reduction of the use of antimicrobials related to mastitis treatment, data provided by automatic milking systems should be read and used properly, being aware of the alternative tools and strategies for udder issue management.

In case antibiotics are necessary, we have to seek for veterinary advice.

In the past months, we discussed how EC is the most studied, simplest and lowest-cost indicator for mastitis detection¹. Its usefulness in early detection of udder issues made OZOLEA create a specific protocol (M7 – Udder, lactation: electrical conductivity change) for the application of OZOLEA-MAST, a suitable tool for the reduction of antibiotic usage on dairy farms.

When the EC sensor signals that the range of normal EC values has been exceeded, the dairy farmer can decide for a prompt intervention to anticipate any worsening of the ongoing tissue disorder.

With the milking robot, the result of OZOLEA-MAST is optimal as the detection of electrical conductivity allows to accurately and widely detect the presence of a mammary secretory disorder. The application of OZOLEA-MAST in the earliest stages allows a timely autonomous regeneration of the tissue, with consequent better defenses against aggression and better competence in the autonomous management of udder issues.

The cycle of applications remains the same: twice a day, after milking, preferably morning and evening, for four days. We can follow the results of the applications thanks to the information given by the automatic system.

¹ Milking robots, acting on udder issues more promptly with electrical conductivity measurement

https://www.ozolea.it/milking-robots-acting-on-udder-issues-more-promptly-with-electrical-conductivity-measurement/

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Supporting the integrity of the mammary tissue for the efficacy of the antibiotic

Marketing 20 October 2021 News

Antibiotics are powerful tools against infections. Bacteria can rapidly develop resistance to antimicrobials, and this is a selective advantage that we must consider.

A prudent use is, more than ever, needed, thinking of antibiotics as a last resource. Prevention and control become substantial.

Despite their potential in tackling infections, antibiotics do not help with regeneration of damaged udder tissue.

As we discussed in the past¹, when it occurs, mammary tissue damage reduces the quantity and activity of epithelial cells, consequently contributing to a decrease in milk production. Scientific literature shows that this damage can be induced by either apoptosis or necrosis, two death mechanisms characterized by specific morphological, biochemical, and molecular variations in dying cells.

The teat canal represents the first line of defense of the bovine mammary gland. Bacteria can overcome this barrier, entering the gland and causing infections. In the mammary gland, cellular and humoral mechanisms represent other lines of defense.

If the infection is not eradicated, bacteria proliferate and start damaging mammary epithelium. The tissue damage proceeds until the loss of structural integrity of alveoli and the breach of the blood-milk barrier. As a consequence, the somatic cell count in milk rises and changes in milk and udder can be observed.

In addition, the immune response involves different chemical reactions that further worsen the tissue damage (Zhao and Lacasse, 2008)².

Besides the function as a cellular barrier, there is evidence that epithelial cells are vital in defense responses. In addition to acting as initial sensors of dangers, their integrity is critical to their immunocompetence and role as a physical barrier against harmful molecules and microorganisms (Günther and Seyfert, 2018)³. This means that, potentially, udder tissue can autonomously manage infections.

The integrity of the mammary epithelium is one of the several factors affecting the disposition of drugs after intramammary administration.

In order to be effective, the antibiotic needs to have specific antimicrobial action at the site of infection. Thus, first of all, it needs itself to be effective at mammary level (e.g., having the ability to be effective at specific pH values).

In the presence of severe inflammation and swelling, the diffusion of the antibiotic through the mammary ducts can be compromised. Moreover, some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, can invade the epithelium tissue preventing the interaction with antibiotics because of the formation of fibrous scar tissue. This could also mean no blood supply, rendering the therapy less effective.

Moreover, bacteria have the ability to form biofilms⁴. Significant genetic and physiological changes occur in those bacteria forming the biofilm, with a resulting effect of loss of sensitivity to antibiotics.

Supporting and protecting the mammary epithelium is essential both for its ability of intervening in autonomous defense mechanisms and for the effectiveness of an antibiotic therapy.

Aiming at the reduction of veterinary medicinal products in general (and antibiotics in particular), OZOLEA designed a tool, OZOLEA-MAST, which combines a new concept for physical udder tissue support and protection with improved herd management practices.

The versatility of OZOLEA-MAST makes it the ideal tool to use for multiple applications when dealing with udder issues, even when full-blown mastitis is ongoing and we use an antibiotic.

Why? Because the physical film barrier created by OZOLEA-MAST generates an uncomfortable environment for bacteria, thus slowing down the aggressiveness of possible bacterial attacks. Moreover, it reserves a respite for the tissue from exposure to the external environment and from bacterial attack, allowing it to proceed with the natural regeneration process.

Since the effectiveness of antibiotics is also influenced by tissue conditions, it means the antibiotic does more than interacting synergistically with a less stressed tissue.

Also in this case, the application of OZOLEA-MAST and the verification of the results must be carried out upon veterinary advice. The product will be applied in the milking following that of the antibiotic application, until we have used all the applicators of OZOLEA-MAST (8 applicators in 1 box).

Furthermore, we will have to follow withdrawal periods prescribed for the antibiotic and make sure, through proper testing, that the residue concentrations in the milk comply with the legal parameters.

¹ What changes in milk tell us when we forestrip.

https://www.ozolea.it/what-changes-in-milk-tell-us-when-we-forestrip/

²Zhao X., Lacasse P., 2008. Mammary tissue damage during bovine mastitis: Causes and control. J. Anim. Sci. 2008. 86(Suppl. 1):57–65 doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0302

³ Günther J., Seyfert H.-M., 2018. The first line of defence: insights into mechanisms and relevance of phagocytosis in epithelial cells. Seminars in Immunopathology. (2018) 40:555–565 doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-018-0701-1

⁴Reneé Pieterse, Svetoslav D. Todorov, 2010. Bacteriocins: exploring alternatives to antibiotics in mastitis treatment. Review – Braz. J. Microbiol. 41 (3) – Oct 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1517-83822010000300003

⁵Recurrent mastitis in dairy cows: the role of bacterial biofilms.

https://www.ozolea.it/recurrent-mastitis-in-dairy-cows-the-role-of-bacterial-biofilms/

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Clinical examination, milk culture and antibiogram: the ABCs for proper antibiotic therapy decision

Marketing 13 October 2021 News

The new EU Regulation on veterinary medicines, applicable from 28 January 2022, defines rules that also aim to reduce the use of antimicrobials in farmed and companion animals.

In the veterinary field, we are all called upon to use antimicrobials more prudently to tackle the development of resistance to these substances.

One of the major innovations of this rule concerns the use of antimicrobials, which is possible only upon veterinary prescription and has to be justified by an accurate diagnosis of the condition of the animals¹.

Regarding mastitis in dairy cows, beyond future regulatory provisions, a prudent use of antibiotics can really help us reduce the costs associated with health treatments and minimize the risk of resistance development.

It is essential to improve effective and consistent health and herd management, as well as detecting udder issues and their severity, the agent causing the problem, and to identify the right tool for defense.

In a few words (and in order): clinical examination, milk cultures and antibiogram testing.

Why should we conduct these three different steps?

To properly manage mastitis on dairy farms, identifying the specific issue and “measuring” its severity are the first thing to be done. We recently discussed it in an article² illustrating the importance of observing animal, udder and milk before milking to understand if secretory tissue disorders are in progress and to what extent.

This is necessary in order to make decisions about how to act. We then have to conduct milk cultures. The aim is to gather information on the pathogens causing mastitis for a specific farm, as well as on sensitivity to antibiotics, which will be assessed by conducting an antibiogram test.

As a matter of fact, this last test corresponds to the antibiotic sensitivity test, and will be performed by an accredited laboratory in compliance with the methods suggested by international reference standards. Unfortunately, the outcome of the antibiogram is not immediate; this could represent a limit in case the intervention needs to be carried out promptly.

Actually, it is really useful: conducting an antibiogram helps us to collect information on how to act with respect to a future infection caused by the pathogen that we first identified with the bacteriological and then whose sensitivity to different antibiotics we assessed with the antibiogram.

While waiting for the result of the antibiogram, we can consider the application of OZOLEA-MAST.

For this reason, OZOLEA created Protocol M5 (Udder, lactation: severe mastitis or relapse, while waiting for sensitivity test results; warning: this protocol has no therapeutic effect), to be implemented under the observation of the veterinarian.

Why use OZOLEA-MAST in this situation? OZOLEA-MAST is not intended to cure mastitis, but to support and protect the intra-mammary tissue. This means that it does not replace the antibiotic in cases of severe or recurrent mastitis, but can be used while waiting to know which antibiotic will be used.

Why? The support to the tissue functionality and the protection provided by OZOLEA-MAST allow the tissue to proceed with the natural regeneration process. The intra-mammary tissue is a natural defensive barrier: its integrity allows a better synergy with the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

¹ Veterinary prescriptions and antimicrobials: new rules from 28 January 2022.

https://www.ozolea.it/veterinary-prescriptions-and-antimicrobials-new-rules-from-28-january-2022/

² Early detection of mastitis: signs at cow, udder and milk level.

https://www.ozolea.it/early-detection-of-mastitis-signs-at-cow-udder-and-milk-level/

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Recurrent mastitis, persistent events or reinfections?

Marketing 6 October 2021 News

The recurrence of mastitis in dairy cows is a risky aspect making the disease hard to control. There are different predisposing factors of recurrence: parity (the risk is greater in older cows), high milk production yields, what pathogens have been involved in preceding cases, and whether the antibiotic therapy has previously been strictly followed.

Recurrence leads to economic loss following effects on dairy cows, herd and farm: reduction of milk yield, increased risk of culling and mortality. In addition, treating affected cows means increased animal health costs.

In a previous article¹, we said that recurrence of mastitis can be explained as either persistence of an infection of the mammary gland by a mastitis pathogen or reinfection of the udder (or quarter) after an antibiotic treatment (Grieger, 2014)².

The development of persistence is largely influenced by the the type of pathogenic agents and virulence properties of the pathogen, but also by the cure odds of individual cows. This means that clinical events may alternate periods without symptoms in the course of persistent infections.

In a study, Wente and colleagues (2020)³ highlighted that 32.6 % of the recurrent clinical mastitis infections showed the same pathogens as in previous infections.

To minimize the occurence of infections that can affect the udder after the cure, efficient management and biosecurity strategies are essential, aiming also at the prevention of new events.

Two key aspects to take into account are the support and protection of the epithelial tissue in the mammary gland.

Besides the function as cellular barrier, there is evidence that epithelial cells are vital in defense responses. In addition to acting as an initial sensor of dangers, their integrity is critical to their immunocompetence and role as physical barrier against harmful molecules and microorganisms (Günther and Seyfert, 2018)⁴. This means that udder tissue can potentially autonomously manage infections.

There is an aspect that we should consider: the effectiveness of a specific antibiotic relies also on the synergies it creates with the targeted tissue at the cow’s body level. The udder tissue, if damaged, would not be able to properly play its role in this powerful synergy.

How can OZOLEA-MAST be beneficial in the context of recurrent mastitis? OZOLEA designed this tool to combine a new concept for physical udder tissue support and protection with improved herd management practices.

When the relapse shows up with the signs of full-blown mastitis, seeking veterinary advice is the only option to decide what to do. If, on the other hand, signs of relapse are mild, there is room for the application of OZOLEA-MAST. The ideal time to use it is between one recurrent event and the next. The usual procedure for the intra-mammary application will be followed on the sensitive quarter or quarters, but in this case it will be important to check the results properly. In fact, we will compare:

– the onset of relapses before and after application,

– the extension of the time interval between one relapse and the next

– the lowering of the average SCC average in the quarter following the application compared to the previous one.

These indications are reported in Protocol M4 (Udder, lactation: frequent relapses). For further improvements, we can repeat the cycle.

¹ Recurrent mastitis in dairy cows: the role of bacterial biofilms.

https://www.ozolea.it/recurrent-mastitis-in-dairy-cows-the-role-of-bacterial-biofilms/

² Grieger AS, Zoche-Golob V, Paduch JH, Hoedemaker M, Krömker V. Recurrent clinical mastitis in dairy cattle – importance and causes. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/nutztiere. 2014 ;42(3):156-162. DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1623218. PMID: 24920089.

³ N. Wente, A.S. Grieger, D. Klocke, J.-H. Paduch, Y. Zhang, S. Leimbach, M. tho Seeth, E.M. Mansion-De Vries, E. Mohr, V. Krömker, 2020. Recurrent mastitis–persistent or new infections? Veterinary Microbiology, Volume 244, 2020, 108682, ISSN 0378-1135 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108682.

⁴ Günther J., Seyfert H.-M., 2018. The first line of defence: insights into mechanisms and relevance of phagocytosis in epithelial cells. Seminars in Immunopathology. (2018) 40:555–565 doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-018-0701-1

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Dealing with chronically high SCCs in dairy cows

Marketing 29 September 2021 News

Somatic cell count (SCC) is a key measurement for understanding the status of a cow’s udder health, including the prevalence and incidence of subclinical mastitis. Intramammary infection (IMI) significantly influences milk SCC.

Scientific literature¹ reports that when SCC exceeds 200,000 cell/mL, it is a strong indication of IMI. Therefore, assessing monthly SCC is a strategic management tool for resolving increased bulk tank SCC (BTSCC).

As documented in the Hoard’s Dairyman webinar held in October 2020, sometimes milk cultures test negative. This commonly occurs because the immune system of a cow has reduced the infecting microorganisms below normal lab detection limits.

It should be noted that increased SCC can also be caused by non-bacterial disorders affecting the udder tissue as a result of changes in environmental conditions, nutritional disorders, stressful conditions, microtraumas, and so forth.

Unfortunately, a compromised mammary tissue is more susceptible to bacterial attack. In a normally healthy udder, these bacteria would not cause major issues. Thus, it is important to evaluate the pattern of recently and chronically increased SCC values: at the herd-level, this can be hugely indicative for the resolution of high BTSCC.

The signs of subclinical mastitis are clear: milk is high in SCC, but there are no observable changes at the cow, udder, and milk level².

Milk culture tests are useful for suggesting how to treat cows. However, chronically high SCC values in some cows are confusingly similar to those related to subclinical mastitis, but they are actually different.

In addition to high SCC scores for more than four months, these cows do not show clinical signs of mastitis, but they can relapse (if mastitis has occurred in previous lactations). Alternatively, they are multiparous and usually highly producing cows in late lactation (7 or 8 months after calving) with possible intramammary tissue stress.

In this case, an antibiotic treatment would be totally ineffective because the SCC would immediately decrease under the threshold level (200,000 cell/mL), but then increase again after a few days because the teat tissue is still not improved.

Dealing with high SCC is hard work. Good mastitis management practices utilize a multidisciplinary approach focused on prevention and targeted actions for infected animals. And sometimes, when cows become chronically infected, the best option is culling.

However, before culling, we can give OZOLEA-MAST a shot. Depending on the causes generating high SCC, OZOLEA-MAST allows the mammary tissue to autonomously regenerate, thus improving udder functionality.

The result of tissue regeneration is a reduction in epithelial flaking (flaking cells) and a better defensive action against pathogens.

The result of tissue regeneration is a reduction in flaking cells and a better defensive action against pathogens. This is due to better performance of the improved tissue condition.

To support the efficacy of OZOLEA-MAST at its best, OZOLEA provides dairy farmers with the right protocol in this situation (Protocol M3 – Udder, lactation: chronically high somatic cell count).

How can it be used when dealing with chronically high SCCs?

First, identify the sensitive quarter with high SCC but no clear symptoms of mastitis, then proceed with milking as usual. At the end of milking, open the cap of the applicator and gently insert the plastic teat-safe needle into the teat canal. Gently push the piston and let the product enter the teat canal. Extract the applicator and gently rub.

Repeat the application after each milking for 4 days. Check the SCC 8 days after the last application.

In this case, the SCC will not dramatically drop below the threshold limit (200,000 cell/ml). Depending on the initial value, the SCC will gradually decrease over time. Thus, repeating the protocol twice would help further reduce SCC, while continuining shipping the milk.

¹ P.L. Ruegg, J.C.F. Pantoja Understanding and using somatic cell counts to improve milk quality, 2013, Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 52: 101–117, 2013

²Early detection of mastitis: signs at cow, udder and milk level.

https://www.ozolea.it/early-detection-of-mastitis-signs-at-cow-udder-and-milk-level/

We discussed about this issue in a Hoard’s Dairyman Guest Blog: “Dealing with chronically high SCC in lactating cows”

https://hoards.com/blog-29605-dealing-with-chronically-high-scc-in-lactating-cows.html

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Taking care of the cow’s udder in post-partum

Marketing 22 September 2021 News

During the period around calving, dairy cows face several physiological and metabolic changes, while their natural defensive mechanism is lower since hormons and other factors make them more or less immunocompromised. At the udder level, we have already discussed the significant changes occuring during the periparturient period¹.

All this means a higher susceptibility to infections and udder issues, and much more. The hardest challenge is mastitis, particularly after calving. As a matter of fact, the incidence of mastitis in the first month after calving is high; thus, special management during the period around calving will help us keep the cows healthy and make milk production profitable.

Moreover, any issue occurring from three weeks before to three weeks after calving can negatively affect the rest of the lactation, both at cow and herd level.

Therefore, successful mastitis control programme must be implemented on farms focusing on the management of dry, calving and freshly calved cows and heifers. As discussed before¹, clean and comfortable enviroment, balanced nutrition, proper dry-off procedures (where possible, selective treatments are recommended) and best hygiene pratices during milking are vital to the maintenance of good udder health.

After calving, monitoring fresh cows is another strategy to be added to the mastitis control programme since these cows deserve extra attention. In particular concerning rapidly finding, treating and recording clinical cases as a prevention of infections being passed to other cows, and the development of chronic infections.

What signs can help us monitor udder health? First of all, we have to look at quarters checking for heat, pain and swelling in all fresh cows. The basics of early detection during forestripping at the first milkings (colostrum and transition phase) assume greater importance immediately after calving². If you identify signs of clinical cases, consider milk cultures and seek for veterinary advice to decide whether antibiotics are necessary and what product should be used to cure the infections.

When you identify signs of tissue imbalance but no signs of clinical cases and no infections (including subclinical cases), supporting and protecting the udder tissue can be benificial.

This is another case for the application of OZOLEA-MAST along with Protocol M2 (M2. Udder, lactation: post partum). In the first milkings after calving, it is possible to apply the product to all quarters at the same time. OZOLEA-MAST is not a veterinary medicinal product: it supports the functionality of the tissue when this is not drastically compromised. Timely application guarantees the best results.

How to apply OZOLEA-MAST in this case?

Proceed with milking as usual. At the end of milking, open the cap of the applicator and gently insert the plastic teat-safe needle into the teat canal for no more than 1 cm. Gently push the piston and let the product enter the teat canal. Extract the applicator and gently rub 5-6 seconds after each application.

Repeat the application in the quarter or sensitive quarters after each milking for at least 2 times and in any case until functional integrity is restored. It will be vital to monitor udder health in the first 10 days of lactation. Thus, we will detect milk in the first 10 days of lactation to check the absence of milk flakes and/or SCC is under control.

OZOLEA-MAST is a non-drug tool that perfectly fits into an efficiently managed dairy farm system. This is why OZOLEA created specific protocols for each situation. By adopting OZOLEA tools and protocols, the occurrence of severe clinical events is remarkably reduced. The animals are less stressed and many painful phenomena are avoided.

¹ A comfortable pre-calving period for less stressed fresh cows.

https://www.ozolea.it/a-comfortable-pre-calving-period-for-less-stressed-fresh-cows/

² Early detection of mastitis: signs at cow, udder and milk level.

https://www.ozolea.it/early-detection-of-mastitis-signs-at-cow-udder-and-milk-level/

Immagine in evidenza: Austin Santaniello

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Early detection of mastitis: signs at cow, udder and milk level

Marketing 15 September 2021 News

We have already explored how early detection of mastitis is vital for udder health management on a farm¹.

Today we will suggest practical tips aimed at giving a general idea of the severity of mastitis on the basis of signs at cow, udder, milk level. Depending on the severity, we will then seek or not veterinary advice and proceed with clinical examination, milk cultures and antibiotic sensitivity testing.

In case of traditional milking, early detection of mastitis by observing the cow, her udder and the milk must be conducted methodically and carefully. This is because we have no sensors helping us detect specific changes (such as electrical conductivity²).

The first thing to do is forestripping all cows before milking, following good hygiene practices before, during, and after milking. Since cows are more susceptible to new infections after calving, it is important to pay extra attention when conducting this step during their first month of lactation.

Further advantages of foremilk stripping are the avoidance of initial overmilking and natural Oxytocin release, which would make milking faster.

Table 1 indicates the signs occurring at cow, udder, milk level depending on the severity (from mild to severe) of clinical cases. Visible signs would help identify clinical cases but not subclinical mastitis: in this case, individual somatic cell counts higher than 200,000 cell/ml are a strong indicator of subclinical cases.

If you are directly involved in the milking routine, pay attention to these signs. In case you have employees doing it, take your time for training routinely.

About 85% of mastitis cases are mild or moderate. These are cases that do not require systemic and immediate treatment: therefore waiting 24-36 hours for treatment will not change the outcome. In this range of time, a possible autonomous regression of the disorder can be evaluated.

The remaining 15% of cases should be treated immediately and systematically.

Before the onset of full-blown mastitis and the occurence of infections, it is possible to intervene promptly with non-pharmacological solutions such as OZOLEA-MAST. The most common application of OZOLEA-MAST is when the milker detects the first milk flakes and notices changes in the milk.

To ensure its effectiveness in this case, OZOLEA created specific indications of use, reported in SSafeMILK Protocol M1 (Udder, lactation: altered milk and presence of milk flakes).

How to proceed after the identification of milk flakes and the sensitive quarter? At the end of milking, open the cap of the applicator and gently insert the plastic teat-safe needle into the teat canal for no more than 1 cm. Gently push the piston and let the product enter the teat canal. Extract the applicator and gently rub 5-6 seconds after each application.

Repeat the application in the sensitive quarter after each milking for 4 days. On the last day of application verify the absence of milk clots in the milk.

¹ What changes in milk tell us when we forestrip.

https://www.ozolea.it/what-changes-in-milk-tell-us-when-we-forestrip/

² Milking robots, acting on udder issues more promptly with electrical conductivity measurement.

https://www.ozolea.it/milking-robots-acting-on-udder-issues-more-promptly-with-electrical-conductivity-measurement/

CellCheck Programme

https://animalhealthireland.ie/programmes/cellcheck/