Marketing | OZOLEA

Somatic cell count: to what extent does it affect the dairy sector profitability?

Marketing 30 June 2021 News

In the past weeks, we discussed briefly how high somatic cell contents in raw milk can affect milk quality and, thus, dairy processing¹.

In addition to technological issues, the somatic cell count (SCC) can affect the entire dairy supply chain economically. The macroscopic effects are reduced milk production, higher number of culled animals, increased farm costs, lower dairy product yields and lower product quality.

Although the main impact is on farms, the entire industry is affected.

Data are the best way to give a tangible idea of this impact, for instance those reported in a study conducted on Irish dairy industry in 2013². It clearly depicts how different classes of SCC can negatively affect the economy of a national dairy supply chain.

In 2009, udder health and milk quality were recognized as an animal health priority issue, that led to the development of a national programme based on best management practices. To allow the programme to address issues, a quantification of the costs of mastitis to the Irish dairy industry was conducted.

Why choose bulk milk SCC (BMSCC)? Ireland experienced an upward trend for BMSCC at national level (281,000 cells/ml on average) that has negative implications – the macroscopic effects above.

Five BMSCC categories were considered in the analysis: ≤100,000, 100,001–200,000, 200,001– 300,000, 300,001–400,000 and >400,000 cells/mL. The reference dairy farm was an average 40-hectare farm.

At farm level, when BMSCC increased, the volume of milk delivered and milk solids per cow decreased, while the replacement rate increased. Trends for volume of milk delivered and replacement rate of multiparous with primiparous cows (+28%) reflected the increase of BMSCC. Globally, total farm costs increased, in particular because of higher costs for mastitis treatments and replacement. An important impact on the net farm profit was calculated (from €31,252 to €11,748) as BMSCC increased from <100,000 cells/mL to >400,000 cells/mL.

The impact of mastitis on processor profitability was assessed. While protein content significantly increased with increasing SCC values, lactose and casein content substantially decreased, as well as fat and protein recovery during transformation. In cheese, there were a significant increase in moisture and a reduction in protein content when SCC increased. Moreover, the potential volume of dairy products resulted in significant decrease, thus reflecting the impact on milk composition due to BMSCC. The net revenue decreased by 3.2% (€51.3 million) per year as BMSCC increased, as the result of the reduction of product volume available for sale.

Furthermore, this study highlighted the effect of a potential improvement in BMSCC: the reduction of the national BMSCC of 10,000 cells/ml would lead to an estimated industry benefit of €6.6 million/year. This completely endorsed the choice of a national mastitis programme.

This study clearly demonstrated by numbers that improved herd management could lead to improved farm and processor profitability. Although the major costs for mastitis management are incurred across dairy farms, part of these costs are incurred also by dairy processors.

As OZOLEA stressed in many articles, best management practices can really make the difference towards efficiency. And, why not, also the use of OZOLEA-MAST to lower SCC.

¹ Lowering somatic cells in our milk for better processing.

https://www.ozolea.it/lowering-somatic-cells-in-our-milk-for-better-processing/

² U. Geary, N. Lopez-Villalobos, B. O’Brien, D.J. Garrick and L. Shalloo. Examining the impact of mastitis on the profitability of the Irish dairy industry. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 52: 135–149, 2013

https://www.jstor.org/stable/23631026

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Veterinary prescriptions and antimicrobials: new rules from 28 January 2022

Marketing 24 June 2021 News

The new rules for veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) are strategic restrictions and provisions also against the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

In this fight, one key professional figure is and will be the veterinarian. With the new VMP Regulation¹, they will be further recognized as key qualified figures for an efficient One-Health approach² and also further protected from unfair practices, such as bribery.

The incorrect use of antimicrobials is a risk for public and animal health. Starting 28 January 2022, to prevent this risk, veterinary antimicrobials will only be available on veterinary prescription in all the EU Member states.

This harmonization is essential to ensure an EU profile against the development of AMR: currently, not all the EU Member states require veterinary prescriptions for antimicrobials, however they will with the application of Reg. (EU) n. 2019/6.

Veterinarians will be required to prescribe antimicrobials on the basis of their knowledge of AMR, their epidemiological and clinical knowledge and their understanding of the risk factors for the individual animal or group of animals.

Moreover, veterinarians are called to respect their professional code of conduct. Thus, they must ensure to avoid any conflict of interests when prescribing medicinal products, while recognising their legitimate activity of retail in compliance with national regulatory framework.

To the end of prudent use of antimicrobials, also the supply of VMPs by veterinarians will be restricted to that quantity needed to treat the animals under their care.

As set out by art. 34 of the VMP Regulation, competent authorities, when granting a marketing authorization, shall classify antimicrobial VMPs among the products classified as subject to veterinary prescription. By way of derogation, competent authorities may classify antimicrobials as not subject to veterinary prescriptions if they fulfill criteria set out in art. 34.3.

Prophylaxis and metaphylaxis are two different procedures that will be significantly restricted by the VMP Regulation. For example, we have already discussed³ the impact of the new rules on blanket dry cow therapy and the need of implementing the selective dry cow treatment.

Prophylaxis and metaphylaxis will be possible only by way of exception and only if there is a veterinary prescription (art. 105). The treatment will have to be justified by veterinarians after a clinical examination or any other proper assessment of the health status of the animal or group of animals. This assessment must occur before issuing the prescription.

Other relevant aspects concern quantities of antimicrobials supplied (limited to the amount required for the specific treatment or therapy) and the limited duration of the period of treatment prescribed.

Moreover, the new rules for supplying VMPs will strengthen the traceability system across the EU: we will spend a little time to go deeper into the issue. In Italy, since 2019 the supply of VMPs has been reinforced thanks to the electronic veterinary prescription system.

We already know many of the weapons we should use against AMR. The fact that the EU is making them mandatory is a good sign: it will make the EU harmonized and equivalent in all its member states, both from a health and economic perspective.

¹ Reg. (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicines applicable from 28 January 2022: are we ready?

https://www.ozolea.it/reg-eu-20196-on-veterinary-medicines-applicable-from-28-january-2022-are-we-ready/

² The One Health approach against antimicrobial resistance.

https://www.ozolea.it/the-one-health-approach-against-antimicrobial-resistance/

³ 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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The fate of antibiotic residues during and after cheese making

Marketing 23 June 2021 News

The EU regulatory framework for food safety sets out maximum residue limits (MRLs) in foods for drugs used in livestock¹. This criterion helps farmers provide safe foods on the basis of previous risk assessments conducted for veterinary medicinal products prior to their marketing authorization.

MRLs are defined with the aim of protecting consumer’s health. However, technological issues occurring due to drug residues may be an impediment to efficient dairy processing.

During cheesemaking, antibiotic residues follow distinct routes, migrating from milk to cheese or whey and decreasing during ripening. Also, we have already explored their effects on starter cultures⁶.

Interesting findings on the different routes for residues come from research exploring these issues (with residues compliant with EU MRLs) in Tronchón cheese, a traditional dairy product from Eastern Spain.

Depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the antibiotic, residues are transferred from milk to cheese to a higher or minor degree.

In a recent study², this aspect was assessed for the seven most widely used antibiotics (at MRLs) in dairy goats along with their effect on the cheese-making process and cheese characteristics during ripening. The resulting Tronchón cheese was assessed at 0, 30 and 60 days of ripening to determine pH, chemical composition, proteolytic and lipolytic activities, color and textural properties. A sensory evaluation of 60-day ripened cheeses was carried out.

Except for two different active substances, the cheese making process was not significantly affected by antibiotics. Variable concentrations of antibiotics (7.4-68%) were transferred from milk to cheese and, in general, residues tended to decrease during ripening, particularly at the beginning. Despite the decrease, relatively high amounts of enrofloxacin (148 ± 12 μg/kg) and ciprofloxacin (253 ± 24 μg/kg) residues were detected in cheese after 60 days of ripening.

The cheese-making process and the quality properties of the ripened Tronchón cheeses were only slightly affected by the presence of antibiotics in milk at an equivalent EU MRL concentration. By the way, these slight changes were not detected by the sensory panel.

In a different work³, the authors assessed the presence of oxytetracycline (at different concentration, lower and higher than legal MRLs) in goat milk and the effect on the volatile profile of ripened Tronchón cheese. Residues were largely transferred from milk to cheese, but significantly decreased during ripening (88.8 to 96.5%). The volatile profile of ripened cheeses was not affected by the presence of oxytetracycline in goat milk.

Another study⁵ indicates that, for most non-β-lactam drugs, there is a reduction (84–100%) in relative antimicrobial activity in whey, indicating that there is a higher susceptibility for retention in curd.

Moreover, Gamba et al. (2020)⁵confirmed previous findings about the effect of milk skimming on the reduction of residues: this process does not allow nor slightly allow the reduction of residue concentrations and a large amount of substances is transferred to the milk intended for further processing. In the same research, the authors determined the persistency in ripened soft cheese of one of the antibiotics investigated: after two weeks, the concentration dramatically decreased. Working with a different substance, the authors also noticed an inhibition of lactic acid bacteria that led to the ideal environment for microbial contaminant proliferation with alterations and defects of the cheese.

These findings give a broad perspective of the destiny of residues along the cheese making process. Working with undetectable concentrations seems to be technologically ideal. Now that we are facing an even harder challenge, that of AMR, alternative tools and best management practices become vital.

OZOLEA has designed and now is providing dairy farmers with innovative and sustainable tools for the reduction of antibiotics in dairy farming, allowing dairy processors to to obtain the best outcome from a residue-free milk.

¹ Reducing antibiotic usage can benefit dairy processing.

https://www.ozolea.it/reducing-antibiotic-usage-can-benefit-dairy-processing/

² P. Quintanilla, M. C. Beltrán, A. Molina, I. Escriche, and M. P. Molina, 2019. Characteristics of ripened Tronchón cheese from raw goat milk containing legally admissible amounts of antibiotics.

Dairy Sci. 102:2941–2953, © American Dairy Science Association®, 2019.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15532

³ P. Quintanilla, K.A. Hettinga, M.C. Beltrán, I. Escriche, M.P. Molina, 2020. Short communication: Volatile profile of matured Tronchón cheese affected by oxytetracycline in raw goat milk. VOLUME 103, ISSUE 7, P6015-6021, ^©2020 American Dairy Science Association®.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16510

⁴J. Giraldo, R. L. Althaus, M. C. Beltrán, M.P. Molina, 2017. Antimicrobial activity in cheese whey as an indicator of antibiotic drug transfer from goat milk. International Dairy Journal – Volume 69, June 2017, Pages 40-44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2017.02.003

⁵ Gamba V., Bolzoni G., Monastero P., Losio M. N., Daminelli P., 2020. Residui di antibiotici sulle colture lattiche del siero innesto e nel formaggio. Grana Padano Insieme, Gennaio 2020, Consorzio Tutela Grana Padano.

https://www.granapadano.it/public/sfogliabili/grana-padano-insieme/gennaio-2020/#60

⁶Antimicrobial residues and lactic acid bacteria in cheese making.

https://www.ozolea.it/antimicrobial-residues-and-lactic-acid-bacteria-in-cheese-making/

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Can livestock be sustainable without gender equality?

Marketing 18 June 2021 News

Sustainability is not “just” an environmental issue. Sustainability is also a relevant socio-economic aspect.

This word was clearly defined by the United Nations Brundtalnd Commission as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Sustainability goes far beyond the climate issue. For this reason, and for the definition of sustainability itself, gender equality matters.

According to the FAO¹, about 290 million women and girls count on livestock production to generate income. For example, revenues may stem mainly from milk processing. Others from wool and other animal fibres, which requires processing as well.

A large contribution to rural women’s economic empowerment comes from livestock ownership, since it provides a source for immediate household necessities.

However, these women are forced to work under constraints that limit their potential productivity and hinder their capacity to fully contribute to their families’ food and nutrition security and to the growth of the livestock sector as a whole.

As such, gender inequalities constitute limit to the potential behind livestock production, which still needs a helping hand to perform at higher levels. Indeed, the reasons are climate change, rural–urban migration, limited investments, and gender inequalities.

As highlighted in the FAO’s document¹, there is an increasing amount of evidence that gender inequalities implicate high costs on societies at global level, limiting the “productive potential of economies and their overall development”.

Nonetheless, where there are challenges, there are also opportunities.

Livestock production deserves attention rather than accusations. This is because it can give the world² safe and nutritious food³ through a circular approach⁴. Moreover, it has a multiplier effect for other agricultural and non-agricultural sectors⁵ linked to livestock. And much more.

One wide gender gap (and challenge) to be filled and still limiting women’s capacity of improving livestock productivity is access to innovation and technology⁶.

Livestock production cannot be sustainable without gender equality. For this reason, one of the goals of OZOLEA’s SSafeMILK project is supporting gender equality. Since the majority of rural workers are located in developing countries and many of them are women, they need innovative and affordable tools also to achieve better results and to value their efforts.

¹ Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable Development Goals.

http://www.fao.org/3/CA1201EN/ca1201en.pdf

² Save your milk, don’t waste it: the world must be nourished.

https://www.ozolea.it/save-your-milk-dont-waste-it-the-world-must-be-nourished/

³Prevention and control in livestock productions mean more food safety, more food security and good health.

https://www.ozolea.it/prevention-and-control-in-livestock-productions-mean-more-food-safety-more-food-security-and-good-health/

⁴ The circular nature of dairy farming.

https://www.ozolea.it/the-circular-nature-of-dairy-farming/

⁵ Livestock husbandry has a multiplier effect on other business activities.

https://www.ozolea.it/livestock-husbandry-has-a-multiplier-effect-on-other-business-activities/

⁶ FAO. 2018. Gender and ICTs: Mainstreaming gender in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for agriculture and rural development, by Sophie Treinen and Alice Van der Elstraeten. Rome, Italy.

http://www.fao.org/3/I8670EN/i8670en.pdf

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Antimicrobial residues and lactic acid bacteria in cheese making

Marketing 16 June 2021 News

Antimicrobials are essential to everyone, both humans and animals. Yet the development of resistance to these substances (AMR) is compromising their effectiveness, and the warning is international. The European Union has already established a regulatory framework¹ to push the world of breeding towards one single direction: the reduction of the use of antimicrobials.

Reducing antimicrobials through alternative strategies also allows to produce more milk, obtain more dairy products and have less technological issues during fermentation processes².

It is useful to focus on the effects on lactic acid bacteria, since fermentation blocks/slowdowns in the early stages of milk processing can compromise production and, therefore, the related profitability.

A recent Italian study (Chiesa et al., 2020)³ quantified antibiotic residues in milk reserved for PDO production in Northern Italy with a multiclass method and assessed the possible impacts on starter cultures used for cheese making.

The observed residues were found to be below the relevant legal MRL, thus confirming the safety of raw milk. The most common active substance was lincomycin, however compliant (average of 17.29 ppb in 11.8% of the observed samples) with EU limits (MRL = 150 µg/kg of milk).

Since it was the most common antibiotic residue, lincomycin was also assessed for its effects on lactic acid bacteria, thus demonstrating its negative impact on these cultures.

This negative effect was demonstrated by Chiesa and colleagues in terms of bacteria counts, pH and acidity during the simulation of cheese production.

For pH, the reduction over time occurred with different trends depending on the concentration of lincomycin. In the absence of active ingredient, the reduction of pH reached the lowest values and highest acidity. Bacterial growth showed an inverse behaviour with respect to antibiotic concentration, with higher count for mesophilic bacteria in antibiotic free samples. A slight decrease along with increasing concentrations also resulted for Lactobacillus spp. and streptococci.

A correct pH decrease, which results from starter cultures metabolism, is essential for: activity of coagulants, mineral balance, syneresis and whey draining. Furthermore, it also has an impact on any microbial contaminants (e.g., clostridia) which, during cheese ripening, can proliferate and generate defects (e.g., late swelling in hard cheeses).

Implementing all possible management measures to limit the use of antibiotics in the dairy herd, in particular those used to treat mastitis, also becomes strategic for technological purposes.

OZOLEA-MAST was also designed with these purposes: to increase the productivity of the dairy herd, to fall into less issues during and after the milk processing, and to provide the consumer with even safer dairy products.

¹ Reg. (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicines applicable from 28 January 2022: are we ready?

https://www.ozolea.it/reg-eu-20196-on-veterinary-medicines-applicable-from-28-january-2022-are-we-ready/

² Reducing antibiotic usage can benefit dairy processing.

https://www.ozolea.it/reducing-antibiotic-usage-can-benefit-dairy-processing/

³ L. M. Chiesa, L. De Castelli, M. Nobile, F. Martucci, G. Mosconi, M. Fontana, M. Castrica, F. Arioli, S. Panseri, 2020. Analysis of antibiotic residues in raw bovine milk and their impact toward food safety and on milk starter cultures in cheese-making process. LWT – Food Science and Technology 131 (2020) 109783

Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109783

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Supporting dairy farmers’ income with affordable and innovative tools

Marketing 11 June 2021 News

Efficiency is a great support for the achievement of sustainability, but it is not enough. At some point, it will be necessary to incur major investments to renovate and innovate our dairy farm properly.

We certainly can do better with efficiency¹, and this has to be the first rule towards sustainability.

The environmental sustainability goals to be achieved by 2030 are ambitious: they deserve awareness, action, determination, as well as economic means.

In the European Union, small and medium-sized dairy farms are still far from satisfactory levels of income that could make further investments possible (Poczta et al., 2020)¹.

And peculiar challenges of the milk market still persist¹.

Furthermore, some issues tend to worsen more in developing countries rather than in developed areas: this is the case, for example, of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon².

The urgency behind all the aspects we need to face to achieve sustainability makes it clearer than ever: we must promote inclusive economic growth, build resilience, support equal rights to economic resources and property rights, at national and international level.

The scenario depicted by the FAO³is that of a declining extreme poverty since 1990, but with a still high number of people living in these conditions. To give some figures, one in five people in developing countries lived with less than US $ 1.90 per individual per day in 2013 (World Bank, 2017).

Poverty rates have declined but progress has been not equitable, and this cannot be accepted.

The whole livestock production can play a role in helping rural society achieve its livelihood goals³. Its contribution to ending poverty has already been described, and goes along with the rapid growth expected for this sector.

Livestock production can provide enough safe⁴and nutritious⁵ food for everyone; it is vital for other business activities⁶, in that it creates economic value; it is fundamental for society⁷. Moreover, it plays an essential role in supporting poor rural households to maintain their livelihood conditions.

All in all, it carries a great potential with many beneficial effects that may not be fully captured, especially by those living in poverty.

Both micro- and macroeconomic factors influence the effective capacity of the livestock sector to convert the expected rapid growth into poverty decrease³.

Since these factors include, among others, the ability of producers to use available assets to generate income and the possibility for consumers to get some advantages from more competitive prices, the solution is to be sought in a better value distribution¹ and in making innovation, technology, tools and strategies available and affordable for everyone⁸.

It will help reduce poverty, it will help boost sustainable development.

This was another valid reason for OZOLEA to launch the SSafeMILK project. Dairy is one of the valuable productions of the livestock sector. With its project, OZOLEA’s commits to the implementation of the income of 1.4 billion dairy farmers worldwide by boosting productivity and certifying product value for better price negotiation.

Globally, it is a helping hand for them to make sustainable development happen on their farms.

¹ We need cohesion and sharing results to make consumers understand the importance of paying the fair price for milk.

https://www.ozolea.it/we-need-cohesion-and-sharing-results-to-make-consumers-understand-the-importance-of-paying-the-fair-price-for-milk/

²AMR: for a global action, no one must be left behind.

https://www.ozolea.it/amr-for-a-global-action-no-one-must-be-left-behind/

³ Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable Development Goals.

http://www.fao.org/3/CA1201EN/ca1201en.pdf

⁴ Prevention and control in livestock productions mean more food safety, more food security and good health.

https://www.ozolea.it/prevention-and-control-in-livestock-productions-mean-more-food-safety-more-food-security-and-good-health/

⁵ Save your milk, don’t waste it: the world must be nourished.

https://www.ozolea.it/save-your-milk-dont-waste-it-the-world-must-be-nourished/

⁶Livestock husbandry has a multiplier effect on other business activities.

https://www.ozolea.it/livestock-husbandry-has-a-multiplier-effect-on-other-business-activities/

⁷What dairy farmers do for the place they live and work in.

https://www.ozolea.it/what-dairy-farmers-do-for-the-place-they-live-and-work-in/

⁸Are we ready enough for the agricultural transition?

https://www.ozolea.it/are-we-ready-enough-for-the-agricultural-transition/

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Veterinary products clearly presented, safe use on dairy farms

Marketing 10 June 2021 News

There is increasing attention to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The European Union is a few months away from the application of the new regulation on veterinary medicinal products (VMPs), which will involve manufacturers, distributors, veterinarians, and final users.

The new principles for advertising and communication of VMPs will certainly help in gaining greater clarity within the single market. Furthermore, they will allow a more conscious use by pet owners and breeders, who will be better informed.

All that concerns the Reg. (EU) n. 2019/6¹ is an important, gradual and clear revolution in the world of VMPs. The ultimate goal is something higher, namely safeguarding animal and human health and the protection of the environment.

Experience has taught EU Member States that it is necessary to clearly distinguish the various veterinary products on the market from veterinary medicines.

How can we understand today what kind of product retailers, salesmen and other professionals are offering us? Let’s try, in a simple way, to find the essential aspects to avoid buying products that have particular properties and/or activities, though are not legal.

First, we need to see whether or not the product is proposed as having pharmacological, immunological or metabolic action. Let’s consider a product that shows, in the description, the word “antimastitic”.

Mastitis is a disease, more precisely the inflammation of the mammary gland caused mainly by bacterial infections.

The term “antimastitic” is generally used in the description of the pharmacotherapeutic group of veterinary drugs such as antibiotics for the treatment of udder infections with intra-mammary application.

Therefore, if we find “antimastitic” on a product, or in any case terms that suggest that the product performs a pharmacological action, we are in front of something that is configured as a veterinary medicinal product.

How do we check that it really is a medicine? The product must show the marketing authorization number (AIC in Italy) on the package. For instance, when a new drug is authorized, in Italy the Ministry of Health issues a document relating to the AIC and its specific characteristics. The document is public, thus a web check is the easiest thing to do.

In general, when veterinary medicinal products can be used only under veterinary prescription, this information must appear on the package. Some veterinary medicines do not require a veterinary prescription; however, this is not the case of intra-mammary products.

Thus, seek veterinary advice and exclude from your dairy farm routine those products that declare pharmacological action for intra-mammary use but which do not require a veterinary prescription.

Another relevant aspect concerns the route of administration, which must be consistent with the proposed commercial format: if the package indicates “external use” and actually contains an intra-mammary applicator, it is not a product to be trusted as there is risk of incurring reports for unauthorized use of the product.

Veterinary medicines are always accompanied by the package insert, which provides important information on marketing authorization number, active substances, dosage and animal species, withdrawal periods, therapeutic indications, contraindications and negative side effects, and much more.

When read carefully, this element also helps us to discriminate between a veterinary medicinal product and an illegal product.

Be careful also with products containing vegetable substances (plants) presented as having pharmacological properties (antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, stimulator of the immune response, etc.): as already mentioned¹, these products fall within the old and new VMP legislation, therefore they need a marketing authorisation.

As we have already seen¹, the new Regulation on veterinary medicinal products will be revolutionary.

For this reason, OZOLEA chose, even before the definition of the new EU regulatory framework, to manufacture products that do not contain active substances, without the obligation of a veterinary prescription, legal in the European Union and in the USA.

OZOLEA-MAST is a veterinary device designed precisely to allow the milker to intervene when something is going wrong in the udder, without the need of waiting for signs of a full-blown mastitis, which instead would require the use of antibiotics and veterinary support. OZOLEA-MAST can be used in lactation and at dry-off.

¹ Veterinary medicine product or not? OZOLEA’s innovative approach within the new regulatory framework.

https://www.ozolea.it/veterinary-medicine-product-or-not-ozoleas-innovative-approach-within-the-new-regulatory-framework/

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Reducing antibiotic usage can benefit dairy processing

Marketing 9 June 2021 News

From a food safety point of view, antibiotics (and, in general, antimicrobials) are chemical contaminants and, thus, pose risks.

In milk, the problem of residues is mainly related to the treatment of mastitis with antibiotics in lactation and at dry-off, but also to other diseases¹.

Being compliant with legal requirements for drug residues in milk is crucial to avoid public health issues – potential allergies in consumers, development of antibiotic resistant bacteria, negative impacts on intestinal flora.

Moreover, antibiotic residues pose technological issues due to their ability to partially or totally inhibit the growth and metabolism of starter and non-starter cultures used in dairy processing. All this can lead to substantial losses of dairy products.

Detecting the presence of antibiotic residues in milk at the processing plant gates is a routine procedure. This is aimed at excluding the non-compliant milk from processing.

According to the specific active substance, its residual concentration and the sensitivity of cultures used to process milk, different effects occur in dairy products. Thus, if in some cases there could be a slowing down of fermentation, in others the process could be even inhibited or blocked.

To give some examples, Lactococcus species are more sensitive to streptomycin and tetracycline, while they show a higher resistance to penicillin than S. thermophilus and thermophillic lactobacilli. L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis and L. helveticus showed to be less resistant to penicillin than most strains of L. casei and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. Antibiotic residues may also influence the associative growth between two species, such as starter cultures selected for yoghurt production.

Negative impacts may occur both during and after processing, in particular at cheese ripening.

During processing, high concentrations of antibiotic residues can result in up to a full block of acidification after renneting, leading to high pH in cheese. Improper acidification also implies poor curd syneresis, soft coagulate particles and abundant whey and moisture content.

Other impacts can also be on texture (uneven), body (pasty) and flavours (yeasty, rancid or fermented). The reduction of flavours may be particularly intense in raw milk cheese, since residues will affect spontaneous flora in the milk.

Gamba et al. (Grana Padano Insieme, 2020)² collected interesting experimental data suggesting that certain current law limits in the EU for antibiotic residues still hinder some technological processes.

Being aware of these potential impacts of antibiotic residues during manufacturing, OZOLEA designed its leading product, OZOLEA-MAST, thinking of a beneficial effect also for dairy processors. OZOLEA-MAST does not contain active substances and does not leave residues in the milk.

The reduction of antibiotics along the dairy supply chain may lead to higher milk yields, less production losses, improved dairy product yields and a superior level of food safety.

1 Making money by saving milk

https://www.ozolea.it/making-money-by-saving-milk/

2 Gamba V., Bolzoni G., Monastero P., Losio M. N., Daminelli P., 2020. Residui di antibiotici sulle colture lattiche del siero innesto e nel formaggio. Grana Padano Insieme, Gennaio 2020, Consorzio Tutela Grana Padano.

https://www.granapadano.it/public/sfogliabili/grana-padano-insieme/gennaio-2020/#60

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Save your milk, don’t waste it: the world must be nourished

Marketing 28 May 2021 News

At global level, approximately one in nine people suffer from hunger. This trend is sharper in developing countries, where roughly 13% of the population is undernourished.

In a world producing enough food to feed all of us, there are still too many people struggling to give their children something nutritious to eat. 690 million people go to sleep on an empty stomach at the end of each day¹.

In 2019¹, acute food insecurity affected 135 million people in 55 countries. Today, one in three people suffer from diverse forms of malnutrition.

Covid-19 posed an additional threat to food security. Moreover, if we do not take actions to reverse the current trends, figures for hungry people will reach 840 million by 2030.

All this is linked to food loss and food waste. Every year, about one third of food we produce is lost during production (particularly in developing countries) or wasted on the plate (especially in developed countries). This means for the global economy nearly US $ 1 trillion lost annually¹.

Foods of animal origin provide readily digestible protein and essential nutrients. Moreover, they can critically contribute to end hunger while improving food security and nutrition.

Livestock products are also fundamental in children’s diet as they provide several micronutrients involved in physical and cognitive development².

In developed countries and a growing number of developing nations, adverse health effects (overweight, obesity, chronic diseases, etc.) associated with overconsumption of processed meat are highlighted.

There has to be a middle ground at this point.

The whole livestock sector can play a key role in the process towards ending hunger, specifically by contributing at different levels and from several perspectives.

The livestock sector can be a driving force for rural communities by creating employment opportunities both in primary production and processing. It can generate income, fiscal revenue, and allow to earn foreign exchange. Moreover, livestock production can provide enough healthy and nutritious foods for everyone.

The livestock sector is also aware of the challenges it is facing, which will be pushed by an increasing demand for nutritious, abundant and healthy foods.

Intensive production cannot be left apart, since it will be needed as the population grows. Certainly, it has to change. And, undoubtedly, the livestock sector should find new ways to talk to consumers, trying to fill the gap between the idea that consumers have about intensive production and what the sector really means when discussing intensive farms.

Scientific evidences support the importance of milk and dairy products as part of a healthy and balanced diet. They are nutritious, dense foods, suitable to nourish the world.

Can the dairy sector tackle malnutrition and ensure food security? Yes, and it can also do it through a sustainable and circular approach, benefiting agricultural and non-agricultural sectors revolving around livestock production.

We have already gone deeper into these aspects. The link between OZOLEA’s Friday posts relies in one word: efficiency⁴.

When thinking about a suitable tool for milk production, OZOLEA also took into consideration the fact that milk waste is a major challenge for dairy farmers. In a global context, it is a waste of resources, energies and nutritious and healthy food sources for people all around the globe.

This is another goal of OZOLEA’s SSafeMILK project, helping dairy farmers tackle hunger by avoiding milk waste. Its no-withdrawal solutions are also tools designed to improve animal productivity for the indirect tissue regenerating effect, with respect to animal welfare.

¹ United Nations World Food Programme, 2021.

https://www.wfp.org/zero-hunger

² Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable Development Goals.

http://www.fao.org/3/CA1201EN/ca1201en.pdf

³Livestock husbandry has a multiplier effect on other business activities.

https://www.ozolea.it/livestock-husbandry-has-a-multiplier-effect-on-other-business-activities/

⁴ Making money by saving milk.

https://www.ozolea.it/making-money-by-saving-milk/

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Prevention and control in livestock productions mean more food safety, more food security and good health

Marketing 21 May 2021 News

Zoonoses poses risks for both human and animal health. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) further increases these risks; for this reason, a coordinated approach is necessary. Unfortunately, food-borne diseases pose a higher risk in developing countries.

As we already discussed, for a global action against AMR, no one must be left behind¹. Yet, the fact that developing countries still have no suitable infrastructure, economic and social support for rural and livestock development makes things worse.

Household hygiene conditions are a challenge for poor populations². Moreover, their access to clean water and sanitation facilities is compromised. These critical issues create the best environment for microorganisms to proliferate and spread. Therefore, AMR and zoonotic diseases are not problems related solely to the way animal are farmed.

The challenge is bigger than we think.

The livestock sector is facing requests to continue ensuring food safety and security, while reducing environmental impacts.

Pressures for improved animal welfare is further arising, and our sector still has difficulties in raising consumers’ awareness about how we have actually improved.

The dairy sector is conscious of all these aspects, and countries are taking steps towards solutions to tackle the development of new zoonoses and to reverse the pattern of AMR³. And, of course, to improve animal welfare.

At global livestock level, what could we do? Prevention is the best way to tackle AMR. Relying on the intensive use of antimicrobials is no longer possible, since this is the primary cause of AMR.

The way is rational, prudent and only when strictly necessary use of antimicrobials. The market for inputs for the livestock sector is working to provide alternative solutions. OZOLEA is proudly one of them.

However, it is worth stressing that the fight against AMR involves also human medicine. On this ground, humans, too, when treating diseases, should be sure that antibiotics are necessary and the preventive use of such products is not the correct way to act. Sadly, scientific literature is showing how Covid-9 may worsen the development of AMR.

For human health and well-being, the livestock sector is vital for providing nutritious and healthy foods.

Meat and meat products, dairy products, eggs and other foods of animal origin are a valuable source of high-biological-value proteins, fat and other functional compounds, including vitamins and minerals. All these nutrients have, in different ways, roles in ensuring humans’ balanced growth at cognitive and physical level.

A healthy and balanced diet is undeniably essential to human lives.

In this context, proper management in livestock production becomes essential to continue ensuring food security for a growing population. Attention to biosecurity, prevention, control and use of right tools to fight AMR can guarantee food safety from primary production.

However, considering how human health, animal health, nutrition and environment are strictly interconnected, the problem of AMR cannot be ascribed only to livestock farming. For these reasons, a One-Health⁴ approach is the way to consider and face this big challenge.

OZOLEA’s SSafeMILK project was developed for an action against AMR. By applying tools and protocols designed by OZOLEA, which are sustainable, effective and affordable for any farmer, the SSafeMILK project is intended to tackle the global emergency of AMR and aggressively reduce the use of antibiotics in farming animals.

¹ AMR: for a global action, no one must be left behind

https://www.ozolea.it/amr-for-a-global-action-no-one-must-be-left-behind/

² Transforming the livestock sector through the Sustainable Development Goals

http://www.fao.org/3/CA1201EN/ca1201en.pdf

³ Reg. (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicines applicable from 28 January 2022: are we ready?https://www.ozolea.it/reg-eu-20196-on-veterinary-medicines-applicable-from-28-january-2022-are-we-ready/

⁴The One Health approach against antimicrobial resistance

https://www.ozolea.it/the-one-health-approach-against-antimicrobial-resistance/