Marketing | OZOLEA

Are we ready enough for the agricultural transition?

Marketing 16 April 2021 News

Current and continuous pressure on the intensive livestock farming systems is really challenging the dairy sector.

Public opinion is unfortunately in part shaped by outsiders that do not really know difficulties in primary production, along the dairy supply chain and among operators. But they also seem to not see our improvements.

We would really appreciate a different approach to the issue: a one-to-one dialogue with us would rather be useful than pointing the finger at livestock farming. We have a lot to say about the matter.

We are aware that an agricultural transition to sustainability is now, more than ever, needed for the future. The main aim would be the protection of animal and human health and the environment, as well.

We also have to cope with an increasing population and a society that is also changing its life-style.

Any type of farm production system we choose to conduct, we have to be consistent with the specific decision and know that economic, social and environmental sustainability requires profound conviction.

Production systems such as conservation agriculture, high nature value (HNV) farming, agroecology and organic farming are recognized as generally more sustainable than intensive farming.

Among these systems, organic farming is the most regulated and applied. A large-scale transition to organic farming would mean reduction of total consumption of inputs such as pesticides, fertilisers and antibiotics, thus with beneficial effects on the environment.

However, it would also reduce total crop and livestock production, since it relies on lower production densities and output.

With current food consumption patterns, the impact would also be on food prices and the need to farm marginal land or import food, especially for the European Union.

This is not something that can meet the food demand of a growing population.

Sustainability and consumer demands have to face farmer’s income, societal and life-style considerations and overall market forces. From the dairy supply chain point of view, this means that all the operators have to share and endeavor to join forces in achieving goals that are clearly common to any of them.

From a better distribution of added value, any of them will benefit.

In this context and as we said many times, our goal as dairy farmers should be efficiency in farm management. And, with a fast, growing population, we have to produce more and more food.

Innovation has provided dairy farmers with strategies and tools for the implementation of precision farming. This is a production system that aims to optimize agricultural output by using less inputs (labor, antibiotics, agrochemicals, natural resources, etc.) and more rationally.

Despite its potential to contribute to the sustainability of the dairy sector, precision livestock farming is not affordable for all dairy farmers, especially for those who run a small business. It requires major investments on dairy farms since it means including high technology in the farm routine (let’s think of automatic milking systems).

Therefore, two main considerations emerge from this discussion.

First, sustainability in dairy farming production clearly asks for the adoption of a wide range of more efficient practices.

Thus, the solution to the environmental issue has to be well balanced between intensive farming systems and less intensive production models, considering the current context.

Second, there should be more accessibility to innovative tools and knowledge for all dairy farmers.

It is for these reasons that OZOLEA has deliberately chosen to meet both conventional dairy production and organic dairy farming with tools that are innocuous, effective, sustainable, safe and affordable for every dairy farmer.

By combining the use of these products with the implementation of the SSafeMILK protocols, OZOLEA aims to enhance best practices dissemination and scientific research, helping dairy farmers to shape the path towards a more sustainable dairy production and increase their profit.

Some issues of this article can be investigated in this report by the European Environment Agency (2021).

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Why the enemy is resistance to antimicrobials and not only to antibiotics

Marketing 15 April 2021 News

Resistance to active substances developed by microorganisms is an international phenomenon, with side effects estimated to be disastrous if there will be no rapid, coordinated and effective actions on a global level.

Thus, it is useful to make a brief focus on the terms used in the context of the fight against resistance to certain substances.

Let’s take the VMP Regulation as a reference: it is one of the EU laws that aims, among other objectives, at strengthening the EU campaign to tackle antimicrobial resistance. And it gives pretty clear definitions of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial is any substance with a direct action on microorganisms used for treatment or prevention of infections or infectious diseases, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anti-protozoals.

Antimicrobial resistance means the ability of microorganisms to survive or to grow in the presence of a concentration of an antimicrobial agent which is usually sufficient to inhibit or kill micro-organisms of the same species.

Some important reflections emerge from the definitions of antimicrobials.

The first one is that antibiotics fall into a larger category, which is that of antimicrobials.

The second is that antimicrobials are used in a series of products. Resistance can be developed also to medical-surgical devices and biocides. Some simple examples are hand sanitizers we are currently using, sanitizers for environments, but also udder dipping and hygiene products used in pre-milking and much more.

The indication “any substance” shifts focus on the origin of these substances: synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural.

With the worsening of resistance to synthetic substances, the recent expectations placed on antimicrobials of natural origin are very high. However, defining and communicating products containing such substances is not that easy.

In fact, several mechanisms are involved in the resistance phenomena developed by microorganisms. These mechanisms do not exclude the likelihood of strengthening the ability to resist even when natural substances are present. An interesting reading is “Natural extracts stimulate membrane‐associated mechanisms of resistance in Gram‐negative bacteria” (Fadli et al., 2014).

The fight against antimicrobial resistance will also require attention to these risks. It is precisely for this reason that the term “antimicrobial” includes “any substance with a direct action on microorganisms“.

Therefore, each actor in the supply chain has to be aware that the solutions to be used in the fight against AMR must respond to the right balance between risk and benefit for the safeguard of human health.

Proposing alternative antimicrobials to those already of compromised efficacy due to AMR phenomena almost seems to be a second-best solution.

Putting nature against nature is correct, but is AMR itself to suggest a change of strategy.

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OZOLEA-MAST approved as a compliant input for organic dairy farming in Wisconsin

Marketing 12 April 2021 News

Few days ago, OZOLEA received an important confirmation for its leading product, OZOLEA-MAST.

OZOLEA is proud to announce that OZOLEA-MAST has been approved as compliant input for organic dairy farming in Wisconsin, one of the US federal states with a high concentration of organic dairy farms.

According to the US Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC), in 2016 more than 2,500 US dairy farms produced organic milk. Wisconsin was the second federal state with the largest number of organic dairy farms (455), preceded by New York (486) and followed by Pennsylvania (303). Moreover, Wisconsin was amongst states that produced large quantities of organic milk (California, Texas, Wisconsin, Oregon and New York) (USDA, 2016).

Prevention in US organic dairy farming is vital, since, in case of health issues, farmers can rely only on a group of products approved as compliant inputs and no antibiotics, that are not allowed in organic dairy farming. Many of the products approved are restricted in how and what situations they can be used.

The main aim of OZOLEA-MAST is to provide farmers with innocuous, effective, safe, sustainable, and affordable tools and protocols to reduce the use of unnecessary antibiotics in dairies. Where a specific standard, such as that set out for the US organic dairy farming, has clear restrictions on the use of antibiotics and no alternatives are available yet, OZOLEA-MAST becomes strategic for managing udder issues in dairy cows.

With OZOLEA-MAST, along with the implementation of OZOLEA protocols, the occurrence of severe clinical events is remarkably reduced. The animals are less stressed and many painful phenomena are avoided, with a positive impact for the dairy farmers’ pockets and the environment.

This approval has a double importance for OZOLEA: in addition to a further step towards the sustainability of the dairy sector, including organic dairy farming, it is an endorsement received from the bottom of the dairy sector that will be beneficial for any player of the organic dairy supply chain, including consumers.

Organic dairy farming principles are substantially those of a circular model. And the circular model of dairy farming, both organic and conventional, is the core goal of OZOLEA’s philosophy and research.

Consumer safety and food safety can be ensured by using OZOLEA-MAST. Leaving no chemical residue in the milk and being the right tool for the reduction of antibiotic resistant strains stemming from the improper use of antibiotics, OZOLEA-MAST can help protect consumers from these risks.

Moreover, consumers are more and more demanding about sustainable food products. Avoiding food waste, as for withdrawal procedures, and reducing resource usage per liter of milk produced are some of the main environmental benefits of the OZOLEA model.

OZOLEA.

For you,
for animals,
for the environment.

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

Marketing 9 April 2021 News

Being dairy farmers requires multi-disciplinary skills, and sometimes we would need to be relieved a little from some issues and responsibilities. However, our presence in specific areas of the world is fundamental both from an economic and social perspective.

In general, the backbone of the economy in rural areas is agriculture. The communities, the infrastructure, the employment and people living there are mainly concentrated on agriculture and food production, contributing to make rural villages and towns a worthy place to live.

Dairy production is a consolidated asset in rural areas since it supports livelihoods by providing regular source of products of animal origin that can be both food for local people and a market opportunity.

In particular, dairy farmers are the stewards of land and soil. Last week, we made the point on the impact of a good herd and farm management on land and soil (read “The circular nature of dairy farming”). This is worthwhile in particular for marginal rural areas, where dairy farming contributes to the reduction of the risk of hydrogeological instability.

Occupying marginal areas and continuing some of the traditions of dairy production help the society reduce the continuous depopulation of these regions, bringing back work and employment, while reducing gender inequalities.

Furthermore, it is important for many farms to be family-owned. Family farms help make the countryside a more inclusive place to live and encourage young men and women to get involved in rural activities, bringing innovation, development and strengthening the socio-economic network.

In the European Union, the depopulation of rural areas is an extremely important phenomenon: agriculture today is different from the one of decades ago. In the past, small farms were widely spread across the territory. With urbanization, rural realities have drastically reduced, but at the same time they have experienced a notable technological and productive evolution. This evolution is a step towards future demographic development.

Estimates show a global population growth of up to almost 9.7 billion by 2050. 70% of the population will be concentrated in urban areas and 30% in rural areas. This percentage will have to deal with agricultural production, and will have to do it with increasing efficiency.

Dairy farming can be both intensive and extensive, and both of them have their role in the social development. Intensive farming should not be seen negatively.

Intensive milk production is an approach designed to maximize outputs with reduced use of resources. Innovation has made it possible to improve animal welfare and health level, as well as the protection of the environment. Focusing on efficiency and sustainability, it is possible to understand the positive sides of intensive production.

Only the European Union milk production is estimated around 155 million tons per year. Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain are the main producers – almost 70% of the EU production. Thus, it is a substantial, pervasive and heterogeneous economic sector.

The EU dairy herd (around 21 million cows in 2018) has been decreasing recently along with an increase of the milk yield per cow (7000 kg in 2018). This is a clear sign of efficiency.

In addition to its importance for land management, employment and food production, dairy farming is a hub of innovation, involving different fields of research – from life sciences to engineering. In particular, intensive production systematically allows a resource and technology transfer even where there are no adequate economic and structural possibilities, concretely supporting sustainable innovation in developing countries.

Now that we are facing new challenges – from the environmental issue to the price issue, we should be able to protect our role as guardians of the environment and in feeding the world.

These roles require the ability of creating, sharing and implementing our knowledge and new technologies, but also new ways to organize the supply chain and cooperate.

The final goal of cooperation must be economic, environmental and social sustainability. And this is also the objective of OZOLEA’s SSafeMILK project.

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When dairy cows will not benefit from the use of antibiotics

Marketing 7 April 2021 News

Mastitis can occur in dairy cows at different severity levels. In the past weeks (read “What milk changes tell us when we forestrip”), we made an overview about the visible signs at milk level according to the severity of the clinical or subclinical mastitis. All these aspects will help us act promptly with the proper decisions and solutions.

Not all mastitis cases need an antibiotic treatment

From his field activity, Mike Zurakowski, DVM (Cornell Quality Milk Production Services) was able to verify that around 85% of mastitis cases are mild or moderate. These are cases that do not require a systemic and immediate treatment: thus, waiting 24-36 hours for the treatment will not change the results. In this range of time, we evaluate for an autonomous regression of the disorder.

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

Defining and developing a mastitis management plan is critical for the prevention and/or control of mastitis. This means that we must work methodically and find out any critical point that deserves higher attention on our dairy farms.

Moreover, milk cultures are crucial to determine what type of pathogens have caused the infection at udder level. Culturing the milk helps us to discriminate between contagious or environmental pathogens. It also gives clues about whether an antibiotic treatment is needed or not and, thus, what antibiotic has to be applied, if needed.

This approach follows a pathogen-based treatment decision pattern for mastitis. It is extremely useful: it can contribute to the prudent use of antibiotics; it allows the farmer to save money on health care and labor expenses; it helps decrease antibiotic residues in the milk tank and minimize milk losses; it mitigates the risk of antimicrobial resistance since the treatment will be targeted and clearly established on the basis of analyses.

Some dairy cows will not benefit from antibiotic usage

When dealing with mastitis, there are some situations in which treating affected animals with antibiotics will not be beneficial.

Long history of chronically high SCC

Each dairy cow has her own personal lactation history. We published in Hoard’s Dayriman Guest Blog an article discussing this issue. High SCC values in milk can be related both to bacterial factors (intra-mammary infections) and other factors (environmental changes, stressful conditions, micro-traumas, etc.). When the milk culture tells us that there is no infection in the udder, the udder tissue may be stressed because of other reasons. As we saw in HD Guest Blog, supporting and protecting the udder tissue are a helping hand in reducing chronically high SCC values. This can be one of the several applications of OZOLEA-MAST in lactating cows.

Repeated previous treatment failures

Last week, when we discussed how biofilms are involved in recurrence of clinical mastitis, we also said that there is a link with increased resistance to antimicrobial substances leading also to repeated failures in treating the cow with antibiotics. The effectiveness of the specific antibiotic relies also on the synergies between the active substance and the udder tissue: when the latter is stressed and damaged, these synergies are reduced. Protecting the damaged udder tissue would be beneficial for the antibiotic activity, as well. Another potential application for OZOLEA-MAST.

Chronic Staphylococcus aureus

S. aureus is a hostile enemy for dairy farmers. Subclinical infections caused by this bacterium remain the largest mastitis issue in dairy cattle: despite in vitro effectiveness of active substances, in vivo cure rates with antibiotics are very low during lactations and the infection tends to become chronic. The reason behind low cure rates lies in the ability of S. aureus to form micro-abscesses that prevent active substances from reaching the microorganism. Unfortunately, chronicization of the infection makes culling the only frequent option. S. aureus causes contagious mastitis; therefore, it is generally spread from cow to cow via milking equipment, the milker’s hands, and improper hygiene and milking sequence. We can control it through prevention of new infections and the culling of affected animals.

In case of S. aureus that gives milk flakes and up-and-down SCC values, OZOLEA-MAST can help mitigate these signs for better herd management while taking time to sort the problem out through the vaccination of the herd or the replacement of animals.

Mycoplasma bovis

Mycoplasma bovis is a respiratory pathogen and can cause polyarthritis in beef cattle. Moreover, it is also recognized as a primary pathogen of mastitis in dairy cows. The infection it causes can become persistent, characterized by progressive chronicization. In this case, affected dairy cows will not benefit from therapy since there are no effective antibiotics or vaccines for the treatment or prevention of the mammary infections generated by this pathogen. Again, in case of M. bovis infections culling is the option recommended for controlling.

Multiple infected quarters

When more than one quarter is affected by mastitis, the dairy farmers should better consider a clinical picture of the situation as their priority. Thus, veterinary advice becomes essential in this situation. Also in this case, supporting the udder tissue and protecting it will help us to take time to find the proper solution.

Damaged teats

Teats can be damaged in many different ways. Dairy cows can smash teats themselves, or injury can occur during milking. Damaged teats are more susceptible to infections: in this case, what should be treated first is the specific physical injury.

Other serious metabolic disease

There is a connection between mastitis and metabolic diseases in dairy cows. Metabolic diseases generally depend on nutrient deficiency or excess. A balanced diet is essential for the proper functioning of all the physiological mechanisms and defensive system in the dairy cow. As we had the opportunity to discuss, there is particular attention to nutritional aspects around calving. A weakened defensive system means major susceptibility to infections also at udder level.

No-growth milk cultures

Negative results when culturing milk mean that, if sampling, transport of samples and analysis have been conducted properly, the dairy cow has autonomously solved the infection thanks to the immune system. Thus, even if there are signs of mastitis, using antibiotics would be not necessary. We can instead support the functionality of the udder tissue with proper protection.

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The circular nature of dairy farming

Marketing 2 April 2021 News

The whole dairy sector has been experiencing pressure from the outside world about environmental impacts and animal welfare.

Actually, we have accepted our responsibilities and strived to do our best in improving our performances. Yes, this must be said loud: we improved. And we know it. We also know that we must step up a little bit our effort to meet new goals.

To do this, we have to think clearly, have simple and effective strategies and a concrete support.

Once again, it is not a matter of major investments: it is an efficiency issue.

And when it comes to efficiency while running any type of activity, responsible production and consumption have a positive impact, first of all for our pockets.

One month ago, we discussed how it is important to prevent and/or control mastitis and other diseases, avoid infrastructure issues and be careful when delivering the milk to processors by checking antibiotic residues. These simple attentions in management would help us make the best production out of our dairy herd and reduce milk loss.

Then, we focused on good quality manure: homegrown crop production is our own great opportunity to dispose of the waste produced by our dairy cows. We can use it as a fertilizer to meet nutritional demand of crops, while economically optimizing the entire dairy system.

Two weeks ago, we shifted the focus to water quality. There is a lot around it: being able consumers of farming inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics allows us to make water cleaner. Using water more efficiently can help us preserve agricultural productivity.

Furthermore, last week we had a precise idea of what effective and prompt disease management would mean for our dairy herd, milk production, profit and the environment.

The main leitmotiv is unique, simple and absolutely feasible: we have to aim at responsible production and consumption. That is doing more with less.

Let’s go further: by implementing circular economy practices, we can be one step closer to those goals that we are called to achieve. But we have to be really convinced.

Is there anything new in circular practices for dairy farmers? Dairy farming has always had a circular behavior, if we consider a simple dairy circle. Grass can grow thanks to soil nutrients, and is used to feed cows. Cows produce milk and, as living beings, produce waste (manure) that we will use on crop fields. Thanks to manure, we can fertilize the soil. Then, when transforming milk in cheese, the whey can be used to produce other dairy products.

Unfortunately, we know that we have overused inputs to maximise production and this has complicated milk production and related impacts on the environment.

However, shifting milk production back to its circular nature is still possible.

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VMP Regulation: restrictions on the use in animals of critically important antimicrobials for humans

Marketing 1 April 2021 News

Reg. (EU) n. 2019/6 (VMP Regulation) will be applicable from 28 January 2022 and will deeply change the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. Thus, this is something concerning also the dairy industry.

We discussed the impact on prophylactic treatments in a recent article (read Blanket dry cow therapy, ban on prophylaxis from January 2022. Any alternative? Selective treatment).

Among the key measures, the VMP Regulation forms the basis for restrictions on those products used both in human and veterinary medicines. The aim is preserving the efficacy of antibiotics that are of critical importance for the treatment of infections in humans. Restrictions on these products are needed since antimicrobial resistant bacteria can stem from the use of antimicrobials in food animals and spread to humans through the food chain.

Article 37 of the VMP Regulation establishes the reasons for refusal of marketing authorasitation of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs). In particular, in paragraphs from 3 to 6 are defined the rules for refusal of antimicrobial VMPs when they are reserved for treatment of certain infections in humans. Moreover, the European Commission shall adopt delegated acts to supplement the VMP Regulation “by establishing the criteria for the designation of the antimicrobials which are to be reserved for treatment of certain infections in humans in order to preserve the efficacy of those antimicrobials”. In doing this, it will consider the scientific advice of relevant Union agencies, namely EMA, EFSA and others.

Let’s step back a little and make an overview on current aspects related to critically important antibiotics (CIAs) for humans. They are the most important antimicrobial products for treating infections in humans. According to the World Health Organisation’s categorisation, CIAs can be Highest Priority (Category 1 – their use in prophylaxis in animals should be avoided) and High Priority (Category 2 – antibiotics that pose a threat to human health if used in animals).

In 2019, the WHO updated the CIA list. With it, WHO developed and implemented criteria to rank antimicrobial products on the basis of their relative importance in human health.

The aim of the list is to help preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials available to humans today by promoting their prudent use both in human and veterinary medicine. It includes also the Highest Priority CIAs, namely: quinolones, 3rd and higher generation cephalosporins, macrolides and ketolides, glycopeptides, and polymyxins.

Being OZOLEA at the forefront in the fight against AMR in dairy cows, in particular studying and developing tools for supporting the udder tissue functionality, it is worth mentioning the reason why quinolones and cephalosporins, used in dairy cattle to treat clinical and sub-clinical mastitis caused by E. coli, are included in this Category.

Quinolones are one of the few available substances to treat serious Salmonella and E. coli infections in humans. Also, they are known for they ability to select for quinolone-resistant Salmonella and E. coli in animals. Same issue for 3-rd and higher generation cephalosporins: they are one of the few available therapies for serious Salmonella and E. coli infections in human medicine, particularly in children and are known to select for cephalosporin-resistant Salmonella and E. coli in animals. The incidence of human disease due to Salmonella and E. coli is substantially high: thus, they are needed as the last resort for treatment in human medicine.

At the EU level, last year the European Medicines Agency (EMA) updated its scientific advice, prepared by the AMEG (Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group) on the categorisation of antibiotics. EMA encourages veterinarians to check and consider this update when prescribing antibiotics for animals. It does not replace general guidelines, and other aspects (Summary of Product Characteristics, restrictions around use in food-producing species, regional peculiarities of disease and AMR, national policies, etc.) should also be considered.

This document is in line with the One-Health approach (see OZOLEA’s article “The One Health approach against antimicrobial resistance”). The new classification introduced by the AMEG currently comprises four categories:

A) “Avoid”: it includes antibiotics currently not authorised in veterinary medicine in the EU. They may not be used in food-producing animals and may be used in individual companion animals only by way of exception;

B) “Restrict”: this category rank critically important antibiotics (quinolones, 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins, polymyxins) in human medicine and their use in animals should be restricted to mitigate any risk related in public health;

C) “Caution”: this category refers to those antibiotics which alternatives in human medicine are generally available in the EU, but only few alternatives exist in specific veterinary indications. Their use should be made only when there are no clinically effective antimicrobials in Category D;

D) “Prudence”: it includes antibiotics intended to be used as first line treatments, whenever possible. These products can be used in animals prudently: therefore, users should avoid unnecessary use and long treatment periods, limiting group treatment to situations in which individual therapy is not feasible.

In EMA’s document, the route of administration was also considered to evaluate its impact on selection of AMR.

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Recurrent mastitis in dairy cows: the role of bacterial biofilms

Marketing 31 March 2021 News

Recently (see “What changes in milk tell us when we forestrip“), we focused on the worst-case scenario referred to udder issues in lactating cows to understand the mechanism behind tissue damage and the importance of a proper foremilk stripping.

Being able to identify and understand the meaning of milk flakes and other visible signs in foremilk helps early detect clinical cases of mastitis. A correct approach in such a delicate moment is strategic in preventing and controlling mastitis in dairy cows. And it has also an impact in minimizing the recurrence of clinical cases in our herd.

Recurrence of clinical mastitis is discouraging. It can cause huge economic losses on dairy farms.

The reasons why mastitis can be recurrent are explained as a persistent infection of the mammary gland by a mastitis pathogen or reinfection of the udder (or quarter) after an antibiotic treatment.

As other issues, there is a series of risk predisposing factors of recurrent mastitis: parity (the risk is greater in older cows), a higher milk production, what pathogens have been involved in preceding cases, and whether the antibiotic therapy has been strictly followed previously.

Recurrent clinical cases represent an economic loss due to the following effects on dairy cows, herd and farm: reduction of milk yield, increased risk of culling and mortality. Moreover, we should also consider animal health costs met for treating affected cows.

Undoubtedly, bacteria have many selective advantages if compared with other living beings. They have survived the worst environmental conditions, which have somehow guided their evolution. They are simple and they replicate at high speed rates. And, among other things, they can form biofilms.

The ability of forming biofilms becomes a real selective advantage for pathogens causing mastitis since it facilitates bacterial persistence in the udder. Unfortunately, this is not the only consequence: it has been shown that biofilms have a role in increased resistance to antimicrobials and to the host defensive system.

Bacterial biofilms are more difficult to treat and eradicate, thus knowing how microorganisms interact within these structures and how these structures spread throughout the udder could let us think over different prevention and control strategies.

The formation of the biofilm structure begins with the adhesion to a surface and subsequent agglomeration of cells. Adhesive forces are required by the biofilm to colonize surfaces and allow cell communication. Biofilms also have the potential to create fluid-filled channels thanks to disruptive forces. Channels are needed for the delivery of nutrients, oxygen and metabolites throughout the structure.

These disruptive forces are also essential for the detachment of cells, which limit the expansion of the biofilm structure but allows the infection to disseminate and colonize other niches in the cow’s udder through a dynamic process. This aspect can render the dissemination of the infection systemic.

Significant genetic and physiological changes occur in those bacteria forming the biofilm. The resulting effect is a loss of sensitivity to antibiotics.

The presence of biofilms in mammary glands can be linked to a reduction of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapies. According to scientific literature (Gomes et al., 2016) biofilm formation can be triggered by sub-inhibitory concentrations of several antimicrobial agents.

Moreover, the effect of the environment on biofilm formation has been studied (Atulya et al., 2014), in particular the influence of milk components, finding a certain effect exerted by pH. A decrease in pH facilitates biofilm formation thus causing serious issues when using acidic antibiotics to treat mastitis.

Recurrence of intra-mammary infections and the fact that biofilms are less susceptible to antibiotic treatments can exacerbate the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

In this context, prevention, control, responsible use of antibiotics and a mutual dialogue between dairy farmers and veterinarians are key measures to tackle recurrent mastitis.

Moreover, there is an aspect that we should consider: the effectiveness of a specific antibiotic relies also on 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.

Thus, protection of the udder tissue is essential, as we have already seen previously.

Those right tools that protect the udder tissue, in combination with all the abovementioned practices, can really help reverse the pattern.

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Preventing and/or controlling subclinical mastitis is good for everyone, including the atmosphere

Marketing 26 March 2021 News

In some of the articles published recently in OZOLEA’s website, we discussed the importance of controlling mastitis aiming at improving animal health, dairy production and, therefore, profit. In other words, we should focus on efficiency, which means an optimized use of inputs per specific quantity of output – milk.

Here the articles OZOLEA published: “What changes in milk tell us when we forestrip” and “Making money by saving milk”.

Striving to achieve all these goals also have positive and beneficial effects on the environment.

Thus, let’s discuss again about sustainability without mentioning this word throughout the post. We will make a simple overview of a scientific study¹ conducted in Norway (Özkan Gülzari et al., 2018).

Poor animal health and welfare conditions leading to clinical and subclinical mastitis may compromise production efficiency. This occurs as the result of increased mortality, reduced milk yield, reduced reproductive performance, and increased animal replacement rates.

Being mastitis one of the hardest issues to treat in dairy cows, it has been recognized as an impediment to perform an efficient and feasible livestock production.

Mastitis means milk losses due to reduction in milk yield, discharge of milk due to withdrawal periods and more dairy cows lost and replaced. Moreover, if the disease is in the form of subclinical mastitis it is hard to detect visually at udder and milk level.

The researchers focused on subclinical mastitis in Norwegian dairy farms. It is more difficult to detect visually subclinical mastitis than clinical mastitis. Therefore, there is more room for prevention and control of clinical cases with respect to subclinical cases.

Subclinical cases can be detected by checking the SCC (> 200,000 cells/mL) and deciding for milk culturing.

The results reported by Özkan Gülzari et al. (2018) were in terms of impacts of five different SCC levels on milk yield, feed intake, culling rate and net margin (expected net present value ENPV) and emission intensity.

Milk yield decreased as the level of SCC increased in all the scenarios, reflecting the impact of disease on production, as reported in table on the left.

Reduction in total feed intake occurred as SCC increased. It resulted lower in primiparous cows (1.4-2.8%) than in multiparous cows (3.3.-6.6%).

For culling rates, in the range from 400.000 to 800.000 cells/ml, there was an increase as the SCC augmented (30.9-43.7%), with an impact on average longevity of the herd.

The highest net margin (ENPV) was observed at 200,000 cells/ml. This parameter was mainly driven by milk yield and milk and feed market prices.

Impaired animal health also means increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced per unit of milk. The findings for emission intensities were 1.01 kg and 0.95 kg CO2/kg for fat and protein corrected milk in primiparous and multiparous cows with the lowest SCC (50,000 cells/ml), respectively.

Keeping subclinical mastitis at bay, as it can be for other diseases, can be perceived as a strategy useful both to improved inputs exploitation and a strategy to reduce the GHG emissions intensity from dairy farming.

This was the perspective from Norwegian dairy farms. Performances for any parameter here described would probably give different values depending on the European area assessed.

However, these findings can give use a brighter idea about udder issues: doing our best in preventing and controlling diseases at dairy farm level will pay off.

And this is completely sustainable.

¹Şeyda Özkan Gülzari, Bouda Vosough Ahmadi, Alistair W. Stott. Impact of subclinical mastitis on greenhouse gas emissions intensity and profitability of dairy cows in Norway. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 150 (2018) doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.11.021

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A comfortable pre-calving period for less stressed fresh cows

Marketing 24 March 2021 News

The highest risk period for infections related to mastitis is that occurring around calving and the reason why is quite clear: during this period, the cow faces several physiological and metabolic changes, while her natural defensive mechanism is lower. This means a higher susceptibility to infections and udder issues, and much more.

The incidence of mastitis in the first month after calving is high: special management during the period around calving will help us keep cows healthy and make milk production profitable. 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.

Physiological, metabolic and endocrine activities during the periparturient period are quite challenging for the dairy cow: rapid differentiation of secretory parenchyma, exceptional mammary growth, abundant synthesis and secretion, and intense accumulation of colostrum and milk occur.

Particularly before calving, the cow’s mammary gland are noticeably vulnerable to infections. Thus, the effectiveness of a good dry cow treatment is essential, but not the only strategy that needs to be implemented. Management becomes of paramount importance and many are the critical points that deserves the highest attention of dairy farmers.

Environmental bacteria remain a hard challenge during this period and we have to rely on methods of controlling mastitis. Thus, we will strive to make the housing environment a better place for the cow.

In addition to the lower defense mechanism and the threat of environmental pathogens, we have to consider stress stemming from different situations that the cows go through. Cows generally respond to stress in terms of behavioral, immunological, neuroendocrine, and autonomic responses.

Great importance is given to the specifically designed ration to meet the cow’s nutritional needs during pre-calving but this is not the only determining factor for her performance and health during the imminent lactation.

Other aspects impacting the cow around calving are related to stress affecting the animal, such as overcrowding, moving cattle between groups and animal management. In addition, a well-designed stall, trained personnel (untrained workers are a real risk for any cows on the farm) and space management are essential.

Moving cattle between specific groups is of great significance, in particular for primiparous cows. Depending on the natural existing hierarchy among cows of different ages, primiparous cows will be subordinate by the multiparous cows and the agonistic effect is amplified any time overcrowding happens. The consequent risk of moving cattle and hierarchy is to have a reduced intake of ration in addition to stress. As preventive measures, we must therefore limit the number of moves around calving and keep overcrowding at bay in the dry cow, close-up/calving and post-calving areas.

Being aware of the hierarchy established by multiparous cows, we must consider creating more homogeneous groups on the basis of age to reduce the effects of competition.

How many groups should we evaluate before calving? First of all, a dry period group (average period of 60 days), which should be located adjacent to the close-up/calving group (here is where we will move cows 14-21 days before the estimated calving date, never less then 10 days before). Then, we have to consider post-calving group of fresh cows that must be monitored for a few days.

These ideal groups must take into account, in a real dairy farm, the available space, the presence of trained personnel able to carry out both the group moves and the progress within the group and the feasibility in terms of management. Thus, there will be farms where, immediately after calving, the cows will be transferred in the lactating group. However, it is good to keep in mind that every management choice made has effects on the cows’ welfare and therefore on performance.

To reduce stress due to the re-established hierarchy in each group, in particular to avoid effects due to retarded move in the close-up/calving group, we should consider the general rule of moving animals in groups weekly and not daily.

Crowding density represents a critical point: we should be able to adequately estimate the proportion of the lactating herd that will be in a certain period of the lactation as to evaluate with a discrete accuracy the space needed for cows in any group. Managing the number of animals in the various groups is not such a simple and mathematical thing because, due to the seasonal influence on fertility, the number of calving events will rarely be constant throughout the year.

The areas intended for close-up/calving groups should ensure comfort, hygiene, safety and space for the cows, but also make things easier for the worker. They can be individual or collective boxes, but in both cases the best option is deep litter housing compared to cubicles, although these guarantee sufficient comfort. If you plan to prepare an area that will house the close-up/calving group, then a collective box, you will first need an area that is oversized in relation to the number of cows. While moving cattle, we must avoid moving the cows in the group too close to the date of calving, as indicated above. The goal is to give the cow the necessary time to get used to the new environment and avoid stress.

Having enough space to separate fresh cows in the post-calving group for about ten days (maximum 14 days) is certainly very useful, especially for the observation of primiparous cows. Fresh cows can thus be monitored to check their nutrition, rumination and health status. If the cow needs treatment, it will be moved to the nursery pen, if on the other hand she is in good health conditions she can be transferred among the lactating cows.

The ability to manage transition cows according to these principles will not only give them a more comfortable environment, but will also reduce the occurrence of problems related to calving: this reminds us how training is vital for the entire life of our dairy farms. .