News | OZOLEA

To treat or not to treat? Selective treatment in udder health management

Marketing 23 April 2024 News

For many years, and still in many regions in the World today, blanket mastitis treatment has been the routine, both during lactation and at dry-off. It has made farmers confident and helped them boost milk production.

However, switching to selective treatment is now crucial, with the more than ever tough challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The principle behind selective antimicrobial treatment of non-severe events of clinical mastitis means treating only those cases that will be responsive to antimicrobials.

One step back. Routine treatment can be avoided if:

On-farm udder health management activites have been improved;
Early detection approaches and udder health monitoring are applied;
Incidence and prevalence of clinical cases caused by contagious microorganisms have been reduced.

In a recent review, de Jong and colleagues (2023) reported that, nowadays, where we have confined housing systems, a high percentage of clinical cases are due to environmental, Gram-negative microorganisms. This is why overall management becomes a must to further curb the number of clinical cases.

Severity (mild, moderate, severe) is an important criterion to decide what strategy will suit the case.

For mild cases, dairy farmers would be able to early detect them through milk observation: milk changes, such as presence of milk flakes and color variation, are good indicators. It is worth saying that visible changes are generally limited to the milk.

Concerning moderate cases, inflammatory signs start showing up in the infected quarter(s), while in severe events we will be able to observe changes in the cow (sickness at cow level), in addition to changes in milk and udder.

Systematically treating severe cases has been a well-established practice, reflecting the perceived risks of possible sepsis. However, to encourage prudent use of certain antimicrobial products, many countries have been taking steps to make these products available to dairy producers only upon veterinary prescription.

These law efforts aim at encouraging efficient herd health management and, such as in the EU, collecting information on microbial etiology and sensitivity to support the need of treatment.

According to a recent meta-anylisis (Kurban et al., 2022; de Jong et al., 2023), the percentage of milk samples (collected in the US, Brazil, Canada) not yielding bacterial growth is 40%. Thus, in absence of severe signs, these cases should not be considered for antimicrobial treatment.

Therefore, being able to identify and discriminate different cases is the first, fundamental step for selective treatment, in addition to pre-required efficient farm management.

Some cases have high rates of spontaneous cure; however, there are no guarantees on the success. Thus, two are the possible outcomes: either spontaneous cure, or worsening of the case.

The situation may worsen because, when we see the first signs of a possible case, it means that the tissue is already stressed, for many possible reasons. This stress makes the tissue much more susceptible to potential environmental microorganisms.

Thus, providing a physical barrier to support the mammary tissue can represent an effective strategy to eliminate any doubt.

OZOLEA-MAST can fit properly into a selective approach to mastitis management. In fact, it was designed for timely intervention as soon as milkers/farmers detect the initial stages of a possible mastitis case (i.e., milk flakes and electrical conducitivity changes).

When applied, OZOLEA-MAST creates a temporary film-forming barrier, gining a respite to the mammary tissue from environmental exposure, and thus allowing it to proceed with autonomous regeneration. The benefits of natural regeneration are restored integrity and functionality, which are directly linked to self-defense mechanisms and milk production at full potential.

OZOLEA MAST does not cure or treat clinical cases.

OZOLEA developed several protocols that can benefit different situations, such as chronically high SCC cows, sinergies with antibiotic therapies, drying off, and so forth. All these protocol have one goal in common: working on udder issues to minimize antibiotic usage.

Get in contact with the OZOLEA team to know more on how the product could help you in different cases!

References

1. de Jong E, McCubbin KD, Speksnijder D, Dufour S, Middleton JR, Ruegg PL, Lam TJGM, Kelton DF, McDougall S, Godden SM, Lago A, Rajala-Schultz PJ, Orsel K, De Vliegher S, Krömker V, Nobrega DB, Kastelic JP, Barkema HW. Invited review: Selective treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2023 Jun;106(6):3761-3778. doi: 10.3168/jds.2022-22826. Epub 2023 Apr 18. PMID: 37080782.

2. Kurban D, Roy J-P, Kabera F, Fréchette A, Um MM, Albaaj A, Rowe S, Godden S, Adkins PRF, Middleton JR, et al. Diagnosing Intramammary Infection: Meta-Analysis and Mapping Review on Frequency and Udder Health Relevance of Microorganism Species Isolated from Bovine Milk Samples. Animals. 2022; 12(23):3288. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233288

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The perfect size of hospital pens is zero cows

Marketing 10 April 2024 News

The perfect size of hospital pen is zero cows.

This is true in a perfect dairy system, where eliminating hospital pens could be possible.

However, what dairy farmers can generally aim at is bringing numbers of cows down in the hospital pen. It is a matter of revised overall management on farms.

Having a hospital pen on farms is not the rule, no matter what type of farm. It is just simply necessary in many cases. Nevertheless, along with pros, we do also have cons.

One side effect of hospital pens is that we need to move cows from the milking group, where they have their routine, to another new environment, thus changing their social hierarchy temporarily. And this means higher stress levels for them, plus more challenges for farmers trying to effectively cure animals.

Thus, dairy farmers generally put major effort to minimize the need of moving cows in the hospital pen.

In dairy, mastitis is the disease remarkably affecting animal health, milk production, farmers’ profit, and overall animal health. Hospital pens facilitate treatment of cows with mastitis.

Should we move cows in the hospital pen, independently from the severity of the specific mastitis case?

We have not to. Roughly 85% of mild to moderate cases do not need antibiotic therapy, as justified by milk cultures. At this point, two are the possible outcomes: either self-cure or things getting worse.

In these circumstances, early detection can help farmers to early intervene. And early intervention can help minimize the number of cows in the hospital pen.

This is the perfect situation for the use of OZOLEA’s non-withdrawal, non-antibiotic, non-prescription animal device– OZOLEA-MAST. By intervening timely on early signs of tissue disorders generally appearing before a clinical case, like milk flakes or electrical conductivity changes, with OZOLEA-MAST farmers will be able to provide support and protection to the mammary tissue, allowing it to autonomously regenerate. One good, easy-to-use, harmless, effective solution to reduce the number of cows in the hospital pen and the stress they experience while moving them from pen to pen: treatment will occur right after milking, keeping cows in the milking group.

The benefits of autonomous regeneration are restored tissue integrity and functionality, so that the tissue is able again to produce milk and defend itself properly against infections.

OZOLEA-MAST puts nature against nature, and it is suitable both for organic and conventional dairy farming.

Get in contact with the OZOLEA team to give the product a try in your dairy herd!

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OZOLEA-MAST protocol for drying-off: reasons of double treatment and medium-, long-term benefits

Marketing 15 November 2023 News

Protocol M8 gives indications on the use of OZOLEA-MAST to dry off cows. Using OZOLEA-MAST at dry-off means more milk, better milk quality, improved cow’s performance, and easier management in future lactations.

OZOLEA-MAST for drying-off: why a double treatment?

Today, dairy farmers are called upon further effort to implement overall preventative strategies against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Moreover, in the EU, antibiotic use at dry-off is now possible only when cows have shown mastitis and udder health issues during the current lactation. Prevention of new intra-mammary infections (IMI) through prophylaxis is no longer possible. Thus, selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) is the right approach.

One of the most frequently asked questions on OZOLEA-MAST is about the reasons why dairy farmers should use it at dry-off. OZOLEA-MAST at dry-off is the answer to the increasing requests for better management on farms and to the need of antibiotic reduction.

The exclusive technology OZOLEA uses to process raw corn germ oil to produce OZOLEA-MAST leads to modification of some of the oil’s fatty acid chains, thereby allowing the product, once in contact with the inner wall of the teat canal, to form a physical film barrier with two main functions:

to create an uncomfortable environment for bacteria and, thus, to slow down the aggressiveness of possible bacterial attacks;
to exert a self-protection for the tissue from exposure to the external environment and from bacterial attack, allowing the tissue to proceed with the natural regeneration process.

OZOLEA-MAST does not carry out pharmacological, metabolic, or immunological action, and it does not treat, cure or prevent mastitis and IMI in dairy animals.

At dry-off and during the dry period, the mammary tissue goes through a physiological process to prepare for all its future functions, including milk production and self-defense. Thus, tissue functionality and integrity are directly involved in self-defence mechanisms and production performance.

By supporting tissue functionality, OZOLEA-MAST allows the mammary tissue to proceed with the autonomous regeneration process at the last two milkings and to complete it during the dry period. Moreover, dairy cows are genetically designed to produce their natural self-defence strategy against potential IMI: the keratin plug (physical barrier to pathogens trying to enter the teat canal) and natural protective factors against infections.

OZOLEA-MAST simply puts nature against nature, with no use of active substances. Natural processes do not occur instantaneously: this is why OZOLEA-MAST needs to be applied twice at dry-off.

What OZOLEA-MAST allows farmers to achieve in the dry period is the combination of natural keratin plug, autonomous production of protective factors, udder health monitoring, and effective environmental management. This is all what the strategy against AMR is asking dairy farmers for.

OZOLEA-MAST for drying-off: what benefits?

The medium- and long term benefits are several.

The individual somatic cell count (SCC) in the future lactation will tend to maintain lower, and steadier values for at least 4 months, also depending on the last SCC before drying-off. This is the outcome of a field study conducted in 2017 on 30 cows dried off with OZOLEA-MAST (Group O, Figure 1) and compared with other 30 cows that were dried off through a blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT) (Group A, Figure 1). All cows were suitable for SDCT, and the last SCC measured before drying-off was <400,000 cells/ml.
OZOLEA observed a carry-over effect from the time of drying-off throughout the first 4 months of lactation, allowing dairy farmers to reduce antibiotics at dry-off. Moreover, in the third and fourth months after calving, there was a statistically significant difference between SCC scores measured in cows treated with OZOLEA-MAST (108,870 and 219,910 cells/ml, respectively for month 3 and 4) and those for cows treated with BDCT (501,830 cells/ml and 546,640 cells/ml, respectively for month 3 and 4), which indicates also better performance in terms of udder health. Group O showed SCC values around 200,000 cells/ml for the first four months after calving.

Behind steadier and long-lasting SCC values, there is a functional and intact mammary tissue, able to sustain good milk production performance for longer periods. Furthermore, the epithelium at mammary level is functional and intact, thus allowing proper self-defence mechanisms: this is particularly relevant in first post-partum periods, when susceptibility to infections and udder problems.

Improving SCC values also means more profit: in Ireland, Geary and colleagues (2013)^1,2 calculated an increase of the national dairy industry profitability by € 37.7 million per year by reducing SCC by 10%. OZOLEA-MAST is a strategy to improve profit, both at dry-off and in lactation. In addition, lower SCC levels are correlated by scientific research to better milk quality.

SCC is used by dairy farmers for culling decision-making processes. With the innovative approach of OZOLEA-MAST, farmers can work on SCC management both at dry-off, as we have seen above, and during lactation. Cows with lower SCCs, close or below the farm’s target threshold, will be maintained in the herd for longer periods, with consequent reduction of culling rates and improvement of cow’s longevity. Long-aging, high performing cows will better contribute to overall farmers’ profit as there will be less need of replacement heifers (so, optimised costs).

Concerning AMR, resistant strains on dairy farms have been a hard challenge. However, genes associated with resistance in microorganisms are lost when there is no antibiotic substance insisting on the microbial population. This means that, as OZOLEA-MAST is non-antibiotic and is applied along with effective herd management strategies, its use over long periods can lead farmers to reduce both antibiotic usage and the occurrence of cases caused by resistant pathogens, thus contributing to the fight against AMR. In this ever challenging environment, OZOLEA-MAST gives multiple long-term benefits in a changing and increasingly demanding dairy environment.

OZOLEA-MAST double treatment at dry-off is aimed at allowing natural physiological processes autonomously. This requires time, for this reason the application must occur twice. As we have seen above, medium- and long-term benefits are several: a smaller effort for a long-standing dairy vision.

How to apply OZOLEA-MAST at dry-off: Protocol M8

References

¹ A. Naranjo-Lucena, R. Slowey, Invited review: Antimicrobial resistance in bovine mastitis pathogens: A review of genetic determinants and prevalence of resistance in European countries, Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 106, Issue 1, 2023, Pages 1-23, ISSN 0022-0302. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22267

² U. Geary, N. Begley, F. McCoy, B. O’Brien, L. O’Grady, L. Shalloo. Estimating the impact of mastitis on the profitability of Irish dairy farms. Ir. J. Agric. Food Res., 52 (2013), pp. 221-228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-742-4_36

³ M.J. Vilar, P.J. Rajala-Schultz, Dry-off and dairy cow udder health and welfare: Effects of different milk cessation methods. The Veterinary Journal 262 (2020) 105503. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105503

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OZOLEA at AXA National Dairy Show 2023, Ireland: first place in the science category and Overall Innovation Award

Marketing 19 October 2023 News

In the context of 41st AXA National Dairy Show 2023 in Millstreet (Co. Cork, Ireland), OZOLEA won the first place in the science section and top prize (Overall Innovation Award) at the Innovation Awards.

OZOLEA applied for this prestigious award with their non-antibiotic, no-withdrawal veterinary device OZOLEA-MAST. OZOLEA introduced a new concept for udder issue management in dairy cattle. The main purpose of OZOLEA-MAST is taking care of the mammary tissue, aiming at its restored functionality and integrity through an autonomous regeneration process, instead of a direct action on microorganisms causing infections.

This new approach allows an overall improvement of the cow’s performance at udder level, with positive effects in terms of milk production and self-defense mechanisms due to a restored condition of the tissue.

By thinking udder issue management differently with OZOLEA-MAST, many are the advantages dairy farmers can have. First, they have the opportunity to work on high and chronically high somatic cell count (SCC) cows with the aim of lowering SCC to steadier and long-lasting values. This represents a strategy to save cows from culling, thus, to improve longevity on farms.

Due to its versatility, OZOLEA-MAST finds application during lactation, for early intervention, and for drying off cows eligible for selective dry cow therapy. If used at dry-off, dairy farmers will observe better results in milk production and milk quality in the following lactation.

In the context of AHI’s CellCheck programme, OZOLEA-MAST could represent an effective strategy for farmers to achieve the goals set by the dairy stakeholders involved.

Far beyond these benefits, as it leads to a decrease in antibiotic usage, OZOLEA-MAST allows dairy farmers to further contribute to the fight against today’s hardest challenge, antibiotic resistance.

OZOLEA-MAST is not only a strategy for animal health, but also a tool for food safety throughout the entire dairy supply chain. Lower SCC values and no antibiotic residues means higher yield at processing level, and safer food products for consumers.

All these benefits can be translated in improved sustainability due to reduced culling rates, lower antibiotics used, efficient exploitation of inputs and resources, more milk delivered and improved farmers’ profit. Being OZOLEA-MAST a no-withdrawal tool, it helps minimize milk losses: considering the current world sustainability goals, OZOLEA-MAST can support the dairy industry in their path towards a more sustainable dairy production.

Sincere thanks to all people that made the National Dairy Show possible and who warmly welcomed OZOLEA as exhibitors. First, thanks to AXA and IHFA (Irish Holstein Friesan Association) for their active role in the organization of the show, well-coordinated and well-attended. Furthermore, special thanks to the three highly qualified judges of the Innovation Awards from Bandon Co-op, The Irish Farmers Journal, and AXA Insurance, who honoured OZOLEA with interesting questions and with such high relevance awards.

This achievement represents a real acknowledgement of the benefits of OZOLEA-MAST, and we trust that it is a step towards full awareness from the dairy stakeholders on its role in dairy sustainability.

Moreover, these awards would have not been possible without the support of the researchers engaged on OZOLEA-MAST, who have understood our approach to udder management. A special thanks to Professor Luigi Bonizzi, expert in infectious diseases in domestic animals, University of Milan; Professor Fausto Cremonesi, DVM, expert in animal reproduction, University of Milan; Professor Bradley J. Heins, Extension Specialist in Dairy Managament, University of Minnesota, USA. These pioneers for research are an added value for us: we trust that, thanks to their involvement, other academic researchers and veterinarians will further investigate OZOLEA-MAST from a scientific point of view.

Moreover, a number of dairy friends all over the world deserve special thanks for their dedication and love for the dairy sector, and among these a truly special one in Ireland: thank you, Mr.Dermot Battle, OZOLEA reciprocate your friendship with affection.

The biggest thanks go indeed to all dairy farmers In Italy, in the US, in Germany, as well as in other European Countries, and now in Ireland, who are using OZOLEA-MAST and have been pioneering this new approach in the dairy industry. Among these, we would like to thank today Mr. Michael Dullea, from Clonakilty (Co. Cork), who tried our product with success. Find here his testimonial.

And, last, but not least, OZOLEA would like to deeply thank Agrihealth for their support and lead throughout the Irish market, with their reliable, professional, and respectful nature.

OZOLEA is looking forward to bringing added value to the Irish dairy sector, which is famous worldwide for the high quality standard.

Dairy congratulations to everyone!

Agriland provided some good insights on the Innovation Awards and the other participating companies that won first place in Technology, Engineering, and Sustainability sections. Find more at this link: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/dairy-innovation-awards-cow-health-business-takes-top-prize/

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Michael Dullea, Irish dairy farmer, shares his experience with OZOLEA-MAST

Marketing 17 October 2023 News

Among Irish dairy farmers, the interest in using our no-withdrawal veterinary device OZOLEA-MAST to tackle minor udder problems has been growing in the last two years. In 2022, some of them pioneered its use in the Irish dairy system with great success.

Michael Dullea from Clonakilty (Co. Cork) is one of the pioneers. The herd is 120 cows large, and they are under conventional dairy farming. In 2022, Michael noticed our Facebook ad and immediately contacted us.

His interest was on both the most common protocols for lactation issues: M1 for the presence of milk flakes and M3 to manage chronically high SCC. How did the trial go on Michael’s farm?

“First, I treated two cows following protocol M1, and they both recovered 100%”, Michael said. “I also did try OZOLEA-MAST on high SCC cows. I must say that I am very pleased with the results: the cell count dropped in three cows, and, after the treatment, their milk was at a very satisfactory condition. Another cow had to be treated with antibiotics as she was a re-offender. We needed to cull her. Timely intervention is very important, but I am very impressed with your product! It is by far the best non-antibiotic product I have ever seen.”.

With OZOLEA-MAST, dairy farmers can achieve short-term benefits such as no milk losses, reduced antibiotic usage, reduced profit erosion. In the long run, the great benefit concerns the reduced occurrence of more severe mastitis cases… and dairy farmers know what this really means for their management!

OZOLEA would like to thank Michael Dullea for sharing his precious experience with OZOLEA-MAST!

info@ozolea.it

+39 329 27 36 358 (for texts or calls on WhatsApp)

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Over-the-counter antibiotics in the US: face the challenge with OZOLEA-MAST!

Marketing 19 April 2023 News

June 11th, 2023 is a key date for US dairy farmers, as some antibiotics used for treating diseases in food-producing animals will change their status from “over-the-counter” (OTC) to “prescription” (Rx). This means that dairy farmers will no longer be able to get some mastitis treatments, such as mastitis tubes or penicillin, without prescription.

Specifically, these changes concern certain medically important antimicrobial products. FDA has implemented a list (available here) with the product that will be affected and will be sold only on prescription.

This is the result of the implementation of Guidance for Industry (GFI) #213. Since 2017, FDA has worked to reduce the use of important antimicrobials in food-producing animals, first on those administered in feed or drinking water, now on other dosage forms (such as injectable products).

Milk producers are called upon new effort that will further boost the great achievements in terms of antibiotic usage reduction of the past years. The final aim is extremely important: protecting medically important antibiotics and tackle the development of antibiotic resistance¹.

A new challenge for farmers, particularly if we think that mastitis is one of the main reasons for antibiotic usage on farms. What possible strategies could milk producers implement on farms to prevent and control mastitis, while reducing the occurrence of most severe cases?

Once again, the golden rule will be overall efficient herd and environmental management to reduce contamination and possible udder infections.

Defining and developing a mastitis management plan is critical for the prevention and/or control of mastitis, working methodically and finding out any critical point that deserves higher attention on our dairy farms.

Mastitis can occur in dairy cows at different severity levels. The ability to identify early signs of mastitis is crucial: we can achieve this goal by observing foremilk at stripping²and the signs at cow and udder level, or by following electrical conductivity changes, thus allowing a timely intervention before full-blown mastitis.

Another aspect not to be underestimated is that 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 the autonomous regression of the disorder. The remaining 15% of cases should be treated immediately and systematically.

Moreover, milk cultures represent useful tools to determine what type of pathogens have caused infection at udder level. Culturing the milk helps us discriminate between contagious or environmental pathogens. It also gives clues about whether an antibiotic treatment is needed or not and, thus, what antibiotic must 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 based on analyses.

Remember that some dairy cows will not benefit from antibiotic usage: we discussed this in “When dairy cows will not benefit from the use of antibiotics” (link here).

Combine efficient management with OZOLEA-MAST, non-prescription animal device!

In addition to efficient management, since 2020 US dairy farmers have been able to rely on a no-withdrawal, non-antibiotic and non-prescription product: OZOLEA-MAST.

OZOLEA-MAST is an animal device that achieves the function of support and protection of the mammary tissue through a physical mechanism. Thus, it does not rely on a chemical action: for this reason, it is a no-withdrawal product. Plus, it does not require veterinary prescription as it is not a veterinary drug, as for the classification stated by FDA³.

OZOLEA-MAST is a versatile product. You can use it both in lactating cows (early signs, high and chronically high SCCs, electrical conductivity changes, and many more) and for drying-off. Its versality fits well into a new environment requiring farmers to use antibiotics more prudently.

OZOLEA-MAST helps reduce the occurrence of severe mastitis cases when the disorder is caught at early signs. This means fewer cows in the hospital pen.

Get in contact with OZOLEA to know more about how OZOLEA-MAST can be part of your routine!

E-mail: americas@ozolea.it

Toll-free number: +1-(800)-918-0902

References

¹ Efficacy of existing antimicrobials? Let’s support it by prudent use.

https://www.ozolea.it/efficacy-of-existing-antimicrobials-lets-support-it-by-prundent-use/

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/

³ How FDA Regulates Animal Devices.

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/how-fda-regulates-animal-devices

For California only: the definition of the so-called “livestock drugs” is quite different from that stated by the FDA and requires a specific registration also for animal devices. OZOLEA-MAST obtained the registration in March 2023.

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Somatic cells by number and stage of lactation: effects on production

Marketing 8 March 2023 News

In dairy farming, finding the balance between animal welfare, animal health and economic aspects is hard work. However, scientific research has consistently been providing us with useful instruments and information, such as all things around somatic cell count (SCC) and udder health.

Milk losses linked to high individual SCC are the consequence of the immune response at udder level against infections and are related to the loss of functionality and productive capacity of the udder tissue.

Generally, mastitis prevention and control strategies within herds are more intensively implemented in pre-fresh and fresh heifers. For this reason, high SCC appears to occur more frequently among multiparous cows, probably because of a reduction in immune resistance as age progresses.

Udder development continues after calving in heifers; however, there is also another reason for this tighter attention to udder health, that is the need to cover the rearing costs for each heifer.

Gonçalves and colleagues (2018)1 assessed the reduction of milk yields associated with subclinical mastitis (thus, high SCCs) by parity and stage of lactation. Estimations revealed that milk losses are higher in second- and third-parity cows than in first-parity animals. Moreover, independently from the number of parity, mid-lactation losses per unit increase of SCC (100,000 cells/ml) are generally lower than early and late-lactation milk losses.

Data reported by Gonçalves and colleagues indicates that, to interpret the cow’s milk production accurately, it is important to take parity and stage of lactation into account. Moreover, this data would allow the farmer to better establish production goals at farm level, considering the specific cutoff point and the mastitis control and prevention strategies to be implemented.

Supporting the cow’s udder tissue from the first lactation to the end of her productive life fits into control and prevention strategies. For this reason, OZOLEA provides farmers with a no-withdrawal veterinary device, OZOLEA-MAST. Depending on the causes leading to high SCC, OZOLEA-MAST can help lower somatic cells in high and chronically high SCC.

OZOLEA-MAST allows the mammary tissue to autonomously regenerate, thus improving udder functionality. 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.

Find out more about other OZOLEA contents about the impact of SCC on milk production and udder health:

Somatic cell count: insights and OZOLEA’s solutions

https://www.ozolea.it/somatic-cell-count-insights-and-ozoleas-solutions/

References

Gonçalves, Juliano & Cue, Roger & Botaro, Bruno & Horst, José & Valloto, Altair & Santos, Marcos. (2018). Milk losses associated with somatic cell counts by parity and stage of lactation. Journal of Dairy Science. 101. 10.3168/jds.2017-13286.

Cover image: ph. Jorien Loman. Image available here.

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Diverting the route of milk losses caused by high somatic cells

Marketing 1 March 2023 News

Somatic cell count (SCC) represents a well-established indicator for udder health, highlighting potential intra-mammary-infections, and a milk quality parameter.

Previously, we discussed the impact of different levels of SCC on farmers’ and processors’ profitability¹ and saw that there is a clear advantage if bulk tank SCC is reduced to lower levels, in terms of milk quality, profit and efficiency.

The current climate and economic scenario are stressing once again that efficiency and improved management in dairy farming are vital to survive and allow the reduction of milk losses. Global sustainability is everyone’s main goal.

In this context, working efficiently to lower herd SCC requires improved strategies and useful tools to benefit both economic aspects and milk production.

In a recent study, Chen and colleagues² estimated the recoverable milk quantity and profit per cow for dairy herds that move from one herd average SCC value to a lower one. General findings showed that as SCC increased, milk yield decreased. Milk yields decreased also per increased days in milk. There was also an effect due to the season (warmer months generated lower milk loss – 0.4 kg per day for first lactation cows and 0.7 for higher parity cows).

What was the estimated benefit of reducing bulk tank SCC?

At farm level, the calculated annual benefit of a reduction in bulk tank SCC of 100,000 cells/ml was $58 (Canadian dollars) per cow associated with reduced milk loss, which is less than the estimated annual cost ($662) of mastitis for a sample herd in Canada.

Such an improvement can be achieved through effective prevention strategies.

Along with efficient management, OZOLEA provides dairy farmers with an innovative no-withdrawal tool, OZOLEA-MAST. It is a veterinary device intended for intra-mammary use in dairy cows.

OZOLEA-MAST can help lower high and chronically high SCCs, depending on the causes leading to such high values. As a matter of fact, 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. 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 count³).

Improving SCC in dairy cows means extending the functional longevity, keeping high production performance, and reducing the occurrence of severe mastitis cases on farms. Why not try OZOLEA-MAST, then?

References

¹ Somatic cell count: to what extent does it affect the dairy sector profitability?

https://www.ozolea.it/somatic-cell-count-to-what-extent-does-it-affect-the-dairy-sector-profitability/

² Chen, H. & Weersink, Alfons & Kelton, D.F. & von Massow, Michael. (2021). Estimating milk loss based on somatic cell count at the cow and herd level. Journal of Dairy Science. 104. Doi: 10.3168/jds.2020-18517.

³ Dealing with chronically high SCCs in dairy cows.

https://www.ozolea.it/dealing-with-chronically-high-sccs-in-dairy-cows/

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Reducing the occurrence of mastitis in primiparous cows

Marketing 1 February 2023 News

Mastitis occurring in primiparous cows threatens udder health and production with consequences in the first and future lactations.

Many factors contribute to the magnitude of the effects of mastitis in first lactation, both at cow and herd level. Among them are the form of mastitis (clinical or subclinical), type and virulence of pathogens, infection onset timing with respect to calving, the cow’s immunity, successful cure versus persistent infections.

Concerning subclinical mastitis, first-parity cows with high somatic cell counts (SCCs) in early lactation maintain high SCC for the entire duration of the first lactation, showing a compromised udder health with the risk of persistency in case of coagulase-negative staphylococci. One key aspect is that mammary growth continues through lactation in heifers: this means that the presence of intra-mammary infections (before calving and at the early stages of lactation) are likely to disturb this process, thus affecting milk production.

Regarding clinical mastitis, severe cases in first-parity cows may lead to increased culling rates. With a compromised udder health, clinical cases also affect future milk production, with yield losses of 1-5% (De Vliegher and colleagues, 2012), producing substantially less than healthy first-parity cows. The impact on both udder health and milk production may significantly increase the risk of culling first-parity cows, thus reducing herd longevity.

In economic terms, subclinical and clinical mastitis affect farmers’ profit due to higher costs of increased culling rates, decreased production, costs incurred to rear heifers, and treatment expenses.

Aiming at prevention and control, how to approach mastitis in heifers?

Undoubtedly, prevalence and incidence rates vary from farm to farm, however mastitis in primiparous cows is a multifactorial disease, thus efficiency and optimization of all the aspects behind it are a must. Thus, the goal should be reducing the occurrence of mastitis in first-parity cows by customizing practices to each farm. Attention to control and prevention around calving should be brought at high levels, as this is the moment of highest susceptibility in heifers.

At cow level, the integrity of epithelial tissues in the udder is essential in defense, as they represent the first line of defense against infections and pathogens. Moreover, in case of biofilms, bacteria can further exploit damaged tissues, thus leading to mastitis recurrence.

Supporting and protecting the mammary tissue is a strategic approach along with prevention and control practices.

To achieve this goal, OZOLEA created OZOLEA-MAST, a no-withdrawal veterinary device for intra-mammary use in dairy cows, both for lactation and drying-off. It consists of a single ingredient, a pure vegetable oil, which is bio-engineered through the exclusive OZOLEA technology. This process modifies some of the oil’s fatty acid chains, thereby allowing the product, once in contact with the inner wall of the teat canal, to form a physical film barrier with two main functions:

to create an uncomfortable environment for bacteria and, thus, slow down the aggressiveness of possible bacterial attacks;
to exert self protection for the tissue from exposure to the external environment and from bacterial attack, allowing it to proceed with the natural regeneration process.

Primiparous cows represent the future of the entire herd. Intervening promptly in such cows means reducing the occurrence of mastitis cases and improving functional longevity at herd level. OZOLEA-MAST allows a prompt intervention at the very first signs of mastitis: its use in primiparous cows will give such animals a chance to continue producing milk.

References

De Vliegher S, Fox LK, Piepers S, McDougall S, Barkema HW. Invited review: Mastitis in dairy heifers: nature of the disease, potential impact, prevention, and control. J Dairy Sci. 2012 Mar;95(3):1025-40. doi: 10.3168/jds.2010-4074. PMID: 22365187.

Mammary epithelial tissue integrity is vital to autonomous defense mechanism.

https://www.ozolea.it/mammary-epithelial-tissue-integrity-is-vital-to-autonomous-defense-mechanism/

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OZOLEA at World Dairy Expo 2022 in Madison: come and visit us!

Marketing 22 September 2022 News

In the upcoming days, the OZOLEA team will fly the Atlantic Ocean to exhibit at the most global event for the dairy industry in the United States: World Dairy Expo 2022.

OZOLEA have been present in the US market with their leading product, OZOLEA-MAST, since 2020. Their presence there is progressively increasing, along with the trust placed in us by US dairy farmers.

Why come and visit us?

OZOLEA-MAST is a no-withdrawal animal device for intra-mammary use in dairy cows. It exploits an innovative approach for udder issue management, consisting of supporting and protecting the udder tissue and allowing it to regenerate autonomously. While farmers treat cows with OZOLEA-MAST, they can continue shipping the milk as it is a no-withdrawal product and reduce antibiotic usage during lactation and at dry-off.

Meeting OZOLEA at World Dairy Expo 2022 is your great opportunity to find out more about OZOLEA-MAST by:

exchanges of views at our booth at the Trade Show;
attending our seminar, which will focus on field data assessed by US and Italian experts to fully understand the benefits of OZOLEA-MAST in terms of somatic cell count during lactation and at dry-off.

Find below all information about OZOLEA at World Dairy Expo 2022!

OZOLEA at the Trade Show

OZOLEA will welcome you at

BOOTH AL 110
Coliseum – Arena Level
Alliant Energy Center
Madison WI

How to find us at Expo: https://bit.ly/3BxFui7

You can attend the Trade Show during the following opening hours:

Oct. 4-6 9 AM – 5 PM
Oct. 7 9 AM – 4 PM

Our seminar at World Dairy Expo

Effects of a no-withdrawal non-antibiotic strategy on somatic cell count during lactation and at dry-off

Oct. 5 11 AM

Monona & Wingra
Alliant Energy Center
Madison (WI)

OZOLEA will present field data for the use of their non-antibiotic and no-withdrawal animal device, OZOLEA-MAST, when used in lactation and for drying-off dairy cows, respectively. This tool, along with efficient herd management, can positively affect the individual somatic cell count, while contributing to reduce antibiotic usage on dairy farms.

Speakers

Bradley J. Heins
Extension Specialist, Dairy Management
Professor, Dairy Management, University of Minnesota

Fausto Cremonesi
DVM
Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine (DiMeVet), University of Milan