OZOLEA-MAST | OZOLEA

Improve SCCs in your dairy cows to extend longevity

Marketing 5 January 2022 News

Dairy cow longevity influences the economic performance of dairy farms and the environmental footprint of the milk industry. Moreover, it is closely linked to animal welfare: for this reason, the main goal on farms should be longer cow longevity is desirable, aiming at the achievement of dairy sustainability.

Cow longevity is the length of life of the cow determined by either culling decision made by the farmer or death of the animal. Farmers are influenced in the culling decision making process by economic aspects and the need of achieving expected production levels, along with regular reproductive activity and good health status.

Culling is voluntary when the fertile and healthy cow is removed from the herd due to low milk yields produced. Involuntary culling occurs for many reasons, among which we have infertility, udder health and leg issues.

In particular, chronically high somatic cell count¹ levels and mastitis are two of the main causes of involuntary culling. However, through improved and efficient management, this issue, which also affects profitability and milk production, can be tackled.

Let’s have a look at some nice data from scientific literature on the impact of somatic cell count on involuntary culling – and, thus, on dairy cow longevity.

Caraviello and colleagues (2005)² evaluated the impact of SCC on involuntary culling rates of US Holstein and Jersey cows with first calvings (data collected from 1990 to 2000). The authors found that, in the case of Holstein cows, the risk of culling was higher in animals with lactation average SCC levels > 700,000 cells/ml with respect to Holstein cows with SCC of 200,000 to 250,000 cells/mL in herds with low, medium, or high average somatic cell count levels.

In another work, Sewalem et al. (2006)³ assessed the level of SCC and explored the impact of somatic cell score (SCS) on the functional longevity (defined as the number of days from the first calving to removal from herds) of Canadian dairy cattle. The authors observed that, as the SCS increased beyond the average detected for the three breeds assessed (Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey), the relative risk of culling increased noticeably.

How to reduce the impact of culling, particularly when involuntary, on longevity and boost milk production?

The key points are herd management and animal welfare: anything that will benefit cows in terms of animal health and welfare must be improved.

Dealing with chronically high somatic cell counts is hard work: OZOLEA considered this while developing OZOLEA-MAST, the non-pharmaceutical veterinary device for intra-mammary use in dairy cows, in lactation and at dry-off.

Before deciding to cull a cow due to chronically high somatic cell counts, a dairy farmer could give OZOLEA-MAST a try.

Depending on the causes leading to high SCCs, 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 count). In this case, the SCC will not dramatically drop below the expected value.

Depending on the initial value, the SCC will gradually decrease over time. Thus, repeating the protocol twice would help further reduce SCC, while continuing shipping the milk.

OZOLEA-MAST was designed to be applied along with improved management practices for a prompt use: this is how it can help you reduce the occurrence of mastitis in your dairy herd, thus reducing culling rates.

¹ Dealing with chronically high SCCs in dairy cows.

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

² D. Z. Caraviello, K. A. Weigel, G. E. Shook, P. L. Ruegg . Assessment of the Impact of Somatic Cell Count on Functional Longevity in Holstein and Jersey Cattle Using Survival Analysis Methodology. Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 88, Issue 2, February 2005, Pages 804-811

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72745-4

³ A. Sewalem, F. Miglior, G. J. Kistemaker, B. J. Van Doormaal . Analysis of the Relationship Between Somatic Cell Score and Functional Longevity in Canadian Dairy Cattle. Journal of Dairy Science Volume 89, Issue 9, September 2006, Pages 3609-3614

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72400-6

Dallago, G.M.; Wade, K.M.;Cue, R.I.; McClure, J.T.; Lacroix, R.;Pellerin, D.; Vasseur, E. Keeping Dairy Cows for Longer: A Critical Literature Review on Dairy Cow Longevity in High Milk Producing Countries. Animals 2021, 11, 808. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030808

Cover image: Ph. Veronica White, available here.

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OZOLEA: harmless, safe, effective, sustainable solutions for the fight against AMR

Marketing 29 December 2021 News

For decades, the use of intra-mammary antibiotics has been the main strategy to manage udder issues in dairy cattle. Dairy farmers have made improvements on their farms by applying prevention and control strategies. This helped reduce the use of antibiotics and allowed dairy farmers to ameliorate milk production from different points of view.

However, in these years bacteria have had the opportunity to develop resistance to antimicrobial products and, now, further improvements are needed on farms.

According to the recent WHO report on 2020 antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development¹, the research pipeline is still experiencing some difficulties in providing new effective antimicrobials. This is further feeding the development of AMR. WHO shows that the 43 antibiotics currently under clinical development are still insufficient to tackle AMR.

AMR is also of concern for food safety, since food products represent a potential route of exposure for everyone. Thus, efficiency and innovation, along with best management practices, are the key aspects to be implemented in the food supply chain, including primary production.

Reducing antimicrobials on dairy farms, deciding for their prudent use only when strictly necessary, will limit the ability of bacteria to develop further resistance mechanisms in our supply chain. Thus, it will put antimicrobial research in front of fewer challenges to face.

Working in this direction means preserving the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, thus allowing the research pipeline to take a breath and continue to put effort into finding new effective molecules.

The idea of developing harmless, effective, safe, suistainable solutions perfectly fits into this environment. By providing these solutions along wiht appropriate management practices, OZOLEA aims at helping dairy farmers reduce the use of unnecessary antibiotics and improve their profitability.

Implementing OZOLEA solutions means deciding for being at the forefront against AMR, reducing antimicrobials, while indirectly supporting research in the path towards the development of new molecules useful for protecting human health.

In this context, OZOLEA designed and created OZOLEA-MAST.

For a prompt intervention in a specific range of time, before things would get worse, to allow continue shipping the milk and to have no residue in the milk tank, OZOLEA-MAST must had been harmless, effective, safe and sustainable since the beginning. And so it is.

It is harmless since it does not contain active substances. This means no side effect, but requires attention in identifying the first signs of udder distress and consistency with the SSafeMILK protocols.

When used promptly, it supports the functionality of the tissue and it is particularly effective when the animal has a residual defensive competence.

It is safe both for the animal and the final consumer: it leaves no traces in the milk tank, it cannot lead to antimicrobial resistant bacteria that can affect animals and consumers with infections difficult to treat.

It is sustainable since it helps reduce milk waste due to withdrawal periods. It also supports animal welfare by reducing many clinical cases: less stressed animals are better also for the environment.

¹ 2020 Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: an overview and analysis. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240021303

Cover image: Ph. Lucas van Oort. Picture available here.

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Dairy supply chain, a team game against AMR

Marketing 15 December 2021 News

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a food safety risk since the food chain is a potential route of exposure to resistant bacteria for everyone. Bacteria can develop resistance to chemical substances both in plant and animal production, thus good hygiene practices aiming at prevention and control by using antimicrobials prudently are key to addressing AMR.

In addition to the increased risks associated with resistant bacteria, AMR must be addressed since a further development would limit the effectiveness of already existing antimicrobial agents even more.

In the dairy sector, antimicrobials are vital tools for health management. In particular, udder issues in dairy cattle have led to an extensive use of such products. Dairy farmers have made improvements by implementing efficient practices on farms. However, countries all around the globe are demanding actions against AMR through prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock production, and some of them by the definition of a specific regulatory framework (e.g., the European Union with the new Regulation on Veterinary Medicines¹).

AMR has no borders. It can spread in humans, animals and the environment and across countries. This means that we must build a global team against AMR, which must be coordinated, at sector level, throughout the entire food supply chain.

Thus, if we consider the dairy supply chain, any operator has to follow effective rules to help tackle AMR.

The bulk of the work must occur in milk production. Dairy farmers are directly involved in this fight, as they have to ensure the best biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of diseases and resistant strains onto the farm. This implies: a well-defined health management programme, the prudent use of antimicrobials as indicated by the manufacturer, a good milking routine, safe feed and water, comfort for the animals.

In this context, the support from veterinarians is required. Veterinarians have a key role in ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials; therefore, when prescribing antimicrobial medicinal products, they have to rely on their knowledge of AMR, their epidemiological and clinical knowledge and their understanding of the risk factors for individual animals or group of animals.

As a food safety issue, AMR concerns also dairy processing. As a matter of fact, processors, too, are involved in the fight; they can do their part by: providing clear specifications for raw milk, setting up quality management systems, applying HACCP principles for the management of AMR-related hazards, audit activities, checking antimicrobial residues at the plant gates.

OZOLEA launched the SSafeMILK project to support the sustainability of the dairy supply chain by providing tools and strategies against AMR in dairy. SSafeMILK is a circular chain production model benefiting all the players of the dairy industry. The effort made by farmers will be adequately valued for a more sustainable livestock production. Dairy processors will also benefit from a more sustainable milk. More sustainable milk and dairy products mean safer food to consumers.

Many dairy farmers, dairy processors and veterinary products distributors have already taken part in this project which will also benefit food consumers for a safer, more sustainable and environmentally friendly dairy supply chain².

OZOLEA is ready to welcome other players, such as dairy processors, in this project.

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 in dairy cattle: OZOLEA five years after its foundation.

https://www.ozolea.it/reducing-antibiotic-usage-in-dairy-cattle-ozolea-five-years-after-its-foundation/

Guidance on Antimicrobial Resistance from the Dairy Sector

https://fil-idf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Factsheet-003_2017-Guidance-on-Antimicrobial-Resistance-from-the-Dairy-Sector.pdf

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Teat sphincter integrity and elasticity are essential against infections

Marketing 24 November 2021 News

Last week, we introduced an important topic, that is the cow’s first line of defense against pathogens causing mastitis¹. We discussed the important roles of teat, teat canal and mammary epithelial tissue: each element plays a relevant part in preventing bacteria from causing infections.

We also left open the “story” about the role of the teat sphincter in tackling infections. Today, we will cover this topic and find solutions to protect in case of need.

What is the teat sphincter?

The teat tissue contains bundles of muscle, arranged longitudinally and circularly. Around the teat duct, the bundles of circular muscle are organised to form the teat sphincter. This structure controls the opening and closing of the teat duct.

Basically, it helps avoid milk leakage between milkings. Milk is held by the teat cistern just before it leaves the teat.

The closing of the teat sphincter takes time: 20-30 minutes at least are required for complete closing. In this range of time, the cow is more susceptible to bacteria invasion at the udder level; thus, it is important that animals do not lay down after milking in this time interval.

During milking, the opening of the duct depends on the pressure difference across it, the liner, but also on the elasticity of the tissue surrouding the teat duct and the contractile forces of the smooth muscle. One key aspect in this process is the effect of the sphincter muscle tone on the milk flow rate, in addition to tissue elasticity and other aspects (liner positioning, muscle relaxation and contraction).

Therefore, the integrity and elasticity of the teat sphincter and the tissue around it play essential roles both in preventing bacteria from entering the teat canal and for efficient milking.

Mechanical stress, environmental changes, the use of aggressive substances such as those used for teat dipping, other types of stress affecting the animal (such as hyperkeratosis) can also have an impact on the elasticity and integrity of the teat sphincter.

The teat sphincter can benefit from the usa of OZOLEA-MAST when it is weakened and results in a loss of elasticity. This effect is linked to how OZOLEA-MAST works.

OZOLEA-MAST consists of an intra-mammary applicator with a single ingredient: a pure vegetable oil, bio-engineered with exclusive OZOLEA technology. The bioengineering 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:

create an uncomfortable environment for bacteria, thus slowing down the aggressiveness of possible bacterial attacks;
reserve a respite for the tissue from exposure to the external environment and from bacterial attack, allowing it to proceed with the natural regeneration process.

The mammary tissue, when intact, is able to defend itself properly from further possible aggressions. To ensure the best protection and to optimize the regeneration of the tissue, the application must be repeated after each milking for four days.

The particular bio-engineering process of OZOLEA-MAST guarantees that the oil is not absorbed or metabolized and does not cause pharmacological effects. Between one milking and the next, the applied oil comes out naturally from the teat sphincter, preventing further bacteria from rising and allowing the natural regeneration of the sphincter and, therefore, the recovery of its natural elasticity. Since it is completely harmless for the cow, it can be used promptly at the very first signs of udder tissue imbalance.

For dairy farmers from non-US countries, please e-mail us: info@ozolea.it

¹ 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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Mammary epithelial tissue integrity is vital to autonomous defense mechanism

Marketing 17 November 2021 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing 10 November 2021 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing 3 November 2021 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to use OZOLEA-MAST at dry-off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Proper use of data from robotic milking systems for antibiotic reduction

Marketing 27 October 2021 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing 20 October 2021 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹ What changes in milk tell us when we forestrip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing 13 October 2021 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why should we conduct these three different steps?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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