Local Dairy Farms Research Articles

Microbial pool for biological control of milk quality and pathogen profile of milk from a dairy farm in southern Brazil

The objective of this study was to assess the health and environmental profile milk from a local dairy farm by applying inoculum in different environments. The inoculum used was diluted with water and then sprinkled on the surface of predetermined sites for characterization. Five swab samples from the ground were collected at random from the room or environment. Populations of the total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positive and sulfite reducing Clostridium were set as indicators of hygiene and sanitary conditions. Milk samples were also collected from the cooling tank. Somatic cell counts (SCC) and different physicochemical parameters were determined, we used the methods set by ANVISA. A statistically significant reduction of SCC (P < 0.05) was observed from 2.8 to 2.0 log SSC.mL–1, significant interactions were considered when the probability was lower than 5%. The inoculum also showed a highly significant effect on pathogen populations, especially on Salmonella spp. and sulfite reducing Clostridium, while a lower reduction on the other two pathogens. In this way, the inoculum was effective in reducing pathogen populations, improved the sanitary quality,thus it might be used as a prevention tool for the diseases with environmental origin in dairy farms.

A 100-Year Review: A century of dairy processing advancements—Pasteurization, cleaning and sanitation, and sanitary equipment design

Over the past century, advancements within the mainstream dairy foods processing industry have acted in complement with other dairy-affiliated industries to produce a human food that has few rivals with regard to safety, nutrition, and sustainability. These advancements, such as milk pasteurization, may appear commonplace in the context of a modern dairy processing plant, but some consideration of how these advancements came into being serve as a basis for considering what advancements will come to bear on the next century of processing advancements. In the year 1917, depending on where one resided, most milk was presented to the consumer through privately owned dairy animals, small local or regional dairy farms, or small urban commercial dairies with minimal, or at best nascent, processing capabilities. In 1917, much of the retail milk in the United States was packaged and sold in returnable quart-sized clear glass bottles fitted with caps of various design and composition. Some reports suggest that the cost of that quart of milk was approximately 9 cents-an estimated $2.00 in 2017 US dollars. Comparing that 1917 quart of milk to a quart of milk in 2017 suggests several differences in microbiological, compositional, and nutritional value as well as flavor characteristics. Although a more comprehensive timeline of significant processing advancements is noted in the AppendixTable A1 to this paper, we have selected 3 advancements to highlight; namely, the development of milk pasteurization, cleaning and sanitizing technologies, and sanitary specifications for processing equipment. Finally, we provide some insights into the future of milk processing and suggest areas where technological advancements may need continued or strengthened attention and development as a means of securing milk as a food of high safety and value for the next century to come.

Identification of Cronobacter spp (enterobacter sakazakii) from raw milk and environmental samples of dairy farms

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of Cronobacter spp (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) in bulk tank milk and facilities of dairy farms in Sumy Region (Ukraine). A total of 418 samples of bulk tank milk, udder secretion of cows with a subclinical form of mastitis, and environmental samples were collected from 5 local dairy farms of Sumy region (Ukraine). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Cronobacter spp using the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method. Twenty isolates were selected that had typical morphological, cultural and biochemical properties of Cronobacter spp and then they were subjected to a molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S rRNA. The results indicate that the dairy farm environments, including the cows and the milk are a potential source of Cronobacter in raw milk. This is the first report of Cronobacter spp prevalence in bulk tank milk and environmental samples in the dairy farms of Sumy Region, Ukraine, indicating potential health risk associated with cow’s milk. These data will be valuable for microbiological risk assessment and help authorities to develop strategies to mitigate health risk for humans

Witnessing farm animal abuse during work experience

In the dilemma discussed in the July/August issue of In Practice, a school student had just gained a place in veterinary school. Before she goes, she does a six-week work...

Oleaginous Microalgae from Dairy Farm Wastewater for Biodiesel Production: Isolation, Characterization and Mass Cultivation.

Producing biodiesel from microalgae grown in wastewater is environment-friendly and cost-effective. The present study investigated the algae found in wastewater of a local dairy farm for their potential as biodiesel feedstocks. Thirteen native algal strains were isolated. On the basis of morphology and 16S/18S rRNA gene sequences, one strain was identified to be a member of cyanobacteria, while other 12 strains belong to green algae. After screening, two Scenedesmus strains out of the 13 microalgae isolates demonstrated superiority in growth rate, lipid productivity, and sedimentation properties, and therefore were selected for further scale-up outdoor cultivation. Both Scenedesmus strains quickly adapted to the outdoor conditions, exhibiting reasonably good growth and strong anti-contamination capabilities. In flat-plate photobioreactors (PBRs), algal cells accumulated predominantly neutral lipids that accounted for over 60% of total lipids with almost 70% being triacylglycerol. In addition, Scenedesmus obliquus had a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, of which the amount of oleic acid (C18:1) was up to 27.11%. Based on these findings, the dairy farm wastewater-isolated Scenedesmus strains represent promising sources of low-cost, high-quality oil for biofuel production.

Isolation and identification of Choricystis minor Fott and mass cultivation for oil production

The use of wastewater-grown algae for biofuel production is economical and eco-friendly. In the present study, an algal strain was isolated from the wastewater of a local dairy farm. On the basis of the morphology, ultrastructure, and 18S rRNA gene sequences, the specimen was identified to be conspecific with Choricystis minor Fott, which is a newly reported species in China. The C. minor cells accumulated predominantly neutral lipids that accounted for 60.82% of total lipids with 35.61% being triacylglycerol. Enlarged oil droplets were observed under nitrogen-depleted condition. C. minor was further cultivated outdoors on a larger scale, in which we employed both flat-plate and tubular photobioreactors (PBRs). The algae quickly adapted to the outdoor conditions and exhibited good growth performance (biomass and lipid productivities were 162.86 and 36 mg L−1 day−1 in flat-plate PBRs). Taken together, these results support the finding that C. minor is a promising source of low-cost, high-quality oil for biofuel production.

Effect of Supplementing Area Specific Mineral Mixture on Productive Performance of Crossbred Cows

The study examined the efficacy of supplementing area specific mineral mixture on nutrient utilization and productive performance of lactating crossbred cows. Twenty lactating cows with average lactation yield of 2100 L and average days after calving of 95 were selected from the local dairy farms in village Lohali, Majhera in the vicinity of mid hills of Uttarakhand state and randomly divided into two groups of 10 each (T1-control; T2-experimental). The area specific mineral mixture (@ 2% of concentrate mixture) was supplemented in T2 group while the roughage source for animals in both the groups was oak tree leaves. The concentrate and roughage ratio was maintained at about 40: 60 level. A digestibility trial of six days duration was conducted at the end of experimental feeding i.e. 90 days. DM intake, milk yield and milk composition were recorded at fortnightly intervals. Average daily DM intake (kg/d) was not influenced by mineral mixture supplementation with values of 11.40 and 12.16 in control and treatment group, respectively. Nutrient digestibility of CP, EE and NDF was higher (P<0.05) in area specific mineral mixture supplemented animals than control group. Supplementation of area specific mineral mixture improved the mineral status of the animals as reflected in improved serum minerals level. The milk yield increased by 9.5% and FCM yield by 11.8%. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of area specific mineral developed for hills of Uttarakhand improved nutrient utilization, mineral bioavailability and milk production performance in dairy cows fed oak leaves based diet.

检测控制奶牛动态性状的QTL方法研究——基于B样条插值函数

随着时间(生命时期、年龄、胎次等)或其他可以量化的因素(生理状态、生产水平、代谢率和环境条件等) 变化的性状，称为动态性状，如身高、体重、胸围、产奶量等等。由于动态性状在育种和生产中特殊的经济地位，揭示这类性状遗传及其改良提高的研究工作尤显重要。体型性状的选择有利于奶牛整体健康和产奶性状的提高。本文基于B样条插值函数，建立检测调控动态性状基因位点的随机回归模型，实际数据分析表明模型的合理性和适应性。 Dynamic traits are those phenotypic values change with time and other quantifiable factors such as age, parities, physiological status, performance level and environment etc. Because of the special economic status of the dynamic traits in breeding and production, it is very important to reveal the genetic regularity and improvement of these traits. The choice of body shape is beneficial to the improvement of the whole health and milk production of dairy cows. On the basis of B- spline function, a random regression model (RRM) has been developed to detect the QTLs controlling the dynamic traits. A real dataset for China Holstein cows, which contains the records of body weight from the local dairy farm, was analyzed and the biological conclusions were derived.

Acute phase response in lame crossbred dairy cattle.

Aim:The study was undertaken to study acute phase response based on acute phase proteins (APPs) such as C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen in lame crossbred dairy cattle.Materials and Methods:Lame animals (n=30) were selected within 3-7 days of being noticed as lame by the farm veterinarian, from a local dairy farm in southeast Ludhiana over a period of 6 months, stratified proportionately with respect to stage of lactation with non-lame healthy cows (n=10). All the cows were otherwise healthy and did not have any other inflammatory problems such as pneumonia, enteritis, mastitis, or any kind of acute uterine inflammation. Blood samples were collected from all the animals; serum and plasma samples were separated and stored at −20°C. The levels of CRP, Hp, and SAA were estimated using Sandwich ELISA, whereas fibrinogen was estimated by heat precipitation method.Results:SAA levels in lame cows were significantly higher (22.19±0.85 µg/ml), approximately 3 times as compared to non-lame cows (8.89±0.72 µg/ml), whereas serum Hp concentration was approximately 20 times higher in the lame cattle (21.71±3.32 mg/dl) as compared to non-lame cows (1.17±0.07 mg/dl). Fibrinogen also increased in the lame cattle (3.97±0.22 g/L) as compared to non-lame group (1.40±0.17 g/L). Serum CRP levels analyzed in the lame cattle for the first time in the present study, and significant high concentration was appreciated in lame cattle (4.41±0.33 mg/L) as compared to non-lame cattle (0.61±0.14 mg/L). Lame cattle were having more of sole hemorrhages, sole ulcers, and white line lesions as compared to non-lame cattle.Conclusion:It can be concluded that lame cattle exhibit high levels of APPs including CRP, Hp, SAA, and fibrinogen as compared to non-lame cattle.

Hyper Production of Β‐Galactosidase From Newly Isolated Strain of Aspergillus nidulans

AbstractSeveral Aspergillus species were isolated from soil samples collected from local dairy farms and screened for the production of β‐galactosidase. The potent isolate was identified as Aspergillus nidulans on the basis of microscopic and phenotypic characteristics. The production of β‐galactosidase from A. nidulans was optimized in batch fermentation using one‐variable‐at‐a‐time approach. Evaluation of process parameters indicated that A. nidulans produced high titer of β‐galactosidase at 35°C after 10.0 days of fermentation. It was found that A. nidulans is capable of releasing 60.0 U mg−1 of β‐galactosidase at pH 3.0. Among various carbon sources xylose (0.5%) showed maximum enzyme production. Glucose (1.0%), tri‐sodium citrate (0.7%), and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.3%) indicated positive affect by inducing the culture for maximum synthesis of β‐galactosidase. Various organic and inorganic nitrogen sources were also tested and it was noticed that peptone (0.5%), yeast extract (0.5%), ammonium sulfate (0.2%), and ammonium nitrate (0.2%) improved the production of β‐galactosidase. These results suggested the feasibility of A. nidulans for the large scale production of β‐galactosidase.Practical ApplicationsBeta galactosidase has potential applications in food processing industry and enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose is best process as compared to high temperature and acids treatment as it retains maximum quality of product. This enzyme is used to obtain the hydrolyzed lactose from milk and milk whey for utilization in bakery products, animal feeds and as a sugar source for several fermentation products. This enzyme is also used in ice creams and condensed dairy products to avoid lactose crystallization. The syrup produced by lactose conversion using enzyme hydrolysis is used in dairy and soft drink industries. In pharmaceutical industry, it is used to produce lactose‐free milk for lactose intolerant consumers who are unable to digest the milk lactose.

Dairy’s Decline and the Politics of “Local” Milk in Hawai‘i

This paper uses the case of Hawai‘i’s dairy industry to examine the history of food production in Hawai‘i, contemporary interest in re-localizing Hawai‘i’s food system, and the conflicting agrarian imaginaries that challenge this endeavor. The evolution of the dairy industry in Hawai‘i illustrates how over the past several decades the US dairy industry has become consolidated in the name of economic efficiency, regardless of the potential environmental and human health impacts. As elsewhere in the United States, Hawai‘i consumers are pushing back against this economic transformation, and advocating for greater protection of local dairy farms. Most local food advocates do not value local purely on a geographical basis, but for its potential to capture desirable attributes such as sustainably produced, supportive of local economies and/or freshness. This can make it difficult to establish a local food system when community members hold different visions, or agrarian imaginaries, for how best to produce local food, and for where or by whom it should be produced. I highlight the history and political economy of milk production in Hawai‘i in order to demonstrate both the challenges and opportunities for reforming—and more specifically re-localizing—the dairy industry in Hawai‘i, and in the United States more broadly.

ANTI-Lentivirus, Brucella abortus AND B. ovis ANTIBODIES IN SMALL RUMINANTS RAISED IN PERNAMBUCO AND BAHIA

ABSTRACT: Goat and sheep production in the semi-arid northeast of Brazil has shown great economic potential. However, health problems can compromise the productivity of these animals. Given the scarcity of studies about the occurrence of these diseases, the aim of the present study was to analyze the serological diagnosis of anti-Brucella and anti-lentivirus antibodies among small ruminants in municipalities located in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Pernambuco. The samples were collected from local slaughterhouses and dairy farms. In total, 997 serum samples from animals in slaughterhouses and dairy herds were collected. In order to diagnose the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV), the samples underwent agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) testing. The buffered acidified antigen test (goats) and agarose gel immunodiffusion test (sheep) were used to detect anti-Brucella abortus and B. ovis antibodies following the methodology recommended by the Institute of Technology of Paraná (TECPAR). With anti-CAEV antibodies, seropositivity rates of 4.1% and 2.2% were recorded for animals from the slaughterhouses and dairy farms, respectively. None of the animals (goats or sheep) were positive for anti-B. abortus antibodies. With B. ovis, a seropositivity rate of 6.5% (n = 13) was recorded among the 199 sheep serum samples. Results of the present study confirmed the presence of the CAE virus in the meat and dairy herds studied, although the prevalence was low. Natural infection by B. abortus did not occur in the goat and sheep herds assessed. Seropositivity for B. ovis was confirmed, although prevalence was low. Direct tests are required to diagnose ovine brucellosis.

Characterization of goat milk from Lebanese Baladi breed and his suitability for setting up a ripened cheese using a selected starter culture

In this work the hygiene and quality parameters of goat milk from Baladi breeds were assess in order to evaluate his suitability for setting up a ripened cheese. Experimental cheese trials were performed on local Lebanese dairy farm using a selected culture starter. Evolution of physicochemical and microbiological features of experimental cheese during ripening were evaluated. Raw milk showed a good microbiological quality meeting the hygiene criteria given by European law on the hygiene of foodstuffs. Mesophilic lactobacilli were found to predominate during cheese fermentation while thermophilic cocci gradually grown and were preponderant during all ripening stage. Non-protein nitrogen and water soluble nitrogen fractions increased gradually over the ripening highlighting good casein primary proteolysis. The Free Fatty Acids (FFA) content increased through the ripening period reaching 7340mg/100g. Palmitic and oleic acids were the most representative long-chain FFAs at 210days whereas capric acid was found as a major short-chain FFA. Cheese ripened 90 days, revealed high score for the flavor and taste attributes and good globally acceptance.

Characterization of Bacillus cereus isolates from local dairy farms in China.

Bacillus cereus is an important opportunistic foodborne pathogen. In the present work, a total of 306 milk and environmental samples were collected from 10 local dairy farms in Beijing, China. Of the 92 B. cereus-like isolates, 88 and 4 belonged to B. cereus and B. thuringiensis, respectively. The prevalence of B. cereus isolates in bedding, feces, feed, liquid manure and raw milk was 93.3%, 78.9%, 41.2%, 100.0% and 9.8%, respectively. Three main toxin genes nhe, hbl and ces were detected with rates of 100.0%, 78.3% and 1.1%, but no strain harbored cytK1 The production of Nhe, Hbl and cereulide could be confirmed by specific monoclonal antibodies-based enzyme immunoassays in 94.6%, 70.7% and 1.1% of all isolates, respectively. Cytotoxicity tests were used to further corroborate the results of genetic and protein-based assays; 91.3% of the isolates showed cytotoxicity to Vero cells. All isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 17 antibiotics. All isolates were resistant to lincomycin, retapamulin, tiamulin and valnemulin, while two strains were susceptible to ampicillin and ceftiofur. A total of 16 isolated strains were resistant to tetracycline. Since spores of B. cereus are not inactivated during manufacturing of most milk products, contamination of milk with B. cereus on the farm level may represent a potential hazard, particularly with respect to emetic toxin-producing strains.

The impact of the local dairy cattle farm toward the river water quality in Gunungpati Subdistrict Central Java

People’s awareness on the living environment nowadays is not yet comes up to the dairy-farmer community. In fact, the dairy-farm subsector contributes load pollution in the form of waste. The waste that is produced by a dairy-farm can be in the form of solid waste and liquid waste. There is still no cultivation effort toward the wastes in a traditional dairy-farmyet, thus most of the wastes are disposed to the closest river, so that in the surrounding dairy farm area is frequently found pollution toward the water quality. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of environment pollution that is caused by local dairy farm in Gunungpati Sub-district, especially toward the river water and residents’ well. The result of this study in Nangkasawit Village before and after the dairy farm was build was still under the quality standard for the third rate water quality. In Plalangan Village, the water quality was also under the quality standard, except for COD concentration. In the Sumurejo Village there was an upturn tendency on the observation value, but the water quality was under the quality standard, except for Fe concentration. Based on the Biodiversity Index before and after the dairy farm was established in Nangkasawit, Plalangan, and Sumurejo were 2.22, 1.49, 2.11, 1.90, 1.78, and 1.88, respectively. It means that Nangkasawit showed no pollution before the dairy farm was established, while there was a medium pollution after the dairy farm establishment. In Plalangan, the water was clear, but it was light polluted after the dairy farm was established. In Sumurejo, before and after the dairy farm establishment the water was light category pollution.

Simultaneous Production of Biosurfactants and Bacteriocins by ProbioticLactobacillus caseiMRTL3

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are ubiquitous and well-known commensal bacteria in the human and animal microflora. LAB are extensively studied and used in a variety of industrial and food fermentations. They are widely used for humans and animals as adjuvants, probiotic formulation, and dietary supplements and in other food fermentation applications. In the present investigation, LAB were isolated from raw milk samples collected from local dairy farms of Haryana, India. Further, the isolates were screened for simultaneous production of biosurfactants and bacteriocins. Biosurfactant produced was found to be a mixture of lipid and sugar similar to glycolipids. The bacteriocin obtained was found to be heat stable (5 min at 100°C). Further, DNA of the strain was extracted and amplified by the 16S rRNA sequencing using universal primers. The isolate Lactobacillus casei MRTL3 was found to be a potent biosurfactant and bacteriocin producer. It seems to have huge potential for food industry as a biopreservative and/or food ingredient.

In vitro detection of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes from food sources by conventional, molecular and cell culture method.

Among current in vitro methods for identification of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) rely on growth in culture media, followed by isolation, and biochemical and serological identification. Now PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) has been used for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The pathogenicity of the organism is highly correlated with haemolytic factor known as listeriolysin O (LLO). A total of 400 samples from meat and 250 samples from raw milk and their products were collected from various local dairy farms, dairy units and butcheries in Bareilly, India. Pure isolates of L. monocytogenes obtained after enrichment in Buffered Listeria enrichment broth (BLEB) followed by plating onto Listeria oxford agar. The DNA extracted from pure isolates and used for the detection of bacterial pathogen. The oligonucleotide primer pairs (F: CGGAGGTTCCGCAAAAGATG; R: CCTCCAGAGTGATCGATGTT) complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the hlyA gene selected for detection of L. monocytogenes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products of 234 bp generated with DNA from all of L. monocytogenes isolates. The highest occurrence of haemolytic L. monocytogenes isolates from various meat samples was in raw chicken (6.0%), followed by fish meat (4.0%), and then beef (2.5%). Among various milk and milk products, curd (2.0%) showed the highest prevalence, followed by raw milk (1.3%). The cytotoxic effects of haemolytic L. monocytogenes isolates were screened on vero cell lines. The cell lines with cell free culture supernatant (CFCS) examined at 1 min, 10 min, 30 min, and 60 min. The significant changes in vero cells were observed at 30 min with both 30 μL and 50 μL of volume. We conclude that application of PCR approaches can provide critical information on distribution of haemolytic strains of L. monocytogenes in food processing environments. Vero cell cytotoxicity assay (in vitro) resulted positive in twenty four strong haemolysin producing L. monocytogenes isolates. The vero cytotoxicity assay could be suggested as a further step towards an alternative assay for detection of haemolytic strains of L. monocytogenes.

Fast In Situ Airborne Measurement of Ammonia Using a Mid-Infrared Off-Axis ICOS Spectrometer

A new ammonia (NH3) analyzer was developed based on off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy. Its feasibility was demonstrated by making tropospheric measurements in flights aboard the Department of Energy Gulfstream-1 aircraft. The ammonia analyzer consists of an optical cell, quantum-cascade laser, gas sampling system, control and data acquisition electronics, and analysis software. The NH3 mixing ratio is determined from high-resolution absorption spectra obtained by tuning the laser wavelength over the NH3 fundamental vibration band near 9.67 μm. Excellent linearity is obtained over a wide dynamic range (0-101 ppbv) with a response rate (1/e) of 2 Hz and a precision of ±90 pptv (1σ in 1 s). Two research flights were conducted over the Yakima Valley in Washington State. In the first flight, the ammonia analyzer was used to identify signatures of livestock from local dairy farms with high vertical and spatial resolution under low wind and calm atmospheric conditions. In the second flight, the analyzer captured livestock emission signals under windy conditions. Our results demonstrate that this new ammonia spectrometer is capable of providing fast, precise, and accurate in situ observations of ammonia aboard airborne platforms to advance our understanding of atmospheric compositions and aerosol formation.

The operation of two EGSB reactors under the application of different loads of oxytetracycline and florfenicol

This study evaluated the effect of the antibiotics oxytetracycline (OTC) and florfenicol (FLO) on the operation of two EGSB (expanded granular sludge bed) reactors. The experiment was conducted for 210 d in reactor R1 and 245 d in reactor R2. The reactors were inoculated with granular sludge from a upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor on a local dairy farm. The sludge had an average pellet size of 2.35 mm, good sedimentability and a high percentage of organic material. The antibiotic tolerance and the inhibitory action on the bacterial population were different for each antibiotic studied. The results showed a more severe inhibitory effect on microorganisms that were in contact with increases in loads of FLO than those that were in contact with increasing loads of OTC, a condition reflected in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency.

Microstructural properties of milk fat globules

A method is presented to quantitatively measure structural changes induced by milk processing and storage, such as fat aggregation and milk fat globule membrane disruption, by analysing confocal micrographs. Ultra high temperature treated, microfiltered, homogenised high-pasteurised, homogenised pasteurised, and unhomogenised pasteurised milks were purchased; raw milk was from a local dairy farm. Three samples of each milk type were stained for milk fat phase with Nile Red for confocal observation and 10 images were acquired for each sample. Images were binarised and analysed by using both an algorithm measuring 8 features related to geometrical properties of fat globules and a trained panel (6 people). Principal component analysis validated that quantitative measurements on confocal micrographs can recognize structural differences. Milk treatment significantly affected (P < 0.0001) fat globule size, aggregation and fusion. Storage temperature had a lower impact on the differences among the samples, inducing changes just in some of them.