Treatment Of Dairy Cows Research Articles

Efficacy of an internal teat sealant alone or in combination with an intramammary antibiotic during the dry period treatment in dairy cows

In this study, the aim was to determine the effectiveness of internal teat sealant applied at the dry-off in preventing the formation of subclinical mastitis and to investigate whether this product could be a non-antibiotic alternative to total dry cow treatment. A total of 195 quarters from 52 Holstein and Holstein Crossbreed dairy cows, that did not have clinical mammary infection and were expected to calve within 60 days were used in the study. The quarters were divided into 3 treatment groups as follows: Group 1 (ANTB; n = 64): dry period intramammary antibiotic suspension (Ubrostar®); Group 2 (ORB; n = 65), internal teat sealant (Orbeseal®); and Group 3 (ANTB-ORB; n = 66) intramammary antibiotic and teat sealant combination were performed. All of the quarters were checked for subclinical mastitis on the 20th, 40th and 60th days of lactation. The percentage of animals found to be CMT negative on the 20th day of lactation was 80.65% in G1 (ANTB), 83.60% in Group 2 (ORB), and 87.50% in Group 3 (ANTB-ORB), respectively. There was no quarter with CMT +3 score in G1 and G3, but it was determined in one quarter in G2 (ORB). On the 60th day there were no quarters with CMT +2 and +3 scores in both G1 and G2. No statistically significant difference was found between the CMT results of treatment groups on the 20th, 40th and 60th days of lactation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that bismuth subnitrate-based teat canal sealer provided good protection against subclinical mastitis rate in drying healthy udder quarters. However, especially in high risk groups it is important to closely monitor udder health with SCC and/or CMT applications before the dry period and to choose the dry period treatment.

Evaluating wound-healing effect of silicon-zinc-boron-containing glycerohydrogel and its effect on mammary glands of high producing dairy cows

Cow’s milk quality, which may deteriorate due to inflammatory processes in the mammary glands, remains one of the important problems of dairy farming and requires effective, safe and affordable therapeutic agents. Nanocomposite silicon-zinc-boron-containing glycerohydrogel (Si-Zn-B-gel) may become a very good solution to the issue. The paper demonstrates wound-healing effect of the glycerohydrogel and confirms its effectiveness for teat hyperkeratosis treatment indairy cows. Results of a rat burn model – based experiment suggest that Si-Zn-B-gel is a promising wound healing agent for topical use. Thus, on Day 9 complete re-epithelialization of the burn surface was observed, with fibrous structures prevailing in the granulation tissue of the dermal layer, on Day 19 a mature scar was formed with a longitudinal alignment of collagen fibers. The production tests conducted inhigh producing dairy cows have demonstrated good therapeutic effect of the Si-Zn-B gel for teat-end hyperkeratosis and confirmed its long-term effect that helps to longer maintain the results achieved during treatment. After a 7-day treatment physiological structure of up to 27.8% teats improved, on Day 14 of the experiment no severe hyperkeratotic lesions were observed and the number of teats that correspond to the physiological norm was 72.2%. Analysis of the data collected shows that the Si-Zn-B-gel is effective for teat-end hyperkeratosis treatment, thus, it prevents mastitis in animals and improves the milk quality.

Two-Dose Ceftiofur Treatment Increases Cephamycinase Gene Quantities and Fecal Microbiome Diversity in Dairy Cows Diagnosed with Metritis.

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant concern worldwide; meanwhile, the impact of 3rd generation cephalosporin (3GC) antibiotics on the microbial communities of cattle and resistance within these communities is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of two-dose ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (2-CCFA) treatment on the fecal microbiota and on the quantities of second-and third-generation cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone, and macrolide resistance genes in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in the southwestern United States. Across three dairy farms, 124 matched pairs of cows were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Following the product label regimen, CCFA was administered on days 0 and 3 to cows diagnosed with postpartum metritis. Healthy cows were pair-matched based on lactation number and calving date. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 6, and 16 and pooled in groups of 4 (n = 192) by farm, day, and treatment group for community DNA extraction. The characterization of community DNA included real-time PCR (qPCR) to quantify the following antibiotic resistance genes: blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M, mphA, qnrB19, and the highly conserved 16S rRNA back-calculated to gene copies per gram of feces. Additionally, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomics analyses were used to determine differences in bacterial community composition by treatment, day, and farm. Overall, blaCMY-2 gene copies per gram of feces increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the treated group compared to the untreated group on day 6 and remained elevated on day 16. However, blaCTX-M, mphA, and qnrB19 gene quantities did not differ significantly (p ≥ 0.05) between treatment groups, days, or farms, suggesting a cephamycinase-specific enhancement in cows on these farms. Perhaps unexpectedly, 16S rRNA amplicon metagenomic analyses showed that the fecal bacterial communities from treated animals on day 6 had significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) alpha and beta diversity than the untreated group. Two-dose ceftiofur treatment in dairy cows with metritis elevates cephamycinase gene quantities among all fecal bacteria while paradoxically increasing microbial diversity.

Comparative Analysis of Rumen Microbiota Composition in Dairy Cows with Simple Indigestion and Healthy Cows.

Simple indigestion in cows leads to substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. Despite ongoing efforts, an effective treatment for this issue remains elusive. Previous studies have emphasized the vital role of rumen microbes in maintaining ruminant health. To deepen our comprehension of the intricate interplay between rumen microbiota and simple indigestion, we undertook a study involving the analysis of rumen fluid from eight cows with simple indigestion and ten healthy cows. Additionally, we collected data pertaining to milk production, rumination behavior, and rumen characteristics. The results showed that cows with simple indigestion displayed significantly lower milk yield, reduced rumination duration, and weakened rumen contraction when contrasted with the healthy cows (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in microbiota α-diversity emerged (p > 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) illuminated substantial variations in rumen microbial structure among the two groups (p < 0.05). Further analysis spotlighted distinctive bacteria in the rumen of the cows with indigestion, including Allisonella, Synergistes, Megasphaera, Clostridium_XIVb, Campylobacter, and Acidaminococcus. In contrast, Coraliomargarita, Syntrophococcus, and Coprococcus are the dominant bacterial genera in the rumen of healthy dairy cows. Importantly, these key bacterial genera also dominated the overarching microbial interaction network. The observation suggests that changes in the abundance of these dominant bacterial genera potentially underlie the principal etiology of cows with simple indigestion. The present findings can provide insights into simple indigestion prevention and treatment in dairy cows.

Early Detection of Cattle Hoof Disease using Internet of Things(IoT) based Sensory Data

The monitoring of the health of dairy cattle is an extremely important component in the process of growing the supply of dairy products around the globe. Farmers these days are displaying less interest in the dairy industry since animals are suffering from a wide variety of debilitating health difficulties, unpredictability in the form of fatal illnesses, and advanced breeding expenses. The idea of "Smart Dairy Farming" is no longer only a notion for the distant future; rather, it has begun to materialise as numerous areas, such as machine learning, have found practical applications in this sector. In the dairy business, the timely diagnosis of lameness is a significant challenge that farmers are not yet able to tackle in an effective manner. Lameness may be brought on by a wide variety of foot and limb disorders, each of which can be brought on by a different illness, management practise, or environmental element. The importance of lameness prevention, early identification, and treatment in dairy cows cannot be overstated in light of the many detrimental impacts that may result from lameness. The early discovery of illness provides farmers with the opportunity to take preventative measures sooner, which may result in the reduction or elimination of the use of antibiotics, an increase in milk production, and cost savings on veterinary care for their herd. This finding reveals the possibility of using classification algorithms to differentiate between the behaviours.

Geraniol-a potential alternative to antibiotics for bovine mastitis treatment without disturbing the host microbial community or causing drug residues and resistance.

Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases of dairy cows. Currently, mastitis treatment in dairy cows is mainly based on antibiotics. However, the use of antibiotics causes adverse effects, including drug resistance, drug residues, host-microbiome destruction, and environmental pollution. The present study sought to investigate the potentiality of geraniol as an alternative to antibiotics for bovine mastitis treatment in dairy cows. Additionally, the effectiveness of treatment, improvement in inflammatory factors, the influence on microbiome, presence of drug residues, and drug resistance induction were compared and analyzed comprehensively.Geraniol showed an equivalent therapeutic rate as antibiotics in the mouse infection model and cows with mastitis. Moreover, geraniol significantly inhibited the pathogenic bacteria and restored the microbial community while increasing the abundance of probiotics in milk. Notably, geraniol did not destroy the gut microbial communities in cows and mice, whereas antibiotics significantly reduced the diversity and destroyed the gut microbial community structure. Additionally, no geraniol residue was detected in milk four days after treatment discontinuation, but, antibiotic residues were detected in milk at the 7th day after drug withdrawal. In vitro experiments revealed that geraniol did not induce drug resistance in the Escherichia coli strain ATCC25922 and Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC25923 after 150 generations of culturing, while antibiotics induced resistance after 10 generations. These results suggest that geraniol has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects similar to antibiotics without affecting the host-microbial community structure or causing drug residues and resistance. Therefore, geraniol can be a potential substitute for antibiotics to treat mastitis or other infectious diseases and be widely used in the dairy industry.

Ovsynch based protocols in reproductive management and infertility treatment in dairy cows - when and why?

In order to optimise reproductive performance and thus production, it is now impossible to control the reproduction of dairy cows without the use of hormones. Due to the characteristics of dairy cows, the use of hormones not only reduces the need for visual heat detection and thus the number of undetected cows in heat, but also prevents certain problems associated with intensive production and its negative effects on reproduction. Ovsynch, as a planned combination of GnRH and PGF2α that allows artificial insemination at the optimal time without the need to control ovaries and uterus, once offered solutions to these problems, but over time its shortcomings were recognised. Therefore, pre-synchronisation protocols have been developed to create optimal conditions for Ovsynch and allow for the best outcome. In addition to pre-synchronisation, Ovsynch and its modifications can also be used in the resynchronisation of inseminated and sonographically diagnosed non-pregnant cows as soon as possible, improving farm efficiency. The addition of progesterone implants also further improves the performance of Ovsynch-based protocols. In addition to controlling reproduction, Ovsynch and its modifications have also proven successful in treating certain forms of infertility in dairy cows, such as anovulatory conditions and cystic ovarian disease. This paper presents the possibilities of using the Ovsynch protocol and its various modifications, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Profile of Multidrug Resistance and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on dairy cows and risk factors from farmer

Abstract. Khairullah AR, Sudjarwo SA, Effendi MH, Ramandininto SC, Gelolodo MA, Widodo A, Riwu KHP, Kurniawati DA, Rehman S. 2022. Profile of Multidrug Resistance and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on dairy cows and risk factors from farmer. Biodiversitas 23: 2853-2858. Staphylococcus aureus is a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive coccus that causes mastitis and is one of the most widespread pathogenic bacteria in dairy farming. These bacteria can quickly develop into antibiotic-resistant strains due to inappropriate antibiotic administration. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that have Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) properties can be known as Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) if these bacteria are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. The high number of MDR and MRSA contamination in dairy farms as a result of excessive administration of antibiotics in the treatment of dairy cows and the spread of these bacteria cannot be separated from the sanitation management at the time of milking, it can be from milk that is milked from the udder and it can also be from the hands of farmers during the milking process. This study tests antibiotic resistance and detects Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains sourced from milk and hand swabs of farmers in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia. A total of 109 dairy cow’s milk samples and 41 samples of farmers’ hand swabs were taken from each farm. Samples were cultured and purified using Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA). Staphylococcus aureus resistance profile was performed by disk diffusion test using antibiotic disks such as Oxacillin, Cefoxitin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Gentamicin. Staphylococcus aureus isolates that were resistant to Oxacillin and Cefoxitin antibiotics were then tested for Oxacillin Resistance Screening Agar Base (ORSAB) as a confirmation test for Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The results of the isolation and identification found 80 (53.33%) S. aureus isolates, then the results of the resistance test found 8 (10%) S. aureus isolates that were Multidrug-Resistant (MDR), and in the Oxacillin Resistance Screening Agar Base (ORSAB) test there were 3 isolates of S. aureus MDR were ORSAB positive. It can be found that there are several S. aureus isolates that are Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in dairy farms. The S. aureus that is MDR and MRSA can be spread to the community and will endanger public health. Thus, prevention and control measures are needed to suppress the spread of S. aureus infection on a dairy farm in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia.

Pathogen dependent effects of high amounts of oxytocin on the bloodmilk barrier integrity during mastitis in dairy cows.

The reduction of antibiotic use in food producing animals becomes increasingly important. Therefore, suitable alternatives for mastitis treatment in dairy cows have to be considered. Oxytocin (OT) induces milk ejection and hence supports milk removal from infected mammary quarters. Beyond udder emptying, the injection of very high dosages of OT causes increased somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk and enables the transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) from blood into milk through a reduced blood-milk barrier integrity. The aim of the present study was to investigate pathogen-specific changes of SCC, the blood derived milk components lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum albumin (SA), and IgG in milk of cows suffering from mastitis caused by different pathogens treated with two intravenous injections of high dosages of OT (100 IU). Milk samples from 184 dairy cows from different farms were collected on day1 (day of clinical examination and mastitis diagnosis) and on days2, 3, 14, and 28. Bacteriological examination (day1) identified involved pathogens. Cows were randomly assigned to treatment (OT injections on days1 and 2) or control group (no OT). Independently of the assigned experimental group, cows received the common therapy protocol of the veterinary practice after sample collection if the general condition was affected. Milk SCC, LDH, SA, and IgG changed specifically depending on involved pathogens. Highest values of all three parameters were measured in mastitis caused by Streptococcus uberis. Changes were less pronounced with other Streptococci spp., Staphylococci spp. or Corynebacterium bovis. Oxytocin treatment did not affect any of the studied parameters independent of the involved pathogen. Only in quarters infected with Staphylococci other than Staphylococcus aureus a decreased SCC and increased IgG concentrations in quarters, where no pathogens were detected, were observed. Thus, high dosage OT administration is obviously not suitable as a stand-alone mastitis treatment in dairy cows.

Study of the ointment efficiency on the basis of phytoncidal forest complex for udder diseases prevention and treatment of dairy cows

Study of the ointment efficiency on the basis of phytoncidal forest complex for udder diseases prevention and treatment of dairy cows

Propylene Glycol and Maize Grain Supplementation Improve Fertility Parameters in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryThe excessive mobilization of fatty acids from dairy cows’ adipose tissue increases blood non-esterified fatty acid concentrations and could have a negative effect on the fertility parameters and milk yield, as well as increase the risk of metabolic disorders and also result in early-lactation culling risk. Propylene glycol and rumen-protected starch from maize grain are commonly used as glucose precursors reducing nonesterified fatty acid levels; however, no such comparisons are available, thus it was decided to assume it as the aim of this study. Propylene glycol had a positive effect on shortening the period to first ovulation. Propylene glycol and maize grain improved the first service conception rate and decreased the number of services per conception in cows. In conclusion, both treatments with propylene glycol and maize grain had a slight effect on the metabolic profile and no effect on milking performance, yet they improved fertility parameters, which could indirectly enhance milk production economics.The aim of the study was to determine the effect of propylene glycol and maize grain content by-pass starch supplementation during the transition period and the first 56 days of lactation on blood metabolic indices, milk production and fertility parameters in dairy cows. Seventy-five Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were assigned to treatment 21 days before calving. The treatments included: TG—2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from 14 days prepartum to day 56 postpartum, PG—2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to day 56 postpartum, and 400 g propylene glycol/cow per day from 14 days prepartum to 14 days of lactation and MG—2.5 kg maize grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to day 56 postpartum. PG and MG had an effect resulting in the highest glucose concentration at 28 d of lactation. Cows assigned to the PG and MG groups had significantly higher cholesterol levels confronted with TG group at day 14 of lactation, while at days 28 and 56 the same difference was observed only between the MG and TG groups. PG had an effect on shortening the period to first ovulation. PG and MG improved the first service conception rate and decreased the number of services per conception in cows. In conclusion, both treatments of dairy cows with PG and MG improved their fertility parameters, while they had a slight effect on their metabolic profile and no effect on their milking performance.

Natural Calf Rearing Could Be a Simple Solution to Improving the Welfare of Dairy Cows

There has been growing concern for the welfare of food animals. The dairy industry recently received criticism for cruel treatment of dairy cows. Animal welfare advocates suggest that allowing cows to rear calves naturally can improve the well-being of these animals. This article first explores the science concerning the effect of separation on cow and offspring, and how that affects the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of cows. This examination compares the emotional and mental states of cows and dogs to highlight their similarities. This analysis also looks at the current practices in the industry and the economics behind them. Second, the article investigates the current US federal and state laws, as well as international laws, regarding animal welfare, animal cruelty, and the separation of mother and offspring for certain nonhuman animals. It compares the protections afforded to companion animals and food animals. Finally, suggestions are presented for the future and advocates for more equal treatment of food animals (such as cows) and companion animals (such as dogs).

Comparative efficacy of antimicrobial treatments in dairy cows at dry-off to prevent new intramammary infections during the dry period or clinical mastitis during early lactation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted to assess the relative efficacy of antimicrobial therapy given to dairy cows at dry-off. Eligible studies were controlled trials assessing the use of antimicrobials compared to no treatment or an alternative treatment, and assessed one or more of the following outcomes: incidence of intramammary infection (IMI) at calving, incidence of IMI during the first 30 days in milk (DIM), or incidence of clinical mastitis during the first 30 DIM. Databases and conference proceedings were searched for relevant articles. The potential for bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 algorithm. From 3480 initially identified records, 45 trials had data extracted for one or more outcomes. Network meta-analysis was conducted for IMI at calving. The use of cephalosporins, cloxacillin, or penicillin with aminoglycoside significantly reduced the risk of new IMI at calving compared to non-treated controls (cephalosporins, RR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.23-0.65; cloxacillin, RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38-0.79; penicillin with aminoglycoside, RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.72). Synthesis revealed challenges with a comparability of outcomes, replication of interventions, definitions of outcomes, and quality of reporting. The use of reporting guidelines, replication among interventions, and standardization of outcome definitions would increase the utility of primary research in this area.

Investigating Post-partum Ovarian Cyclicity Following Various Treatments in Dairy Cows

Abstract The present study envisages the effect of PGF2α and antibiotic treatment on ovarian cyclic activity and regression of corpus luteum verum in post-partum dairy cows. Cows were divided into three treatment (PG8, PG25, antibiotic) and a control group. Ovarian activity was studied by examining follicular dynamics upto 42 days post-partum in which diameter of dominant follicle before first ovulation, the number of days to first ovulation and complete regression of corpus luteum verum were evaluated. Body condition score was recorded for all the cows in different groups. Also, ovulation on ovary ipsilateral or contralateral to previous gravid uterine horn was noted. On transrectal ultrasonography at a 3-day interval, dominant follicle diameter prior to ovulation was significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) in PG8 group. The mean time required for complete regression of CL verum was not significantly (p&gt;0.05) lower in PG8 group i.e. 24.33±1.48 days in comparison to PG25, antibiotic and control group (26.67±1.48, 29.00±1.81and 27.60±1.40 days post-partum, respectively). A subsequent ovarian activity was affected as 70.83 and 66.33% Ist and IInd ovulations occurred on the ovary contralateral to corpus luteum verum. In conclusion, contralateral ovary was more active in terms of ovulation whereas presence of corpus luteum verum had no effect on post-partum ovarian cyclic activity.

Evaluation of Intramammary Platelet Concentrate Efficacy as a Subclinical Mastitis Treatment in Dairy Cows Based on Somatic Cell Count and Milk Amyloid A Levels

Evaluation of Intramammary Platelet Concentrate Efficacy as a Subclinical Mastitis Treatment in Dairy Cows Based on Somatic Cell Count and Milk Amyloid A Levels

Randomized clinical trial of ceftiofur hydrochloride treatment to prevent acute puerperal metritis in dairy cows having Escherichia coli in their uterus at day 1 postpartum

Ceftiofur is a class 1 antibiotic (World Health Organization classification) and there is an increasing pressure from the veterinary and medical bodies to revisit its use for treating and preventing diseases in dairy cows such as acute puerperal metritis (APM). The presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the uterus of dairy cows at day 1 postpartum was shown to increase by 3 the risk of subsequently developing APM. Unfortunately, there are no data describing the efficacy of ceftiofur treatment to prevent APM in the subset of cows with E. coli in their uterus at day 1 postpartum. Therefore, the objective of the study was to quantify the efficacy of ceftiofur treatment in dairy cows with E. coli in their uterus at day 1 postpartum to prevent APM.

Ovarian Disorders Treatment in Dairy Cows with Infertility

Ovarian Disorders Treatment in Dairy Cows with Infertility

Effect of two treatment protocols for ketosis on the resolution, postpartum health, milk yield, and reproductive outcomes of dairy cows

We determined the effect of ketosis treatment with propylene glycol (PG) or PG plus l-carnitine and methionine (Metabolase®, Fatro, Bologna, Italy) on the resolution, postpartum health, milk yield, and reproductive performances of dairy cows. Blood from 475 Holstein cows was collected weekly until 4 weeks after calving to measure blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Cows with blood BHBA concentration ≥1.2 mmol/L were diagnosed with ketosis and were enrolled. One hundred and fifty cows diagnosed with ketosis were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (Day 0): (1) PG (300 g, PO) for 3 days (PG group, n = 50), (2) PG (300 g, PO) plus l-carnitine (1.25 g) plus methionine (5 g, IV) for 3 days (PG + CM group, n = 50), and (3) no treatment (control group, n = 50). On Day 3, blood was collected to evaluate whether the ketosis had resolved. Cows in the PG and PG + CM groups with blood BHBA ≥1.2 mmol/L were retreated for an additional 2 days, and then blood BHBA concentration was evaluated on Days 5 and 10. Blood glucose and haptoglobin concentrations, rumen fill score (RFS), and body condition score (BCS) were measured on Days 0, 3, 5, and 10. Postpartum complications, milk yield during the first 2 months, and reproductive outcomes were evaluated. The probability of resolution from ketosis was higher (P < 0.05) in the PG + CM group than in the control group on Days 3, 5, and 10 (odds ratio: 2.6–6.3). Blood BHBA in the PG + CM group was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the control group on Days 3 and 5, whereas blood glucose in the PG + CM group was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control group on Days 3 and 5. RFS in the PG and PG + CM groups was higher than that of the control group on Day 10 (P < 0.01), while BCS loss from Day 0–10 in the control group was higher than those of the PG and PG + CM groups (P < 0.05). Milk yields on the 30th and 60th days postpartum were higher in the PG + CM group than the control and PG groups (P < 0.05). Postpartum complications and intervals between calving and first postpartum insemination or pregnancy did not differ among the groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, treatment of dairy cows with PG plus l-carnitine and methionine improved the chances of resolution of ketosis and increased milk yield, while affecting neither the incidence of postpartum complications nor reproductive performance.

Randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial shows no benefit of homeopathic mastitis treatment in dairy cows

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy production, and homeopathic remedies have been used increasingly in recent years to treat it. Clinical trials evaluating homeopathy have often been criticized for their inadequate scientific approach. The objective of this triple-blind, randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in bovine clinical mastitis. The study was conducted on a conventionally managed dairy farm between June 2013 and May 2014. Dairy cows with acute mastitis were randomly allocated to homeopathy (n = 70) or placebo (n = 92), for a total of 162 animals. The homeopathic treatment was selected based on clinical symptoms but most commonly consisted of a combination of nosodes with Streptococcinum, Staphylococcinum, Pyrogenium, and Escherichia coli at a potency of 200c. Treatment was administered to cows in the homeopathy group at least once per day for an average of 5 d. The cows in the placebo group were treated similarly, using a placebo preparation instead (lactose globules without active ingredients). If necessary, we also used allopathic drugs (e.g., antibiotics, udder creams, and anti-inflammatory drugs) in both groups. We recorded data relating to the clinical signs of mastitis, treatment, time to recovery, milk yield, somatic cell count at first milk recording after mastitis, and culling. We observed cows for up to 200 d after clinical recovery. Base-level data did not differ between the homeopathy and placebo groups. Mastitis lasted for an average of 6 d in both groups. We observed no significant differences in time to recovery, somatic cell count, risk of clinical cure within 14 d after disease occurrence, mastitis recurrence risk, or culling risk. The results indicated no additional effect of homeopathic treatment compared with placebo. The advantages or disadvantages of homeopathy should be carefully assessed for individual farms.

Risk for the development of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) due to feeding of calves with milk containing residues of antibiotics.

EFSA was requested to: 1) assess the risk for the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to feeding on farm of calves with colostrum potentially containing residues of antibiotics; 2) assess the risk for the development of AMR due to feeding on farm of calves with milk of cows treated during lactation with an antibiotic and milked during the withdrawal period, and 3) propose possible options to mitigate the risk for the development of AMR derived from such practices. Treatment of dairy cows during the dry period and during lactation is common in the EU Member States. Penicillins, alone or in combination with aminoglycosides, and cephalosporins are most commonly used. Residue levels of antimicrobials decrease with the length of the dry period. When the interval from the start of the drying‐off treatment until calving is as long as or longer than the minimum specified in the Summary of Product Characteristics of the antimicrobial, faecal shedding of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria will not increase when calves are fed colostrum from treated cows. Milk from cows receiving antimicrobial treatment during lactation contains substantial residues during the treatment and withdrawal period. Consumption of such milk will lead to increased faecal shedding of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria by calves. A range of possible options exist for restricting the feeding of such milk to calves, which could be targeting the highest priority critically important antimicrobials. β‐Lactamases can reduce the concentration of β‐lactams which are the most frequently used antimicrobials in milking cows. Options to mitigate the presence of resistant bacteria in raw milk or colostrum are mainly based on thermal inactivation.