Adulteration of milk with urea and water in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazilan 
 May 2013 

Sources: Milkpoint 

A new test which determines the quality of cows immune defense have been developed by scientists at the University of Guelph in Canada. The High Immune Response (HIR) test will identify individuals with an ability to mount robust antibody-mediated (AMIR) and cell-mediated immune responses (CMIR) which are important in protecting the host from diseases caused by extracellular and intracellular pathogens, respectively. 

HIR testing and analysis have to be done only once at any stage of an animal’s life from two months of age onward. First, the animal is immunized with a patented test antigen system, similar to a vaccine, to spur its immune system into action. Next, blood or milk samples are taken and analyzed to determine the speed and strength of its immune responses to the test antigens. The procedure is done during three short on-farm visits over a 15-day period.

The results will enable producers to cull cattle with low-immune response profiles; to select an appropriate bull for breeding, based on the immune profiles of both sire and dam; and to tailor each animal’s vaccinations and management according to its indicated immune response status. Also colostrum enriched with higher amounts of protective antibodies from HIR cows could supplement calves during their vulnerable first few days after birth.

Sources: University of Guelph

Somatic cell count adjustment and the European legislation
18 April 2013

AsureQuality team up with Mengniu for safety project
16 April 2013

Sources:  Dairyreporter.com 

Analyzing raw milk samples for cheese curd quality by an NIR- method.
15 April 2013

A study to investigate if the traditional mechanical Formagraph(Foss Electric) analysis could be replaced by NIR measurements has been carried out by scientists from Padova University in northern Italy. 

Rennet coagulation time (RCT), curd-firming rate, and curd firmness was studied and it was concluded that  due to the high throughput, ease of use, and reduced costs of analysis of making predictions  mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) on untreated milk samples is a promising alternative to produce relevant data.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Animal drug residues in US milk
12 April 2013

In February the FDA released its annual National Milk Drug Residue Data analysis of animal drug residue tests in milk for Oct. 1, 2011, through Sept. 30, 2012.
All 50 states and Puerto Rico submitted data for the analysis. The samples came from raw milk taken at the farm, bulk milk pickup tankers, pasteurized fluid milk and pasteurized packaged products, along with other random tests throughout the supply chain.Of the 3.8 million samples tested, only 828 raw milk samples tested positive for animal drug residues, which is a magnificent 0.017 percent! All processing plants are required to test raw milk prior to receiving it. Raw milk that tests positive for animal drug residue is rejected at the plant and must be discarded.
Zero positive drug residue results were reported in finished products.

Source: Smiths Mountain Eagle

Johne’s disease risk in test-negative herds
8 April 2013

Improved version of the California Mastitis Test (Schalmtest)
5 April 2013

In a cooperation between the Hannover Hochschule and the company Fa. Eimermacher GmbH, reagents for the worldwide applied California Mastitis Test (CMT) have been improved. The new test allows detection of 98% of disorders of utter quarters (i.e. > 100.000 somatic cells/ml ) compared to 77% before the optimazation.

Also detection around 400.000 cells has been improved, so approximately 40 % more of the seriously ill cows may be identified. 

Sources:  ELITE, German Cattle Magazine 

Monitoring fatty acid profiles of raw milk in the UK !
02 April 2013

At this year’s British Cattle Breeders Conference, Ben Bartlett, National Milk Laboratories presented a project on monitoring fatty acid profiles by mIR analysis.

“We are seeing a significant drop in the saturated fat content of milk , where through cowfeeding , the fatty acid profile have been altered” Mr Bartlett told delegates. He also mentioned that “ Data supports overseas trial work, which has shown that mIR test data can be used to predict negative energy balance in cows, more accurately than traditional milk testing methods”.

“This can have immediate advantages as the energy balance of the cow early in lactation can have a significant impact on her immune status and fertility performance and, if a cow is in a negative energy balance it can provide an early warning indicator of likely body mass condition loss. Producers can monitor and manage trends in energy balance in individual cows without the need for regular body conditioning scoring, which is complex and costly”

In addition to Marks and Spencer and Scottish Rural Colleges, the project involves 30 carefully selected industry partners such as feed and breeding companies and vets.

Sources: Cowmanagement February 2013         

Charm maximum residue limit betalactam and tetracycline test evaluated on ewes and goat milk
18 March 2013

Sources: Journal of dairy Science

Good bacteria may wipe out antibiotic pathogens: Study
13 March 2013

Antibiotic resistence in focus – organic milk producers have found a way out!
12 March 2013

Sources: Farmers Guardian , IDF Newsletter and Boviloisk  

Determination of essential oils in cows milk
10 March 2013

For extraction of the volatile compounds a method based on solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed and optimized. The evaluation of the method included: fiber type, fiber to sample contact, extraction temperature, extraction time, agitation, and salt addition. A divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (50/30 µm) fiber in headspace mode at 34.6°C for 32.6 min without agitation or salt addition gave the best results. 

Alter optimization of the methodology it was possible to evaluate whether significant transfer of essential oil components from feed to milk occurred, when cows feed included thymol, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, or diallyl disulfide as feed additives at the recommended dose and at twice the usual dose. The conclusion is that none of the four essential oil components were found in milk samples, regardless of the dose in the feed.

 Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Treatment of pain can improve the milk yield from cows suffering from mastitis
08 March 2013

New analysis project to improve the milk yield
07 March 2013

The Danish Research Center for Food and Agriculture has founded a new project “Husdyr 2.0 / Livestock 2.0”, which aim at improving the annual national milk yield with 1500 kg per cow by optimization of feeding. The analysis program includes sampling from roughage and faeces.
There are plenty of feed analyses done today, but they are not utilized completely according to project leader Niels Bastian Kristensen, consultant at Knowledge Center for Agriculture, Cattle. Besides from improved efficiency of the milk production the project should also document factors that influence the food quality and sustainability in the production 

Ovine bulk tank milk: Influence of somatic cell count, specific bacterial and total bacterial count
22 February 2013

The analysis program covered bulk tank counts of thermoduric, psychrotrophic, coliform, and gram-positive catalase-negative cocci (GPCNC) bacterial groups. Thermoduric, psychrotrophic, and coliform species were significantly related to the total bacterial count, whereas GPCNC were correlated with both TBC and SCC variables. It appeared that high counts for psychrotroph and coliform groups and a moderate/high correlation was found between both variables, indicated poor cleaning practices in the flocks. In addition, TBC and SCC were correlated as well.

Seasonality was detectable as psychtrophs and coliforms counts were higher in winter, whereas GPCNC were higher in number in summer and in-hand-milked flocks. The study aim to be helpful for throubleshooting milk quality problems and developing premium payment systems for dairy sheep.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Lowest number of cows in the US for more than 60 years
18 February 2013

Sources: Landbrugsavisen

Evaluation of the national Dutch mastitis program 
18 February 2013

In 2005 a national mastitis control program was implemented in the Netherland to handle the increasing bulk milk somatic cell counts and continuous clinical mastitis problems in a substantial number of herds. The program was founded by the Dutch Udder Health Centre and had 2 main objectives: Research and knowledge transfer including communication strategies both to farmers in general and specifically to farmers, who were highly motivated to improve udder health. 

The program had a 5 years horizon, where an evaluation showed that udder health seemed to have improved during the campaign as the prevalence of clinical mastitis decreased from 33.5 to 28.1 quarter cases per 100 cow but the prevalence of subclinical mastitis did not change significantly (23.0 in 2004 vs. 22.2 in 2009).
It is difficult to assign the improved udder health completely to the efforts of the program because there was no control group as all dairy farmers were included in the program. The investment of €8 million by the Dutch dairy industry in this 5-year national mastitis control program likely improved udder health and seemed to pay for itself financially.

Sources: Journal of dairy Science 

International focus on monitoring of animal health increases
12 February 2013 

Sources:  Swedish Milk and ICAR

Mastitis detection by use of heat sensitive camera 
10 February 2013

The Swedish company Agrocam has tested a new heat sensitive camera at Lars Gunnar Samuelsson’s dairy farm in Linköping,

Sweden. It shows that mastitis can be detected before an outbreak, so the cow can be under observation and get an early treatment if necessary. The farmer finds that the camera detection of infected udders is very positive for both the animal welfare and the economy, as it helps to minimize the number of mastitis outbreaks.

Sources:  Maskinbladet, Danish Farmer Magazine

Eurofins expands 
06 February 2013

Eurofins, which carries out milk payment and Dairy Herd Improvement analysis in Denmark, Sweeden and the Baltic countries, has acquired a 92.5% majority stake in a Finnish food safety testing firm: Viljavuuspalvelu Oy. Viljavuuspalvelu Oy which specializes in agro soil testing offers analysis of food, feed, water and agro.

Additionally Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in food, environment and pharmaceutical product testing services, has acquired Laboratorium Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (LZV), the reference agricultural testing laboratory in The Netherlands. LZV also offers testing services for the food and environmental sectors, and is renowned for pesticides testing in the local market.

Sources: Food Quality News and Eurofin´s

The Phenofinlait project successfully terminated
05 February 2013

After 5 years of research the results of the Phenofinlait project were presented on November 28th at a meeting where 200 professionals within milk production participated. Phenofinlait is a 4 million Euro project where all major players within French milk production, - breeding as well as nutrition and milk quality, cows as well as sheep and goats, - has participated. Funding was private as well as public. The objective for the project was to study the finer details of milk composition, - especially the fatty acids and the lacto proteins. And also to investigate the influence of breeding on these parameters. The research program has resulted in the establishing of a rapid analyses method to estimate the content of specific fatty acids and proteins in routine labs for large scale operation.

The method, which is spectrometric uses mid-infrared (MIR) light and has proved robustness towards reference methods for 10-25 fatty acids or groups of fatty acids as well as 4-6 proteins or groups of proteins. It was stated at the meeting that between 15-45% of the observed variation origins from genetic variation whereas also nutrition naturally influences the composition of milk a lot. The huge database, holding 20.000 samples and spectra, comes from cows, sheep and goats from more than 1500 herds representing 26 regions in France and is exceptional. It will allow future research also for other parameters. Studies are planned to look into the content of minerals such as calcium, in lactose, further studies in the fatty acids and even into various health parameters.

Sources: Revue Laitier Francaise  

Vaccination against Johnes disease 
04 February 2013

After 1.5 years of successful testing The Technical University in Denmark has now submitted a patent for a vaccine against Johne’s disease. Professor Gregers Jungersen states: If results stay as successful as we have seen until now then we will soon have a tool for elimination of Johne’s disease! We will carry out more tests, but if they come out as expected, we will soon have a vaccine which will be important for agriculture in most developed markets.
The vaccine is then expected to be on the market within 2-5 years. Once the supplementary tests have been carried out the university will enter into cooperation with a medical company in order to scale up and produce the drug. The vaccine works in a new way; it improves the animal’s immune response against specific bacteria. Therefore it does also not create restrictions in the export of vaccinated live animals which other older types of vaccination frequently does. In addition vaccination must not necessarily take place before the animal is infected.

Sources: Landbrugsavisen 

Finish study on increased use of milk recording data 
26 January 2013

News from Journal of Dairy Science
24 January 2013

Consumer and processor demand for high-quality milk has placed increasing pressure on US milk producers to achieve higher product standards. International standards for somatic cell count (SCC) are becoming more stringent, but in May 2011, the United States National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments chose to retain the 750,000 cells/mL standard. Using ordinary least squares and quantile regressions on US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Resource Management Survey Dairy Costs and Returns Report data for 2005, we model producer and farm-level characteristics associated with SCC.
Quantile regression analysis allows for a more parsed inquiry into statistical associations. Dairy Costs and Returns Report data provide cross-sectional information on the physical structure, input expenses, demographics, and outputs for farms in selected states.

Location outside the Southeast, lower herd age, full-time farming status, use of biosecurity guidelines, good milking facilities and operations management, and application of related quality tests are all associated with lower SCC levels. Size of operation had little effect on SCC levels after controlling for other factors. Many of the operations that did not attain a more demanding SCC standard of 400,000 cells/mL had older operators, operators who expressed intention to exit within 10 yr, smaller size, and location in the Southeast when compared with those meeting the tighter standard. The results suggest that the stricter scheme favors larger farms that are more committed to production and are less likely to be sole or family proprietorships..

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

US investigation shows that 34 % of 3rd lactation (or older) cows suffer from subclinical ketosis
22 January 2013

By analyzing blood samples from 1672 cows from 4 larger dairy herds in the US it was proven that 34 % of older cows get subclinical ketosis whereas only 15-19% of 1st and second lactation cows get this disease.
The blood samples were analysed for betahydroxybutyrate between day 3 and 16 after calving. Body condition score highly influenced the prevalence of ketosis. If BCS was above 3.5 33% of the cows got subclinical ketosis whereas only 19 % of the cows with a BCS below 3.5 got subclinical ketosis.. 

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Another good reason to fight high somatic cell counts 
21 January 2012

Hight somatic cell count influences the pregnancy rate of dairy cows significantly! This was proved in an Israeli study of almost 300.000 first inseminations in 222 herds over 7 years. In one analysis the cows were split in 4 groups: Cows below 150.00 SCC/ml, which were found to have a pregnancy rate at 1st insemination of 39.4 %. Cows who had suffered from mastitis once during this lactation but who were now healthy were found to have a pregnancy rate of 36,6%. 

Cows who were healthy at insemination but who got mastitis right after insemination had a pregnancy rate of 32.9 %. The last group, chronically infected cows were found to have a pregnancy rate of 31.5 % at first insemination. Another analysis of the same dataset showed that cows with a somatic cell count between 150.000 and 1 million had a 14.5 % lower chance of getting pregnant at 1st insemination compared to cows below 150.000 cells/ml. 

When the cell count was above 1 million the chance was 20 % below healthy cows! It was also found that a short rise in cellcount between day 30 and day 10 before calcing did not affect pregnancy rate whereas a single rise in cell count between day 10 before to day 30 after after calving resulted in a pregnancy rate of 28.8%, instead of 39,4%!! So it certainly makes sense to fight high somatic cell count actively, not only in order to get the best payment for the milk!

Flowcytometry-based analysis method for on farm bacteria testing
17 January 2013 

The present study describes a flow cytometry-based method, which can detect and distinguish gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in mastitis milk samples. The differentiation was based on bacterial fluorescence intensities upon labeling with biotin-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin and acridine orange. Initially 19 in-house bacterial cultures (4 gram-negative and 15 gram-positive strains) were analyzed, and biotin-conjugated wheat germ agglutinin and acridine orange florescence intensities were determined for gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. 

Fluorescence cut-off values were established based on receiver operating characteristic curves for the 19 bacterial cultures. The method was then tested on 53 selected mastitis cases obtained from the department biobank (milk samples from 6 gram-negative and 47 gram-positive mastitis cases). Gram-negative bacteria in milk samples were detected with a sensitivity of 1 and a specificity of 0.74, when classification was based on the previously established cut-off values. However, when receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for the 53 mastitis cases, results indicate that a sensitivity and specificity of 1 could be reached if cut-off values were reduced. 

This flow cytometry-based technique could potentially provide dairy farmers and attending veterinarians with on-site information on bacterial gram-type and prevent ineffective antimicrobial treatment in mastitis cases caused by gram-negative bacteria.. 

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Pregnancy test at Eurofins in Denmark
10 January 2013 

This Spring Eurofins plan to launch pregnancy testing on milk samples. The cost of the analyses will be equal to the cost of the preg checks carried out by the AI service and Eurofins experiences a big interest from dairy farmers at the Agromek fair late November 2012. Launching this test will bring us closer to the farmer, as we have already come with the mastitis PCR test states Vibeke Palliggaard from Eurofins. 

Especially the many cases of Mycoplasma detected by the PCR test have increased the interest for this method. The pregnancy test will, among others be sold through the Danish Registration and Yield Control, RYK, but also via other channels.

Sources: KVÆG, a Danish milk producers magazine

Breeding for better coagulation properties 
03 January 2013

Some Danish cows produce milk with poor coagulation properties which generates difficulties for cheese production. Part of the problem is attributed to genetic errors and Danish scientists are close to have identified the troublesome genes. The University of Aarhus will consequently initiate a project to develop a gene test to identify the cows, which carries these genes. 
Christian Bendixen, Professor at Aarhus University, and his team of scientists expect that they through DNA-based breeding programes may solve the problem in a timeframe of only 3-5 years The involved parties including Arla Foods and Viking Genetics have great expectation to this cooperation. 


Sources: Mælkeritidende 

Sodium influences the urea content in milk
16 December 2012

 A high content of sodium in the ration of the dairy cow influences the content of urea in milk.This was proved in a Dutch project and the full report can be read in Journal of Dairy Science, December 2012.
The reason is that more sodium result in a higher intake of water, and hence more urine. In this trial the amount of urine went from 15 liters per day to 30 liters by increasing the sodium uptake from 0.3% of dry matter to 0.9% of dry matter. The milk yield was unaffected, only a change in the urea content went from 4.7 mmol to 4.3 mmol/liter milk by increasing the sodium uptake.
A high sodium intake may occur if cows are fed high amounts of sodium bicarbonate (buffer) or straw treated with sodium hydroxide.
If the urea result is used for adjusting feeding or monitoring environmental load this should be taken into consideration. 


Sources: J. of Dairy Science

Checking up on premixed concentrates
14 December 2012

Again this year Knowledge Center for Agriculture in Denmark has coordinated a test of premixed concentrates. Local advisors listed companies in their region to be checked, and based on the full list of companies and premixes sold a list was made for concentrates to be sampled and analyzed.
All together 48 concentrates from 8 companies were analyzed. On average 2 % was missing in energy, - and for most companies most of the premixes were consequently low on protein and fat, as well as the content of NDF was low. There were of course large variations from premix to premix, and also some companies who managed better than others.
All together this test tells there is a need to monitor if the feed supplier keeps what they promise. Dairy farmers cannot get this overview on their own; unbiased advisors or organizations with access to good laboratories able to test feed and forage are needed to do assist them!

Sources: KVÆG, a Danish milk producers magazine

Relationship among specific bacterial counts, total bacterial and somatic cell counts in sheep milk.
11 December 2012

To analyze the relationship among the counts of different organisms and total bacterial count (BTTBC) and somatic cell count (BTSCC) as determined in dairy laboratories in ovine bulk tank milk, 751 bulk tank milk samples from 205 dairy sheep flocks, were collected between January and December 2011.
Four samplings were carried out in each flock, once per season, throughout 1 yr. Variables analyzed were bulk tank counts of thermoduric, psychrotrophic, coliform, and gram-positive catalase-negative cocci (GPCNC) bacterial groups.
Results of this study would be helpful for troubleshooting milk quality problems and developing premium payment systems in dairy sheep.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) metabonomics reveals strong association between milk metabolites and somatic cell count.
11 December 2012

In a study of approx. 800 samples from 2 Danish herds, somatic cell count was compared to milk metabolites.
Milk somatic cells comprise different cell types, which may contribute to differential milk metabolite fingerprints. In this study, milk from a relatively large number of individual cows, representing significant differences in SCC, were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomics.
Relative quantification of the identified metabolites revealed that lactate, butyrate, isoleucine, acetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate were increased, whereas hippurate and fumarate were decreased in milk with high levels of somatic cells.


Sources: Journal of dairy Science

Cost savings on yield control and insemination !
08 December 2012

Trials to investigate if inseminators can also perform yield control – the idea is that by letting inseminators do more work when visiting a farm, transport costs can be reduced.
The trials which will take place next year on the Danish island of FYN is a cooperation between RYK (Yield Control in Denmark) and Viking Genetics Denmark.

Sources: Landbrugsavisen

ARLA, FOSS and Fonterra cooperates to restore consumer confidence in Chinese milk by FTIR analysis.
7 December 2012

New technology and a new center inaugurated by the Danish Minister of Food and the Chinese Minister of Agriculture was part of the Danish export promotions first day.
The new centre “China-Denmark Milk Technology Cooperation Centre” is part of Arla and their Chinese business partner Mengniu’s effort to re-establish Chinese consumer’s confidence to Chinese dairy products, after the melamin scandal in 2008.
Arla and the Danish analytical equipment company Foss have together with New Zealand Fonterra developed a new technology to screen milk for any abnormality.
“If the screening shows an abnormality in the milk it can be tested through the 18 existing analyzes, each of which can detect a specific substance. The advantage of the new method is that you only have to analyze the milk if the initial screening indicates a deviation,” tells Niels Juul Mortensen, CTO of Arla's activities in China.
Today Mengnui analyzed all milk for melamin. With the new screening any deviation will be discovered.
“Given that the new screening is safe, fast and cheap, it will be interesting for all dairies in China. When we have finish testing the method on Chinese milk, other dairies can use the screening, so consumer confidence can be restored - for the benefit of the entire industry," says Frede Juulsen, Senior Vice President at Arla.

Sources: Press release ARLA FOODS 

Longer treatment of Strep uberis increased cure rates and reduced the rate of new infection
21 November 2012

400 clinical mastitis cases from chronically infected cows (2 milk recordings with SCC above 200.000) were investigated. In the control group cows were treated 1.5 days every 12 hours (intermamarian) with 75 mg Cefquinon. The test group was treated 5 days, 2 days with 12 hours interval and 3 days once a day only.
Results were that only for Strep uberis a higher cure rate was seen with a longer treatment, 79% versus 58 %, - and the new infection rate decreased as well. For staph aureus the opposite result was seen.

So it is concluded that a longer treatment period may be a solution if the type of infection is known. However, the treatment costs are higher, there may be negative side effects and in Germany such a longer treatment must be carried out by a veterinarian (off-label treatment).

Of the cows in the trial 29 % were infected by Strep uberis, 22 % by E Coli and the remaining cows by other mastitis bacteria.

Sources: Professor Krömker, University of Hannover, Congres summary in Elite from Berlin-Brandenburg Cattle Day

The goal is to reduce mastitis treatments in Germany by 50%, partly by including differentiated somatic cell counts!
20 November 2012

In ELITE the german magazine for milk producers it is reported that German Milk recording Associations (DLQ) will increase focus on improvement of udder heath in Germany. Therefore German milk producers will soon get new tools.
Today every 2nd cow catch mastitis during each lactation and 83 % of these cows are treated with antibiotics. Only 21% of all cows reach 4th lactation and maximum yield, and the costs per case of mastitis for the milk producer is between 250 and 500 Euro. 

All actors dealing with improving herd health (milk producers, vets, nutritionists etc) want to improve within this area but now DLQ will start up a project, MilkQPlus, which will improve communication about the complexity of this disease as well as it will ensure that a better continuity can be reached in the treatment of mastitis.
Two initiatives are taken to achieve this: First the reports based on the monthly milk recording will be improved. Indicators to improve udder health and recommended actions will be included in the monthly reports. Second a new diagnostic tool will be developed to determine differentiated somatic cell count. With this diagnostic tool it is expected that it will be possible to determine which cows need antibiotic therapy, - and which do not (estimated 40%).

Sources: Elite,magazin für Milcherzeuger

Raw Milk News from the exhibition at the 2012 IDF World Dairy Summit – Part 2
19 November 2012

One of the highlights of this year´s trade show was the new pregnancy test launched by Idexx. It is now possible to confirm pregnancy from day 35 after gestation on routine DHI samples using proven ELISA technology. The duration of the test is 4 hours. Read more about the method. The method has tested in several North American laboratories.

On their booth r-biopharm had a prototype of the analyzer for quantitative and qualitative analysis of antibiotic residues which is being developed in cooperation with Milch Prûfring Bayern. Expected launch of the instrument is mid-2013.

Another exciting news was the increased sample capacity the BactoScan bacteria counter from FOSS. The new instrument is 30% faster, increasing the maximum number of samples that the 3 instrument models can handle from 50 to 65, 100 to 130 and 150 to 200 samples an hour. Apart from the faster sample throughput, all aspects of the new instrument with regard to use and performance remains the same.

FOSS also released the following news on their ketosis calibration for their MilkoScan FT+: “It is over a year since the launch of a new analytical tool from FOSS which allows labs to screen milk recording samples for signs of ketosis as part of the conventional testing. Interest in the new parameter is growing.

Several laboratories are using the FTIR based screening tool, Valacta in Canada is one of them. The data now being sent to farmers is based solely on the FTIR results without reconfirmation from the direct method. This does not mean that laboratories are turning their back on the more precise direct method, but more of an acknowledgement of the FTIR screening as a faster and affordable ‘indication’ of the condition in the dairy herd”.

Sources: Berte Asmussen, Raw Milk Connect

New president for International Dairy Federation (IDF) elected at the World Dairy Summit in Cape Town
10 November 2012

Dr. Jeremy Hill has been appointed to be in front of IDF for the coming 4 years, 2012-2016, where he will replace Richard Doyle, who has taken care of the presidency of IDF in the years 2008-2012. Dr. Hill has been active in IDF for more than two decades on top of his profession as Director for Research, Science, Technology and Development at New Zealand based Fonterra Cooperative Group.

Sources: FIL-IDF - World Dairy Summit 2012

Raw Milk News from the exhibition at the 2012 IDF World Dairy Summit – Part 1
07 November 2012

Several suppliers including newcomer Trinexsys had interesting news on this year’s exhibition. Trinexsys produces a roust sample and cost efficient sample-taking system to be mounted on milk tankers. Samples are identified by RFID chips mounted in the bottom of sample containers fx. from Capitol Vials . This system have gradually been put routine use over the past 3 years at Clover dairy farms in South Africa, so now Trinexsys are prepared to widen their operation abroad.

Also Bentley Instruments have announced some interesting news at the exhibition: “We are pleased to inform you that our CombiFTS has now also been approved in France for milk payment (Fat, Protein, Somatic cells and FDP)” and “A Bactocount Interlaboratory study is now organized every month since March 2012 in collaboration with CECALAIT in order to check the method and laboratories compliance with the ISO 16140 standard. The Bactocount repeatability and reproducibility are excellent with a Sr of 0.028 log, and a SR of 0.072 log. 

These results comply perfectly with the ISO 16140 standard (Sr<0.12, SR<0.16) for milk payment. The repeatability of the Bactocount is 4 times better than what the ISO 16140 requires(Sr<0.12)” plus “ The result of our Universal Conversion Equation (Sy,x of 0.32 log, 12 countries, 6504 samples, 15 BactoCount)demonstrate not only the excellent standardization of our systems but also that a Universal Conversion Equation (IBC/CFU) could be developed according to the ISO 21187 standard and still fully comply with the ISO 16140 standard accuracy limit (Sy,x <0.40 log). 

Sources: Berte Asmussen, Raw Milk Connect

George Robert Davey AM honoured with IDF Award 2012
07 November 2012

This year, the IDF Award 2012 is honorably granted to George Davey AM, General Manager for Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, Australia.

George has contributed significantly to the progress of dairy science, technology, marketing and policy. Throughout his outstanding career, he has played a leading role in the dairy industry at the international level, and has extensive direct experience in many areas of the dairy industry. His involvement with the IDF for more than 25 years has been highly valued.

In Australia, he is widely recognized for his leadership as Member and Chair of several national food research and standards development organizations and professional associations. In addition to this recognition, he has received many professional awards for his contributions to food science.

This year, on Australia Day, George was awarded him Membership with the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his service to the primary industry sector, to the development of health and food standards, and to professional associations.

George is a worthy recipient of the IDF Award for 2012.. 

Sources: FIL-IDF - World Dairy Summit 2012

The 2012 IDF World Dairy Summit in Cape Town had a star studded start
04 November 2012

The entertainment of the welcome reception at this years WDS included both 2 and 4 legged stars – especially the beauty contest - including comments by the judge - between a Jersey, an Holstein and an Ayrshire dairy cow was an educational element of the show. For persons involved in raw milk testing there will be a lot of interesting news both in the scientific program as well as the exhibition. 

Suppliers such as Delta Instruments, Bentley Instruments, FOSS, Capitol Vials and Idexx(launching their new pregnancy test) have booths at the exhibition. The scientific program will be focusing on worldwide calibrations as a means to reducing analysis costs, milk adulteration and antibiotic residue testing. Berte Asmussen will be reporting from this event as the news appears – so keep a close eye on this page this week  

Sources: Berte Asmussen, Raw Milk Connect

Conclusions on Scamallenberger virus after the first year
30 October 2012

Dairy farmers need not fear the consequences of the Schmallenberger virus as much as first expected – still born calves are the most serious effect – reduction of milk yield and diarrhea is usually short. “We know that infections spread very rapidly in a herd and the infection gives immunity in a short period of time” says Erik Rattenborg. Only animals infected early in the pregnancy will have malformed offspring. Experience from Germany indicates that only 1 % of infections results in malformed calves. 

Sources: Landbrugsavisen

European Cattle Innovation Partnership (ECIP)
25 October 2012

The European Cattle Innovation Partnership (ECIP) is a collaboration between a number of farming-based organizations aiming to improve the cross border coordination of applied research, development and knowledge exchange in European dairy farming.

The Chairman of ECIP is Richard Holland – a dairy farmer who, through the support of the BioSciences Knowledge Transfer Network in the UK, took the first steps towards initiating this collaboration. During 2012, ECIP is being coordinated by Willem Koops (W.Koops@PZ.AGRO.NL) from the Dutch Dairy Board. Representatives have meet in Denmark last week to discuss amongst other things how to secure funding for across border research projects. 

Sources: Knowledge Centre for Agriculture and European Cattle Innovation Partnership (ECIP)

18 October 2012

The share of Swedish cows treated for mastitis is now down to 16%! This is much lower than most other European countries. The numbers were presented at a veterinarian conference in Sweden this summer. This very low number, and the low use of antibiotic drugs, and a conscious choice of uncritical antibiotic drugs has at the same time resulted in a low and stable presence of resistant mastitis bacteria over the latest 30 years in Sweden. 

The number of treated bacteria incidents has been decreasing over the last years and it is believed that the reason is very consequent strategy: Treatment of acute mastitis only, avoid treatment of subclinical cases and a conscious use of dry cow therapy.

Sources: Tidningen Husdjur, August 2012 and Svensk mjölk

18 October 2012

A study carried out at four dairy farms in New York and Wisconsin (USA) showed that 75% of all ketosis incidents can be diagnosed the first week after calving, - and that these cases are more severe than later occurring cases. 1717 fresh cows were monitored and of these 741 showed sign of ketosis, subclinical or clinical. 75% of these already showed signs within the first week. 

It was also found that the risk of displaced abomasums was 6 times higher for early incidents compared to cows diagnosed 8-16 days after calving. Likewise the risk of being culled within the first 100 days after calving was 4.5 times higher if the cows were diagnosed ketotic the first week after calving. 

Diagnosis were made with blood samples taken from all cows involved every 2.nd day and analyzed for BHB (beta hydroxyl butyrate). The conclusion from the study was that it is important to diagnose and treat ketosis as early as possible after calving.

Sources: ADSA annual meeting, Phoenix, July 2012 

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk samples
15 October 2012

During November 2009-January 2010 4,258 bulk tank milk samples were collected representing all Danish dairy herds and analyzed with real-time PCR analysis for 11 mastitis pathogens in order to compare the somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacteria count (TBC) with estimates.
For Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus uberis, a low real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) value (corresponding to high bacterial DNA quantity) was correlated with higher SCC and higher TBC.

For Staphylococcus aureus, low Ct values were correlated only with higher SCC. For the environmental mastitis pathogens Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli, low Ct values had a correlation with higher TBC. Staphylococcus spp. were identified in all herds, Strep. uberis in 95%, Staph. aureus in 91%, and Strep. dysgalactiae in 86%, whereas E. coli, Klebsiella, and Strep. agalactiae were found in 61%, 13%, and 7% of the herds.

It is concluded that real-time PCR can be used to measure the milk quality in the same way as culture for monitoring bulk tank milk samples, and is especially useful for bacteria with low prevalence like Streptococcus agalactiae.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Prototheca mastitis and its relation to herd characteristics
08 October 2012

A Canadian study of Prototheca spp. aimed to identify cow- and herd-level risk factors for this unusual mastitis pathogen, which cause incurable acute or chronic mastitis in dairy cows. Samples from 2,428 milking cows in 23 case and 23 control herds were collected between January and May 2011 in Ontario. Prototheca spp. and Prototheca zopfii genotypes were differentiated in 58 of 64 isolates by the use of PCR and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
It appeared that case herds had a significantly lower herd-level prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and a higher prevalence of yeasts than did control herds.

The logistic regression model for herd-level risk factors included use of intra-mammary injections of a non-intra-mammary drug, the number of different injectable antibiotic products being used, the use of any dry cow teat sealant and having treated 3 or more displaced abomasums in the last 12 months. The logistic regression model for cow-level risk factors included second or greater lactation and the logarithm of the lactation-average somatic cell count.

Final conclusion was that unsanitary or repeated intra-mammary infusions, antibiotic treatment, and off-label use of injectable drugs in the udder might promote Prototheca mastitis infection. 

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy of milk used to identify authenticate feed source and region of origin
08 October 2012

486 bulk milk samples from France and northwestern Italy were analyzed with NIR spectroscopy to trace cow feeding systems and farming altitude. The milk was grouped into feeding systems according to the main forage in the diet and the calibration based on partial least square discriminant analysis were able to classify 95.5%, 91.5%, and 93.3% of pasture versus maize silage, hay, and fermented herbage feeding systems, respectively.

The method was less successful, when diets containing large proportions of the non-dominant forage were included in each group. However the NIR spectroscopy correctly discriminated no-pasture from pasture milk with only 30% of pasture in the diet.

If the feeding system effect was isolated from the altitude effect the NIR spectroscopy was not able to reliably trace milk geographic origin. The method may be usefully to exploit the authentication of dairy products

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

New Zealand scientists have developed a non β-lactoblobulin producing cow
02 October 2012

New Zealand government-owned AgResearch says its scientists may have successfully bred the world's first cow to produce high-protein milk suitable for people who are allergic to ordinary varieties. AgResearch have been successful in greatly reducing the amount of beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), a milk-whey protein not in human milk,” Two to three percent of infants are allergic to cow’s milk, and BLG allergies make up a large part of that percentage.” says Dr Stefan Wagner.
The research is significant not due to the potential outcome but also because of the methods applied, fx. gene knock down instead of gene knock out plus a hormonal treatment of the calf in oder to introduce an early lactation.
However it will be a while before low β-lactaglobulin dairy products will be available to the consumers, since milk from this genetically engineered calf, will undergo an investigation to test whether the milk is indeed less allergenic than normal cow’s milk.

Sources: AgResearch, Press release

Unileite – a Brazilian raw milk quality program celebrates 10 years of tremendous improvement and additional funding to enable expansion.
25 September 2012

The milk quality program who´s activities so far have been centered around Belo Horisonte, capital of the important Brazilian dairy state of Minas Gerais has announced a new partnership. with the Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Higher Education and Farming.

The new partnership will be formalized in the coming weeks and provides funds of $ 300,000 for two years of implementation, which should cover the displacement of students from the School of Veterinary Medicine, UFMG, Federal University of Minas Gerais to the properties, as well as the continuity of research focused on the development of livestock for milk.

Teacher and creator of the program, Livy Ribeiro Molina points out that the educational component of the program must be run on the farm. "The decision to deploy or improve practices program generates benefits from people involved in the process are motivated and aware of its importance as a collaborative production system.

The anniversary will also be marked by the good results achieved last year, when the 16 properties had been assisted in making a 39% reduction in somatic cell count (SCC) and 46% of the colony forming units (CFU). An increment in average monthly earnings of $ 2.341/farm/month between increased production and improved quality parameters. The properties assisted have, on average, 100 lactating cows with an average production of 1,450 liters of milk / day

Prospective veterinarians perform predefined planning of activities, beginning with the development of diagnostic property, visited once a month. From there specific strategies are defined needs of each farm. "One of the first initiatives is to make the analysis of risk factors and are then established control strategies, such as improving the condition of these animals, cleaning equipment, team motivation," explains Professor of UFMG, Livy Ribeiro Molina.

Sources: Balde Branco , brasilian magazine for milk producers  

Haptoglobin testing to become available on farm? 
24 September 2012

At a congress held on the veterinarian faculty at the University in Leipzig, Germany, an instrument to be used on the farm for determination of haptoglobin was presented in June 2012.
Haptoglobin is an acute phase protein which is produced by the liver. The concentration immediately increases significantly in plasma as well as in milk at the very beginning of an infection.
T Möllmer et. Al. from the teaching and experimental farm in Köllitsch in south east Germany have developed a ELISA sandwich assay which can be used on an automatic analyzer (eProCheck). 22 samples can be analyzed in each batch and the results from one batch are available after 70 minutes.
Tests of the prototype showed a sensitivity of almost 70 % whereas the specificity was found to be above 84%. The measuring range is 0 to 20 microgram/ml and when following the 73 cows on the experimental farm(almost 1000 samples) the median on proportional milk was determined to be 0.5 whereas the average was 2.18 microgram/ml. Also the repeatability was found to be very good.

Sources: Elite , magazine for milk producers  

Danish scientists to develop a mass spectroscopy-based method for quantitative detection of free fatty acids(FFA)
20 September 2012

A new project FUTUREMILQ worth 3mill EUR will investigate the reasons for the deteriorating milk quality, which Northern European countries have experienced during the last 5 years. Thermoduric bacteria and FFA are considered the most harmful parameters in this case and originating from the increased use of automated milking systems

Researchers at the Department of Food Science at Aarhus University, using proton transfer reaction - mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) will try to find a method that is faster and more accurate to measure the free fatty acids in milk. The challenge with analysis of free fatty acids in milk is that they are both water and fat soluble, and it makes it difficult to extract and thus quantify simultaneously.

- It is expected that the method could detect and quantify the short-chain fatty acids, which are the largest contributors to the rancid flavor in milk. By the same analysis it is also expected to obtain information on other volatile components in the milk as oxidation, which can potentially contribute to of flavours, says Lars Wiking, associate professor and expert in food quality at Aarhus University.

He sees the right temperature pretreatment of the milk, then the volatile free fatty acids released as the biggest challenge in efforts to develop a workable mechanism.
Researchers at the Department of Food Science at Aarhus University must also carry out a so-called chemometric analysis of biological (milking frequency and feeding) and technological (milk cooling, air intake and stirring) factors influence the formation of volatile free fatty acids in milk.

- The objective is to achieve a ranking of the factors that influence the accumulation of free fatty acids, by analyzing data across previous studies with chemometrics explains Lars Wiking.

In addition to FOSS also Aarhus University, EuroFinns, DeLaval, Lely Scandinavia,S.A. Christensen, Arla Foods, RYK and several other Danish companies are contributing to this project.

Sources: Aarhus University, Dept. of Food Science 

National Mastitis Council (NMC) publishes a book about the past 50 years milk quality and mastitis control
17 September 2012

The book is honoring NMC’s work and based personal recollections from NMC members.
“Through the years NMC has grown from humble beginnings into an organization of internationally recognized experts in the field of milk quality,” says Sheila Andrew, president of NMC. “As you read this historical tribute, we hope it reminds you of the great strides in mastitis research, the importance of the original five-point plan and how NMC has been successful in providing current, science-based educational information to generations of dairy producers and their consultants for more than 50 years.”

Sources: Progressive Dairyman

Iowa is screening raw milk for aflatoxins 
17 September 2012

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has required aflatoxin screening and testing of milk received in Iowa since end of August. The screening program covers all Grade A and Grade B farm bulk milk pickup tankers, which will be analyzed for aflatoxin on a weekly basis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established action levels for aflatoxin in milk and feed as aflatoxin can sometimes be found in drought-stressed corn.
“We were well aware that aflatoxin could be an issue this year due to the historic drought conditions,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. “Now that farmers are starting to harvest silage, and corn in some cases, it is appropriate to begin this screening process to make sure our milk supply remains safe.”

The FDA has established guidelines for acceptable aflatoxin levels in corn:
• Corn containing aflatoxin in concentrations > 20 ppb cannot be used for human consumption, for feed for dairy animals or for immature livestock of others species.
• Corn containing aflatoxin <100 ppb can be used in breeding cattle, swine and mature poultry.
• Corn with <200 ppb can be used with finishing swine greater than 100 lbs. in weight
• Corn with <300 ppb can be used in finishing beef cattle.

Salmonella antibodies in bovine bulk tank milk can cause milk yield losses

11 September 2012

To investigate whether introduction of Salmonella into dairy cattle herds was associated with reduced milk yield and determine the duration of any such effect, longitudinal data 2005-2009 covering the period 12 months before until 18 months after the estimated date of infection were analyzed. 28 Danish Holstein herds with increased level of Salmonella-specific antibodies in bulk-tank milk from <10 corrected optical density percentage (ODC%) to ≥70 ODC% were used between 2 consecutive three-monthly measurements in the Danish Salmonella surveillance program. The 40 control herds were selected randomly from Danish Holstein herds with Salmonella antibody levels consistently <10 ODC%. 

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Implementation of automated teat dip and back-flush can reduce the somatic cell count 
11 September 2012

With increased use of automated milking systems focus on post-milking teat disinfection is an obvious and effective management practice to prevent transmission of mastitis pathogens from cow to cow. Automated teat dipping and back-flushing (ADB) systems have existed for some years, but their effect on udder health has not been proved by field study on commercial dairy farms before.

Dairy herd improvement data were collected over a 30 months period at 25 sets of 3 farms, where one group of farms installed an ADB system, another group disinfected teats using dipping after milking and the third group sprayed teats after milking.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of introducing an ADB system in a herd with regards to:
• The bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC)
• The individual cow SCC
• The proportion of newly elevated SCC.

In herds that converted from spray to an ADB system the bulk milk SCC declined with 16,000 cells/mL, the proportion of cows with elevated SCC declined with 4.3% and the proportion of newly elevated SCC was 1.5% lower than the control group. For herds that converted from dip to an ADB system the bulk milk SCC declined with 30,000 cells/mL, the proportion of cows with elevated SCC declined with 1.2%, and the proportion of newly elevated SCC was 0.3% higher than the control group.
All in all installation of an ADB system had a beneficial effect on bulk milk SCC, individual cow SCC, and the proportion of newly elevated SCC.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Molecular mapping of Staphylococcus aureus 
03 September 2012

The purpose of this American study was to investigate the possible interrelationships of genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus found in mammary glands, horn flies, and extramammary sites. 1,228 samples were collected on the 3 dairy herds, each of which had a history of Staph. aureus mastitis. The dairy herds studied had access to pasture, and samples were collected during the summer when horn flies (Haematobia irritans) were active.

•                        13.6% of the milk samples were Staph. aureus positive.
•                        17.0% of the heifer quarter colostrum samples were positive.
•                        55.8% of the horn fly samples were positive.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis for routine detection of hyperketonemia in dairy cows
03 September 2012

This Dutch study aim to assess the quality of a diagnostic model for the detection of hyperketonemia in early lactation dairy cows at test days. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in the diagnostic model comprising acetone and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations in milk in combination with other available test-day information. Data from 1,678 cows between 5-60 days in milk lactation, originating from 118 randomly selected farms in the Netherlands were used for the study.

The observed prevalence of hyperketonemia (defined as plasma BHBA ≥1,200 µmol/L) was 11.2%, but the value of FTIR predictions of milk acetone and milk BHBA concentrations as single tests for hyperketonemia were found limited due to a relatively large number of false positive test-day results. To eliminate this error a multivariate logistic regression model with a random herd effect was constructed, using parity, season, milk fat-to-protein ratio, and FTIR predictions of milk acetone and milk BHBA as predictive variables. This diagnostic model had 82.4% sensitivity and 83.8% specificity at the optimal cutoff value (defined as maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity) for the detection of hyperketonemia at test days, so the model obtained a specificity of 95% at optimal cut-off and increased the predicted value of a positive test result to 56.5%.

The model was considered not suitable for individual detection of cows with ketosis due to the length of the test-day interval and the low positive predictive values of the investigated test procedures. However the diagnostic model is valuable for herd-level monitoring of hyperketonemia, when the model is combined with wet chemistry analysis of milk acetone or milk BHBA concentrations. When combining the diagnostic model with wet chemistry milk BHBA analysis, 84% of herds were correctly classified at a 10% alarm-level prevalence.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

PCR method can be used to detect Brucella infection in raw milk
30 August 2012

Raw milk samples from 816 cows were examined as a pilot survey to establish a suitable method for detection of Brucella abortus infection in cattle. Method used is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers derived from the IS711 element of the Brucella genome and it showed that 55 cows were Brucella positive based on serum agglutination test (SAT) results. PCR amplified Brucella DNA in 25 (45%) of the 55 SAT-positive cows. All 689 SAT-negative cows were found to be negative in PCR assays as well.

Brucella infection status was predicted for 72 cows from herds with unknown brucellosis status based on PCR assay results. Subsequently, SAT verification of Brucella status was performed and it showed no difference between predicted and actual SAT-positive rates in those 72 cows.

There is a relationship between Brucella detection levels obtained using milk-based PCR results and SAT results, which makes the milk PCR method an attractive alternative for evaluation of Brucella abortus infection in cows, particularly if used as a routine screening and surveillance tool to reduce brucellosis outbreaks.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Status on Schmallenberg virus in Europe
30 August 2012

It appears that Schmallenberg virus is declining in Europe but that doesn’t mean it can be ignored. The virus seems to have survived the winter in UK, so the scientists expect that there is still alive virus. Even in areas, where the virus is still virulent there is only few sick animals and the first sign of infection is typically malformed fetuses. Currently 2-5% of all newborn calves have malformation in the infected herds, so the Schmallenberg virus is judged to be less serious than Bluetongue virus. Adult cows are usually only sick for few days, where the milk production might decline with 50%.

Sources: Landbrugsavisen 

 

New spore-forming bacteria identified in raw milk
23 August 2012

Wiedmann and Boor, researchers in the Milk Quality Improvement Program at Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have identified the predominant spore-forming bacteria, Paenibacillus  with unique enzyme activity in milk. 1,288 bacterial isolates from raw milk, pasteurized milk and the dairy farm environment were included in the study, where a handful of strains accounted for 80 percent of the spore-formers present.
They grow well in milk at temperatures as low as 43 F/ 6C, where Paenibacillus can easily be identified due to a uniquely high galactosidase enzyme activity at 32 F/ 0 C. It seems that this spore-forming bacteria survive both heat treatment and refrigeration, so it can cause spoilage it can cause in milk and milk products.

The Paenibacillus bacteria are now being analyzed using DNA fingerprinting to identify the types of organisms present and where they might have come from.

Sources: Progressive Dairyman

Launch of mastitis PCR
23 August 2012

Animal Profiling International (API) in Portland, Oregon US is now expanding their animal health management and food safety program with a diagnostic product designed to detect mastitis-causing pathogens in dairy herd milk samples.
“Adding the Mastitis PCR profiling test to our line of products gives our dairy clients an advantage in working with the same company they value and trust for BVD and blood pregnancy testing,” said Bruce Hoffman, API president.

Sources: Progressive Dairyman

 

No summer increase in somatic cell counts in 2012
23 August 2012

It seems that the rather cold Danish summer weather has been beneficial for the cows, as no increase in SCC has been detected this summer. The development in July has been the opposite as the average SCC has been declining to 241.000 cells per ml, which is lower than 2011, where the July figure was an average SCC of 250.000 cells per ml.

Sources: Landbrug og Fødevarer

Old wine in new bottles or?
21 August 2012

The U.S. dairy Organic Valley has launched the first fresh and organic grass-milk in the U.S. market. "GrassMilk" is made from milk from organic cows exclusively fed on fresh grass. The milk, which has been launched in three variants whole milk , 2% and fat-free, is sold in plastic bottles containing almost 2 liters of milk. The price is 5,45 dollars.

Sources: Mælkeritidende 

Calculation of SCC the American way (Frequency method)leads to more noncompliants than using the Geometric Mean method
21 August 2012

The consequences of alternative standards for bulk tank somatic cellcount of dairy herds in the United States have been studied. Noncompliance with current US vs European Union (EU) standards for bulk-tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) have been studied on 14,854 herds and 164,794 herd-tests.

In the States a herd is noncompliant if 3 of 5 consecutive monthly tests are above 750.000 SCC/ ml(Frequency Method) whereas in the EU the standard prescribes that if a herd has 4 consecutive rolling 3-test geometric means (Geometric Method) are >400,000 SCCC/ml, it is has exceeded the legal limit.

Noncompliance for the current US standard for the 12 months period ending October 2010 in DHI herds was 0.9 , compared with 7.8 for the current EU standard.

Noncompliance was always greater for the frequency method than for the geometric method fx when applied on the level of 400.000 SCC/ml and was inversely related to herd size or milk shipped. Read.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science 

Risk that badgers infect cattle with bovine TB
16 August 2012

In the South-Western UK there has been several cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in grassing herds and the source of the infection can be tracked back to badgers. Farmers want to protect their cows from bovine TB infection have suggested that TB infected badgers are killed by gassing and the non-infected badgers are vaccinated against TB.
The Badger Trust protection group is of course opposing against this suggestion but the fact is that bovine TB is to be eliminated and the challenge now is to find a suitable way of doing to.

Sources: Farmers Guardian

Better animal welfare in Danish stables have reduced the mortality and reduced the need for antibiotic treatment
16 August 2012

In August 2010 a program with “mandatory health counseling” was implemented in Denmark for all cattle farmers. The farmers are allowed to treat their cows with medicals for certain diseases under the control of a veterinary, who as a fixed routine will visit the farmer every 1-2 weeks. Result of this campaign has been reduced mortality both among calves (6,7% in 2012) and cows (5,3% in 2012) plus a reduction in the overall use of antibiotics.

The aim of this campaign was to improve the animal welfare and strengthen the preparedness by measuring the development in certain key figures, which indicate the level of animal welfare.

According to Gitte Grønbæk Director for Knowledge Centre for Agriculture, Cattle department, the campaign has been a huge success.

Sources: Videncenter for Landbrug, Kvæg 

Grazing improves the dairy cows wellfare
07 August 2012

Dairy cows on grass have better welfare than cows, which do not get out to grass and the more time spend out grazing the better welfare. These are the conclusion on Elke Burows PhD thesis from the Danish Research Centre Foulum. She found a reduction of mortality among dairy cows of 46% in herds milked with robots and 75% in traditionally milked herds, when grazing herds were compared to non-grazing herds milked with the same method.

Sources: Bovilogisk 

Polish study on what factors influence on the freezing point of cows milk
07 August 2012

Concluding remark was that breed, successive lactations, lactation stage and the geographic region influenced the freezing point. In milk with a high urea concentration (over 300 mg/L), the increased apparent protein level caused a decrease in the milk freezing point values. The combined influence of geographic region and production season showed significant interactions for daily milk yield and total solids content and the milk freezing point.

Sources: International Journal of Dairy Technology

10 dairy goats of mixed breed infected with Staphylococcus aureus were observed to detect concentration changes of certain analytes in milk, which became more pronounced as the infection progressed. Somatic cell counts reached a peak increase of 147% of pre-infection levels, free fatty acids 49%, sodium 14%, Chloride 16% and Copper 47%. Decreases in milk concentration iwere observed for lactose at a maximum 8%, iron at 47%, potassium at 10% and Calcium at 12% of pre-infection levels. Protein, nitrogen and magnesium levels appeared unaffected by the infection. Changes in the analytes resolved towards normal levels after four weeks of post-treatment.

 Sources: International Journal of Dairy Technology

Interesting overview of European milk prices compared to Fonterra and U.S. prices
07 August 2012

Dutch LTO International Milk Price Comparison have published their annual report on milk prices of selected European dairy companies. This report is highly recommended as it presents a good overview of the prices paid by fx. Hamenlinnan, Granorolo, FrieslandCampinas, DOC Kaas, Arla, Alois Mûller, Danone, Sodial, Lactalis, Glanbia, Kerry Agribusiness, Dairy Crest, First Milk, Emmi in comparison to fx Fonterra and the US class III. The milkprices are made comparable by being calculated for an annual delivery of 500.000kg with 4.2%fat, 3.4% protein , 24.999 TBC/ml and 249.999 SCC/ml .

Chairman Kees Romlin writes in the forword:” The year 2011 will be remembered as an exceptionally good and rewarding dairy year. The average mlk price of EUR 35.04 was the highest price paid in the history of this comparative exercise. An 11% increase compared to 2010restored the effects of the deep price trough in 2009. The top five ranking companies remained the same compared to last year.” 

Sources: LTO International Milk Price Comparison

EU will support weak dairy regions
07 August 2012

The EU Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos considers how to find new ways to support the milk production in weak regions, when the milk quota system is phased out in 2015. At a conference held in Brussels recently he pointed out that the new marked tools developed for these regions must not be a blocking factor for the dairy companies competitiveness and growth.

Sources: Mælkeritidende

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from bulk tank milk of dairy herds
02 August 2012

Cows suffering from lungworms have reduced milk production
02 August 2012

Sources:  Bovilogisk

Hot summers can be stressful for dairy cows as the animals spend more energy on cooling their bodies, have less appetite resulting in the milk production plus the risk of mastitis infections are increased. Already at temperatures above 20C/68F and high humidity the cows starting developing heat stress according to veterinarian Jørgen Katholm. He appoints that a cow suffering from heat stress can reduce the milk production with up to 50 kg in a 10 days period. During this very hot summer in the North American continent many dairy cows have been hit by heat stress.

The recommendations from Dr. Katholm to avoid heat stressed dairy cows will be:

• Optimize the ventilation of the stable. Eventually with cooling sprinklers.
• Give them lots of fresh water to drink. Keep the drinking system clean.
• Avoid that the cows stand in long queues for milking.
• Feed them with freshly mixed feed several times per day. E.g. morning and evening, where the temperature is moderate as the cows have less appetite, when the temperature peek in the middle of the day.

It can be difficult to reduce the mastitis infection level as it is mainly related to the temperature and to some extent also to the fact that more cows are out grassing in summertime. Fly control can be a tool to reduce mastitis in summer time but it only works in the stables not in the open fields.

Sources: Videncentret for Landbrug and Farmers Guardian

 Sources: Progressive Dairyman and National Mastitis Council

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria has clinical and public health significance. This Canadian study determined prevalence of AMR in the common mastitis pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli , and Klebsiella species, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli and Klebsiella species. Milk samples were collected on 89 dairy farms in 6 Canadian provinces.

Sensititer bovine mastitis plate (Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc., Cleveland, OH) was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations and a National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System gram-negative panel containing antimicrobials was used for mastitis treatment and control. Denim blue chromogenic agar and real-time PCR were used to screen and confirm MRSA, respectively.

Conclusion on the study was that prevalence of AMR in bovine mastitis pathogens was low. Most gram-negative udder pathogens were multidrug resistant; MRSA was rarely found, and ESBL E. coli and Klebsiella species isolates were absent in the Canadian milk samples.

In 2010 the Danish Research Centre for Agriculture, Cattle department, established a project with Arla Foods to reduce the level of thermo-resistant cells in raw milk through increased focus on the cleaning procedures of milking equipment and bulk milk tanks on the farms. High level of thermo-resistant cells influence on the payment to the farmer and the shelf life of dairy products like cheese and some types of milk powder are reduced.

The project included all Danish dairy farmers and it has been a great success, so in only two years the average thermo-resistant cell count has been reduced from 2084 cells in 2010 to only 598 in 2012..

• Wednesday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.
: “Avoiding Drug Residues in the Dairy Industry
” by Dr. Geof Smith, Associate Professor, North Carolina State University – College of Veterinary Medicine

• Thursday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m.
: “How Many Replacement Heifers Does Your Dairy Need” by 
Dr. John Currin, Clinical Associate Professor, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

• Friday, Oct. 5, 1 p.m.: “
The Effect of Risk on Dairy Farm Management” by 
Dr. Christopher Wolf, Professor, Michigan State University

• Saturday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m.
: “Should You Treat Them or Should You Eat Them? How to Improve Your Mastitis Treatments and Maintain Healthy Cows
” by Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sources: http://www.world-dairy-expo.com/ and Progressive Dairyman, US farmer magazine 

Networking group aim to reach a 12 tons milk production per lactation 
17 July 2012

 A group of Danish dairy farmers with herds above 300 cows and an annual production of minimum 10 tons milk per cow will now aim at reaching 12 tons milk per cow. The tools to reach the 12 tons milk per cow will be a goal oriented effort with focus on management, strategy and production. The farmers are established in a network group, where they can exchange ideas and experiences.

The network group currently includes 6-8 farmers, who will be supported and guided by a local management consultant for cattle.

Good savings by reducing mastitis - no news but still interesting !
17 July 2012

Sources: Kvaeg(Cattel)  

Decrease in danish use of antibiotics but increase in antibiotic use for animals worldwide
10 July 2012

Sources:  Landbrug & Fødevarer

Dairy cows get too much phosphorus
04 July 2012

Sources:  Maskinbladet, Danish farmer magazine

High level of ketosis in UK dairy herds
03 July 2012

One out of three UK dairy cows are suffering from clinical or subclinical ketosis during the first 50 days of lactation according to Dr. Alastair Macrae from the Royal School of Veterinary Studies. He has recently presented research based on data collected during 2006-2011 at more than 1200 UK dairy herds representing approximately 40,000 individual cows.

The study shows that approximately 30% of the cows sampled suffered from subclinical ketosis during the first 50 days of lactation. On top of this come all the clinical cases. The negative energy balance associated ketosis results in reduced milk production and it has a negative on the cows future fertility.

Sources: Farmers Guardian

Bulk single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping of tank milk to identify cows with Farmer Guardian
mastitis 
03 July 2012

• The known genotypes of individual cows for the interrogated SNP.
• The ratio of SNP alleles in the tank milk.

From the simulations it was estimated that 3,000, 50,000, and 700,000 SNP are sufficient to accurately (R2 > 0.98) estimate individual SCC in tanks containing milk from 25, 100, and 500 cows, respectively. The actual data demonstrate that the SCC of 21 cows can be estimated with a coefficient of determination of 0.60 using approximately 9,000 SNP. The method increases the value of the proposition of SNP genotyping individual cows for genomic selection purposes.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

There is a relationship between udder health and reproductive performance
02 July 2012

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science, US dairy magazine 

Chinese low lactose cow
30 June 2012

Sources:  Maskinbladet, Danish farmer magazine 

PCR-based assay can monitor the mastitis bacteria Staphylococcus aureus genotype B status of a herd, using bulk tank milk
27 June 2012

Detection of Staph. aureus GTB in bulk tank milk would greatly facilitate its control, so a novel real-time quantitative PCR-based assay is now being evaluated for its diagnostic properties at herd level. A total of 54 dairy herds were evaluated and by using the reference method, 21 herds were found to be GTB positive, whereas 33 were found to be negative.

Considering the novel assay using both herd pools, all herds were grouped correctly, resulting in maximal diagnostic sensitivities (100%) and specificities (100%). For bulk tank milk samples, diagnostic sensitivities and specificities were 90 and 100%, respectively. Two herds gave false negative in bulk tank milk testing, because cows with clinical signs of mastitis were not milked into the tank.

The PCR assay is characterized by low detection level, high efficiency and excellent diagnostic properties plus it is suitability for automation. Eradication of Staph. aureus GTB from a dairy herd may be considered as a realistic goal by use of the novel PCR assay.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Profitability can indicate the level of mastitis
26 June 2012

The farms were grouped into the following BMSCC thresholds:

• ≤100,000 cells/mL (baseline)
• 100,001–200,000 cells/mL
• 200,001–300,000 cells/mL
• 300,001–400,000 cells/mL
• >400,000 cells/mL

For a 40-ha farm, the analysis found that as BMSCC increased, milk receipts decreased from €148,843 at a BMSCC <100,000 cells/mL to €138,573 at a BMSCC >400,000 cells/mL. In addition, as BMSCC increased, livestock receipts increased by 17%, from €43,304 at a BMSCC <100,000 cells/mL to €50,519 at a BMSCC >400,000 cells/mL.

Total farm costs increased as BMSCC increased, reflecting treatment, veterinary, diagnostic testing, and replacement heifer costs. Net farm profit decreased as BMSCC increased, from €31,252/year at the baseline to €11,748/year at a BMSCC >400,000 cells/mL in the given 40-ha farm example.

Overall the study highlights the impact that mastitis has on the profitability of Irish dairy farms and the results can be used to develop a “cost of mastitis” tool for use on dairy farms to motivate farmers to acknowledge the scale of the problem, realize the value of improving mastitis control, and implement effective mastitis control practices.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

New research project about mycoplasma
26 June 2012

Sources: Landbrugsavisen

Gas chromatography can detect the of the level of trichloromethane formation in raw milk originating from chlorine-based cleaning agents and detergents used on the farm
19 June 2012

Sources: International Journal of Dairy Technology 

Analytical techniques for measurement methane from dairy cows
12 June 2012

Sources:  Journal of Dairy Science 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to consolidate the Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices
04 June 2012

Sources:  Progressive Dairyman & USDA news release

Center for Animal Health Innovations Award to research in a novel class of antibiotics for treatment of mastitis in dairy cows
04 June 2012

Associate Professor Tonatiuh Melgarejo from Kansas State University has been awarded with $250.000 to research in a novel class of antimicrobial peptides derived from water buffaloes. The aim of the study is to see how this natural occurring antibiotic can be used to treat mastitis infection in dairy cattle. The US dairy industry estimates that 10-35% of the 9.5 million US dairy cows have mastitis.

Sources:  Progressive Dairyman & Kansas State University News

Elimination of bovine tuberculosis (TB) by consulting the experts
30 May 2012

In North America bovine TB was the most common death cause among cattle until 1917, where a federal effort eliminated the TB breakouts. The occasional TB breakouts seen since have primarily been related to cattle import – legal as well as illegal.

In order to identify and track the TB breakouts it molecular fingerprinting techniques were used to identify several strains of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), indicating multiple sources of introduction.

States with high TB risk are California and New Mexico, where import of cattle and labor from e.g. Mexico is a risk factor. In Michigan and Minnesota M. bovis was tracked as well and these states also had TB infections but here the breakouts were identified to origin from the wildlife like white-tailed deer. A network of veterinarian experts did the mapping of bovine TB outbreaks in the US, which will be a solid tool to keep TB at a minimum.

Sources:  Progressive Dairyman, US Farmer Magazine

Screening of 500 Danish cattle herds to identify the multi-resistance staphylococci MRSA
29 May 2012

MRSA infection has been a problem in swine production for a while and it seems to be an increasing problem in cattle herds especially milk production as well. Therefore a national campaign to map the infection ways has been established in Denmark, where approximately 500 cattle herds will be screened for MRSA infection by running tests on the farm milk tanks. The infection is not foodborne as such as milk is usually consumed after pasteurization but MRSA can spread from animals to humans by direct contact, so there is a higher risk for infection among people, who work with the cattle.

A similar UK study from 2011 discovered a new version of MRSA infection in tank milk samples, so it is important to screen for MRSA in order to be able to identify and handle the problem before it increases.

On-farm evaluation of the relationship between metabolic diseases and the lactation curve by use of the MilkBot lactation model
29 May 2012

Over 1 year 1946 lactations were followed in Germany and they were put in three categories: Healthy (H), single metabolic disease (MD) or several metabolic diseases (MD+) after fitting with the nonlinear MilkBot lactation model. The controlled cows showed to be in the following categories H: 1071, MD: 348 and MD+: 136 cows.

The study showed that milk fever, retained placenta, ketosis, and mastitis mainly affected the lactation curve, when accompanied by another MD, whereas metritis and displaced abomasum affected the lactation curve equally with or without another MD. The general conclusion is that lactation curve analysis can contribute to the evaluation of both short- and long-term effects of metabolic diseases on milk production.

Sources:  Journal of Dairy Science  

The latest developments in rapid antibiotic test kits
23 May 2012

Sources:  La Revue Laitière Francaise  

Methods for viable bacterial counts in raw cows milk samples
22 May 2012

Consumption of raw milk and raw milk products has been reported to benefit children with asthma and atopy and the effect might be related to the micro flora in the raw milk. To investigate and test this hypothesis two different methods (BactoScan from FOSS and TEMPO from bioMérieux) for total viable count were used on raw farm milk and commercial milk samples.
The rapid methods were evaluated against each other and the standard plate count method. The conclusion on this GABRIEL study was that both rapid methods are suitable for total viable bacterial counts in raw milk but the TEMPO method was better aligned for tests on the pasteurized milk, where the BactoScan count was too high on pasteurized milk. Editors note: this is due to proteins, which denature during the heating. This causes an increase of background noise. BactoScan is dedicated to analyse raw milk.

Sources:  Journal of Dairy Science 

Danish cows have a lower exhalation of methane gas than other European cows
14 May 2012

Dutch and German scientists have investigated the CO2 release from European cows and found that Danish milk is produced with an average methane gas release of 1,0 kg CO2-units per kg milk, where the European average value was 1,3 kg CO2-units per kg milk.

Sources:  Mælkeritidende  & Animal Feed Science & Technology

UK farmers have to rethink their testing program for bovine tuberculosis
14 May 2012

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in the UK reduce their animal health budget with 30% over the coming years. In 2011/2012 the budget was £244 million and in 2014/15 it will be £199 million. This requires that the farmer organizations find new innovative solutions to run e.g. testing for bovine TB, which is a legal requirement.

Sources:  Farmers Guardian

The Chinese Shanghai Pengxin Group takes over 16 dairy farms in New Zealand
12 May 2012

The last political challenges in the Chinese purchase of 16 dairy farms in New Zealand seem to have been solved. The Crafar family had to sell their farms with 20.000 cows and 8.000 ha land after a bankruptcy in 2009. The Shanghai Pengxin Group are obliged to run the farms in cooperation with Landcorp Farming Limited, owned by the NZ state, and the farms have to be updated for approximately 1 million NZ dollars.

Sources:  Magasinet Mejeri - Landbrug & Fødevarer

Optimize the corn feed analysis by leaving the sampling to the farmer
08 May 2012

Eurofins Denmark and one of the regional farmer organizations, Syddansk Kvæg, have made a new toolbox for corn feed analysis, where the farmers do the sampling and Eurofins the analysis. In this way the farmers are more involved and they get faster results, when they are optimizing their feeding plans. All parties are very satisfied with the new solution and hope it will set the standard for the whole country.

Sources:  Maskinbladet

Danish antibiotic regulation is too restrictive and limits the possibility for reduction of antibiotic use
08 May 2012

Leading veterinarian Landbrug & Fødevarer (Danish Agricultural Council) Jørgen Katholm estimates that the use of antibiotics for cattle in Denmark is 25% higher than needed due to national regulation. Many cows are treated for mastitis right after calving if there are any signs of infections even though it might not be caused by mastitis and if the farmer wants to terminate this antibiotic treatment an acceptance from the veterinarian is required.

A bureaucratic system for antibiotic treatment leads to over-treatment, which is neither in the favor of the cows nor the farmers. A better qualification of the types of infections in the cattle before treatment could also reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics according to Jørgen Katholm.

Sources:  Landbrugsavisen

China import dairy cattle to cover the national demand for milk
07 May 2012

The consumption of milk products in Chinas is increasing, so since 2009 China has been the world’s largest importer of dairy cows, which means an import of 250.000 dairy heifers during the last 3 years. Currently the Chinese dairy cows only produce half as much milk per cow as e.g. American dairy cows.

In order to increase the productivity in the Chinese milk production the country is now importing approximately 100.000 heifers from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand. The cattle will be transported on ships designed specifically for the largest overseas life stock cattle transport in history.

Sources:  Mælkeritidende

Early Lactation Therapy is a new program to reduce somatic cell count and mastitis
07 May 2012

Sources:  Farmers Guardian

Marked cocktaileffect of mycotoxins
04 May 2012

Usually only a few toxins are analyzed at a time however this is risky because there are more than 400 mycotoxins. In addition there is a marked increase of the effect when more mycotoxins are together – compared to the individual toxins. Although there is a test available which can detect many mycotoxins at a time – it is rarely applied due to the cost. However it is sometimes very relevant to use such analysis as in the case where 32 toxins were found and the combination effect of these 32 substances had a considerable effect on the health of the herd.

Sources:  Effektivt landbrug

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cooperate with animal, drug and medical communities to promote judicious antimicrobial use
04 May 2012 

FDA is proposing a voluntary initiative to implement changes to how antimicrobial drugs are labeled and used in food-producing animals in order to ensure the effectiveness of medically important antimicrobials for treating disease in humans.



This means that certain antibiotics would not be used to enhance growth or improve feed efficiency in an animal but these antibiotics should dedicated for control or treat illnesses in food-producing animals only under the supervision of a veterinarian.



“It is critical that we take action to protect public health,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "We are also reaching out to animal producers, who operate on a smaller scale or in remote locations to help ensure the drugs they need to protect the health of their animals are still available.”



The FDA published three documents in the Federal Register:

• A final guidance for industry, The Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals.
• A draft guidance, open for public comment, which will assist drug companies in voluntarily removing production uses of antibiotics from their FDA-approved product labels.
• A draft proposed Veterinary Feed Directive regulation, open for public comment, that outlines ways that veterinarians can authorize the use of certain animal drugs in feed.

“U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) worked with the FDA to ensure that the voices of livestock producers across the country were taken into account,” said Dr. John Clifford, USDA chief veterinary medical officer. “We will continue to collaborate with the FDA, the American Veterinary Medical Association and livestock groups to ensure that the appropriate services are available to help make this transition.” 

Sources:  Progressive Dairymen 

The validation was performed in 160 fresh bulk goat milk samples and the detection limit of the duplex PCR was 0.5% bovine milk in goat milk. The results of the study indicated that 41.2% of the goat milk presented to market was positive for bovine milk.

To reduce adulteration in goat milk sold to small-scale dairy plants and to ensure the species origin for goat milk in the state of Paraíba, the duplex PCR test is now available to the association of goat milk producers. 

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

Increased fungi contaminations at spring time.
04 May 2012 

In spring, the contamination by molds and yeasts is soaring blame the mild temperatures and high humidity, which are important growth factors for their development. "This, we observe each year for our customers. The relative calm of winter is followed by a contamination peak in spring. And the same thing in the fall, "says Nathalie Leborne, division engineer expertise at the French LCB laboratories, specializing in the control of contamination.

If dairy manufacturers do care, it is because these floras at random development can cause defects to the taste and visual presentation products. The black spots (often associated with the development of Mucor) or green spots (often associated with the development of Penicillium) on cheeses which are some of the most common defects.

LCB offers advice on health of air, surfaces and premises. Their expertise center is growing, so last year the team is increased from 1 to 3 specialists to cover the control of contamination and all have a history of production engineer or quality engineer in agribusiness. "We have, in addition to expertise in microbiology, a perfect knowledge of the field," says Nathalie Leborne.

In addition to advice on hygiene, LCB offers solutions for disinfection fumigation. The company says the fumigation is an ideal method to restore balance after a bout of microbiological contamination or to maintain a cordon sanitaire around sensitive areas.

Sources: La Revue Laitière Francaise  

Lipolysis can be prevented by effecient cooling at the farm
04 May 2012 

Sources: Kvæg, A danish cattle farmer magazine

The somatic cell count in milk from single cows increased and the milk production idecreased several days after a breakdown in the AMS. This is the conclusion from a Swedish Ph.D. study.

The project aimed at showing the effect on healthy cows, when an AMS milking was skipped as a result of simulated breakdown. Before the “production breakdown” the cows had a somatic cell count of 50.000-100.000 but if an evening milking was skipped due to “production breakdown” the cell count increased with a factor 2-3 and high cell counts were detected up to 5 days after the “production breakdown”.

Besides from the effect on the somatic cell count the milk production was also reduced with 3-4 kg per cow per day in up to 10 days after the AMS “production breakdown”.

The European milk volume is increasing even though the milk quota system is still valid until 2015
24-April 2012

For the second year in a row the total milk volume in Europe has increased. This year the increase was 3.1%, where most EU members exceeded the national milk quota, Austria with 5% in total and only Ireland stayed within the quota limit. This means that the usual buffer of 5-6% in total EU milk volume is gone and it seems that the increased milk production is a preparation for the repeal of the milk quota system in 2015. The top 3 milk producing countries in EU are:

• Germany counting for 20% and expecting a growth around 2%.
• France counting for 18% of the milk in EU and currently having a 1.5% growth rate.
• UK also showing 1.5% annual growth

Milk volumes have also been increasing in other regions, where the highest growth of 10.9% was detected in New Zealand but also the US milk volume increased with 1.9% in 2011. In South America Argentina, Chile and Uruguay had milk in excess in 2011, which was primarily traded to Brazil and Venezuela.

The surplus milk is sold to the growth markets with China represent as the main purchaser of milk powders. Russia is another larger milk trading country, which plan to actively increase the national milk production with 20% equal to 6,000,000 tons milk in 2020 and reduce the milk import. In January 2012 Russia managed to reduce the milk import with 18% and the aim is to become self-sufficient.

Sources:  Landbrugsavisen and Bovilogisk

IDF Bulletin 448/2011: Suggested Interpretation of Mastitis Terminology (revision of IDF Bulletin 338/1999)
24-April 2012

This bulletin is a guide to unambiguous usage of the mastitis terms intended to minimize differences in usage in different English-speaking countries. The terminology is a tool to facilitate communication between mastitis specialists and users of mastitis data, bearing in mind the importance of mastitis in animal welfare and economics of milk production. Recent mastitis documentation and other literature (IDF, Codex and other) have been reviewed to update the terms with the past 12 years of knowledge.

Sources:  International Dairy Federation

IDF Bulletin 451/2011: The World Dairy Situation 2011
23-April 2012

The annual survey presented at IDF World Dairy Summit held in Parma, Italy, in October 2011 has now been published in a bulletin. It covers information about production, consumption, trade and price figures from the international dairy sector and other sources. The largest worldwide dairy companies are listed by turnover and/or milk intake. Comments and prognoses are given on the situation in selected countries and global analysis covering all major producing plus consuming countries. The bulletin includes review of various forecasts of dairy trade.

Sources:  International Dairy Federation

New IDF Bulletin 453/2012: Guidance for the evaluation of precision characteristics of physicochemical quantitative analytical methods for milk and milk products
17-April 2012

This guidance provides practical information for dairy analysts on how to apply ISO 5725 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results with regards to:

• Design of and statistical treatment of results from inter-laboratory collaborative studies on chemical and physical methods of analysis for dairy products.
• Handling and characteristics of samples, identification and treatment of abnormal values, flowchart for decision making, uncertainty relating to data, comparison of precision figures, meta-analyses.

In 1963 IDF established joint group of experts with ISO and AOAC (the US Association of Analytical Agricultural Chemists) on statistics of analytical data, which, in due course, prepared IDF Standard 135. The practical guidance for analysts working on milk and milk products now appears in this new issue of the Bulletin of IDF.

Sources:  International Dairy Federation

Quality analysis of colostrum by the use of near-infrared technology (NIR)
17-April 2012

Evaluation of bovine colostrum quality is given as the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG), which should be above 50 grams per liter to be a sufficient quality. 157 Chilean colostrum samples were analyzed by a NIR-method and by the use of a multivariate regression model it was possible to make a calibration to predict the level of IgG in liquid bovine colostrum. The results showed that the IgG content varied from 0-180 grams per liter in the colostrum samples.

Conclusion is that NIR analysis is a suitable method for quality analysis colostrum and it can be a tool to select colostrum with high IgG content, so the health status of newborn calves can be improved.

Sources:  Journal of Dairy Science

Subclinical ketosis results in reduced milk volume
17-April 2012

A Canadian-North American project proves that dairy cows with a high level of concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) gives 1.5-2.5 less milk daily in the early phase of the lactation. Out of the 2365 cows, which were included in the study, approximately 20% had subclinical ketosis identified as high level of BHBA in blood and milk samples measured around the calving time. The high level of NEFA indicates that the cows loose weight fast after calving.

Sources:  Journal of Dairy Science

Allergen test may not accurately detect milk proteins triggers, warn researchers
10-April 2012

The standard test used to detect potentially allergenic milk proteins in processed foods may not work as well as previously believed, according to new research.

Sources:  Foodnavigator

It is now possible to identify not only E. coli O157:H7 but also the primary sero-groups O157, O26, O111, O103, O145, O45 and O121 by the use of real time PCR analysis. It is the Shiga toxins produced by the coliform strains in ruminants, which can causes the serious infections in food.

Therefore Bio-Rad has launched a series of kits to detect E. coli strains.

Sources:  La RevueLaitière Francais

Infection with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in ruminants can cause Johne's disease also called paratuberculosis. In the US only 5% of US dairy operations use vaccination to control MAP and it is estimated that Johne’s disease cost the US dairy industry more than $200 million annually.

There are several MAP control strategies available: management measures to improve hygiene, culling MAP serologic- or fecal-positive adult cows, and vaccination. Application of the vaccination is relatively simple and requires minor changes in herd management but the information on the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of current MAP vaccines is limited.

Investigation of the epidemiological effect and economic values of MAP vaccines in various stages of development is based on scenarios for the potential epidemiological effects of MAP vaccines, where the values at which vaccines become economically beneficial to dairy producers is expressed as the net present value (NPV) of a farm's net cash flow.

Several vaccines were included in the study but two high-efficacy vaccines were particularly effective in MAP control and NPV maximization. One was a high-efficacy vaccine that reduced susceptibility to MAP infection. Another high-efficacy vaccine that had multiple efficacies on the dynamics of MAP infection and disease progress. Only one high-efficacy vaccine, in which the vaccine is targeted at reducing MAP shedding and the number of clinical cases, was not economically beneficial to dairy producers compared with an alternative non-vaccine control, when herds were highly infected with MAP.

Sources: Journal of Dairy Science

A study of 390 ewe milk samples of which 6 were from silo milk and the rest were from tank milk showed that all silo samples and 6 (<2%) of the tank milk samples contained coagulase positive staphylococci. Phenotypic and genetic analysis of 153 isolates identified 151 as Staphylococcus aureus, where Amplification of the coagulase gene was positive for 149 of the isolates (>97%).

A high prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci with enterotoxin genes should be of concern because ewe milk mainly is used for production of raw milk cheeses. The detection of the coagulase gene from milk samples could help to assess the microbiological safety of raw milk intended for direct use in the dairy industry.

According to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) over 40,000 cases of a new strain on foot and mouth disease has been registered in Egypt and more than 4,500 animals, primarily calves have died. There is a thread that this new strain of foot and mouth disease virus called SAT2 will spread to other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

It is possible to vaccinate against the SAT2 infection but there is a lack of vaccine in the region, where FAO estimate that 6.3 million buffalos & cattle plus 7.5 million sheep & goats are at risk in Egypt alone. "The area around the Lower Nile Delta appears to have been severely affected, while other areas in Upper Egypt and the West seem less," said Juan Lubroth, director of Veterinary office of the FAO and he is calling for immediate action to prevent the spread the disease.  

A Ph. D. study from Copenhagen University proofs that by implementation of a new method to diagnose the intestinal bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis in pigs, it was possible to actively reduce the use of antibiotics. The strain L. intracellularis causes diarrhea.

The new diagnosis method is a gene-based technique called quantitative PCR and it gives a much more precise answer if the pig is infected with the specific bacteria or not. This is a strong tool to avoid failure diagnosing and Ph. D. Ken Steen Pedersen estimates that implementation of the method could reduce the overall use of antibiotics with 4%. The method is already commercial available. 

In 2008 an intensive vaccination program to prevent Bluetongue was introduced in Denmark and it has been a success.  First of January 2011 Denmark was declared Bluetongue free area by Per Henriksen, Veterinary Director in the Danish food Standard Agency.  

EU Commission focus on how to avoid antibiotic resistant bacteria
14-March 2012 

On the Antibiotic Day in November 2011 the EU Commission presented a 12 steps plan to be rolled out within a 5 year period. The aim is to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and help with development of new antimicrobial treatments.

“A coordinated effort is required to get success and that includes a joined effort from the EU, the membership states, the health staff, industries, farmers and many others” according to EU-commissioner for health and consumer politics John Dalli.
The overall theme in the Commission’s proposal is a broader cooperation on research and monitoring across borders. On top of this the Commission want to tighten the legislation regarding use of antibiotics in animal feed.

Rethinking  Gram Negative Mastitis Treatment
14-March 2012 

A new study from Cornell University suggest that cows with mild gram negative infections which previously were left to cure themselves will benefit from an antibiotic treatment.The study showed that E.coli infected cows had a higher cure rate than untreated cows after 5 day´s of intramamary treatment with Spectramast LC(Ceftiofur)

Sources: Progressive Dairymen  

Monitoring Salmonella level in Dairy Herds
14-March 2012 

In Denmark there has been set a goal that all cattle should be Salmonella-free in 2014, but it seems hard to reach as the number of heards with Salmonella infections are on the increase.

In order to help farmers to eliminate Salmonella it could be an idea to include screening for Salmonella in the single cow analysis program offered. Both New Zealand and Danish specialists highly recommend farmers to contact their veterinarian immediately in case of Salmonella infection, but for an average farmer it can be hard to identify if it is Salmonella or some other pathogen infection. An early treatment is the most effective way to limit and eliminate a Salmonella infection.

Richard Laven, senior lecturer in Animal Health at Massey University comments: “As long as you have birds and rodents around feed there will always be an increased risk, we will see more infections regardless of where the feed comes from”.

It is possible to vaccinate cows against Salmonella but other precautions can be taken into consideration like:

• Don’t feed calves with milk from infected cows.
• Keep a high level of hygiene around infected cows by wearing cloves e.g.
• Treat infected cows separately from the rest of the heard.

Sources: International Journal of Dairy Technology  

An interesting study made on the Canadian island Prince Edward Island shreds light on the links between laboratory results and on farm working practices. Although small in seize the island has a well equipped raw milk testing laboratory including a BactoScan and a CombiFoss.

The study revealed amongst other things that: Both total aerobic and preliminary incubation counts were positively associated with the amount of soiling on the teats prior to udder preparation, manual cleaning of the bulk tank, and the use of a specific type of detergent. Additionally, various methods of premilking udder preparation were important, with pre-dip followed by drying being superior to other methods in reducing the bacterial counts.
The laboratory pasteurization count was positively associated with the presence of a plate cooler and inadequate frequency of acid wash, whereas having a water purification system was negatively associated with laboratory pasteurization count. Finally, coliform count was negatively associated with clipping udder hair and automated washing of the bulk tank, whereas increasing herd size and inadequate frequency of acid wash were risk factors. Season was a significant predictor for all bacterial counts with the lowest counts tending to occur in winter.

Sources: Preventive Veterinary Medicine - Volume: 95 Issue: 1-2 Pages: 32-40 Published: JUN 1 2010

• The butyric acid method, which shows significant error due to the fact that calculations are related to the average butyric acid content of milk fats.
• Methods based on the ratio between individual fatty acids or triglycerides also lack good precision and sensitivity.

Sources: International Journal of Dairy Technology