Drawbacks of Antibiotic use

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the use of antibiotics on dairy farms, including definitions, implications of antibiotic resistance, economic impacts, and consumer perceptions.

Antibiotics

Naturally occurring, semi-synthetic, or synthetic compounds with antimicrobial activity that can be applied parenterally, orally, or topically.

Prophylactic use

The use of antibiotics to prevent disease, such as dry-off therapy in dairy cows.

Therapeutic use

The use of antibiotics to treat existing diseases or conditions.

Mastitis

An infection of the mammary gland in dairy cows, often treated with antibiotics.

Global antibiotic resistance

A major drawback of antibiotic use, where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, affecting both human and animal health.

Withdrawal periods

The time that must pass after antibiotic treatment before cows can return to milk production, to ensure milk is free of antibiotic residues.

Economic loss

Financial impacts related to discarded milk during withdrawal periods, ranging from $29.72 to $166.18 per cow per lactation.

Consumer perception

Public concerns regarding antibiotic residues in milk, influencing marketing trends like 'antibiotic-free' products.

Selective treatment protocols

Strategies that limit antibiotic use by targeting specific cases, such as mastitis, to enhance animal health and reduce resistance.

Regulatory pressures

Federal and state regulations that dairy producers must comply with, addressing antibiotic use and milk quality.