Drawbacks of Antibiotics on Dairy Farm

Drawbacks of Antibiotics on Dairy Farms

Introduction

• Definition of Antibiotics: Antibiotics are defined as "naturally occurring, semi-synthetic, or synthetic compounds with antimicrobial activity, that can be applied parenterally, orally, or topically." (Virto M, et al., 2022)

  • Applications in Dairy Farms:

  • Prophylactic Use: Includes practices such as dry-off therapy to prevent disease.

  • Therapeutic Use: Used to treat existing infections and illnesses in dairy cows.

• Benefits of Antibiotic Use:

  • Reduces the risk of mastitis in non-lactating cows during the dry-off period.

  • Provides treatment avenues for mastitis and other diseases.

Drawback #1: Contribution to Global Antibiotic Resistance

• Development of Resistance:

  • Resistance develops due to the misuse of antibiotics when they are administered to dairy cows.

• Consequences of Resistance:

  • Human Health Risks: Can include serious health issues such as cancer or hypersensitivity to antibiotic residues found in milk.

  • Animal Health Risks: Can lead to increased antibiotic resistance among livestock, limiting treatment options.

• Regulatory Pressures:

  • Federal and State Regulations: Governed by standards such as the Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) that includes requirements for somatic cell count (SCC) and standard plate count (SPC).

  • Processor and Market Requirements: Include metrics such as Lab Pasteurized Count (LPC), Preliminary Incubation Count (PIC), and Total Coliform Count (TC).

  • Consequences of Noncompliance: Failure to meet these regulations can result in milk being rejected by processors or being purchased at a reduced price.

Drawback #2: Withdrawal Periods and Costs

• Withdrawal Period Calculation:

  • Varies depending on medication type and treatment duration.

• Importance for Food Safety: Ensures that antibiotic residues are not present in milk when it is consumed.

• Economic Impact:

  • Loss related to discarded milk due to treatment ranges from $29.72 to $166.18 per treated per cow per lactation. This calculation is based on a milk price of $11.50/cwt (2004).

• Increased Management Workload: More labor and organization required to monitor withdrawal times and ensure compliance with regulations.

Consumer's Perception

• Concerns: Significant public concern over antibiotic residues in milk, leading to skepticism among consumers.

• Market Trends: The rise of labels such as "antibiotic-free" and "organic" which reflect consumer preferences and concerns about antibiotics in dairy production.

• Influence on Farm Practices and Regulations: Changes in consumer perception can drive dairy farms to adopt stricter practices regarding antibiotic use, impacting the entire dairy industry.

Strategies to Minimize Drawbacks

• Limit Use of Antibiotics: Implement selective treatment protocols specifically for mastitis, the primary reason for antibiotic use.

  • Study Reference: One study indicates that farms with lower average somatic cell counts are more inclined to adopt selective treatment protocols for mastitis (de Jong, et al., 2024).

• Improvements in Hygiene Practices: Enhancing hygiene and biosecurity measures on farms to reduce the need for antibiotic use.

• Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of antibiotic use, treatment protocols, and health outcomes.

• Vaccines: Utilizing specific vaccines to prevent diseases that would otherwise require antibiotic treatment.

• Responsible Stewardship: Emphasizing the importance of responsible antibiotic use to minimize health risks and resistance development.

Conclusion

• Health Impact: Consideration of both human and animal health, particularly in relation to antibiotic resistance and food safety.

• Economic Impact: Balancing treatment needs against the costs incurred from discarded milk and compliance factors.

• Antibiotic Resistance: Ongoing issue that needs addressing to protect both animal and human health.

• Withdrawal Time: Essential for ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Consumer Perceptions: A driving force that influences farm practices and regulations, representing a significant factor in dairy industry dynamics.

• Driving Change or Halting Progress?: A discussion on whether current trends are leading to improvements in antibiotic use or creating additional barriers for dairy producers.

Questions?

• Encourage discussions with stakeholders, including consumers, farmers, and regulatory bodies, to understand various perspectives on antibiotic use in dairy farming.

References

• de Jong E, McCubbin KD, Uyama T, et al. "Adoption and decision factors regarding selective treatment of clinical mastitis on Canadian dairy farms." Journal of Dairy Science, 2024; 107(1):463-475. doi:10.3168/jds.2023-23608

• Virto M, Santamarina-García G, Amores G, Hernández I. "Antibiotics in Dairy Production: Where Is the Problem?" Dairy, 2022; 3(3):541-564. https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy3030039

• Wemette M, et al. "Public perceptions of antibiotic use on dairy farms in the United States." J Dairy Sci, 2021 Mar; 104(3):2807-2821. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-17673. Epub 2021 Jan 15. PMID: 33455793.

• Shim, E.H., et al. "Milk Loss and Treatment Costs Associated with Two Treatment Protocols for Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows.Journal of Dairy Science, 2004; 87(8): 2702–2708. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(04)73397-4.

• Sato K, et al. "Comparison of Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Campylobacter spp. Isolates from Organic and Conventional Dairy Herds in Wisconsin." Applied & Environmental Microbiology, 2004; 70(3):1442-1447. doi:10.1128/AEM.70.3.1442-1447.2004

• Raymond MJ, et al. "Assessment and Promotion of Judicious Antibiotic Use on Dairy Farms in Washington State." J Dairy Sci, 2006; 89(8):3228-3240. https://uidaho.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/assessment-promotion-judicious-antibiotic-use-on/docview/195841073/se-2

• Ruegg PL. "Realities, Challenges and Benefits of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Dairy Practice in the United States." Microorganisms, 2022; 10(8):1626. doi:10.3390/microorganisms10081626

• Sachi S, et al. "Antibiotic residues in milk: Past, present, and future." Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research, 2019; 6(3), 315-332. https://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2019.f350

• Widianingrum D.C., et al. "Identification of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli from subclinical mastitis milk in dairy cows and goats, East Java Province." Veterinární Medicína, 2024; 69(2), 35. https://doi.org/10.17221/80/2023-VETMED

• What’s In your bulk tank? | ag proud. (n.d.-d). https://www.agproud.com/articles/54349-whats-in-your-bulk-tank