Will more precise research tools lead to reduced use of antibiotics to prevent cases of mammary infection during a dry period?

Final Report for FNE06-571

Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2006: $10,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
Willard De Golyer
Table Rock Farm, Inc.
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Project Information

Summary:
Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE06-571

Orbeseal, Quartermaster and a combination treatment of both Orbeseal and Quartermaster were evaluated for their effect on SCC following calfing. There were 131 cows enrolled in the study, with nearly equal numbers in each treatment group. Cows within each treatment group were also distributed fairly evenly amongst categories of secondary variables (season, dry days). The quality of the data and the balance between groups showed a great effort on the part of the trial coordinator and staff.
Overall, descriptive data showed that Orbeseal (alone) had a higher percentage of new infections compared to treatments containing Quartermaster, and for the summer months when stratified by season. Unfortunately, there were no detectable differences between any of the three treatment groups in this study, regardless of which modifiers were in the model. The overall low number of elevated SCC cases (28 out of 131 possible), likely reduced the detection capabilities of the regression analysis.
In summary, this was a very well run study, with thorough data collection and design balance. The number of elevated SCC case was relatively few, leasing to limited detection of treatment differences (statistically speaking). The descriptive data shows trends toward Orbeseal (alone) being somewhat less effective, especially during long dry periods and summer months, but this statement can not be fully supported by the analysis.

Cooperators

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Research

Participation Summary
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.