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

Project Overview

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.

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animal Products: dairy

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health, preventive practices

    Proposal summary:

    A dairy animal’s dry period is a high-risk time for mammary gland infections, and standard practice dictates the use of antibiotics to minimize this risk. A previous trial showed there was potential for reducing antibiotic use by using a teat sealant, but the study findings had to be qualified because of constraints concerning the timing of testing. This study will use an individual somatic cell counter available on the farm to repeat the study and try to determine if teat sealant alone is an effective infection-fighting tool. Outreach will be through articles, news releases, presentations, and dairy consultants.

    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.