Whether you run an established organic dairy, are looking to convert to organic dairying or are a conventional farm battling resistant pathogen strains, effectively treating mastitis without the option antibiotics is a major concern. While antibiotics are the accepted and mostly preferred treatment route, their use in organic animals is prohibited and their overuse or incorrect administration has resulted in the emergence of pathogen strains that are resistant to subsequent treatment.
Mastitis is estimated to cost the dairy industry upwards of $35 billion per year and a clinical case can cost upwards of 375kg of production loss; approximately 5% of the lactation level. The organic dairy sector has experienced …show more content…
The infrared light mobilises inadequately functioning defense mechanisms and immune cells, inhibits cytokine production and promotes blood circulation, epithelization (healing of injured tissue) and blood oxygenation, all of which serve to decrease inflammation and boost immune function.
A study tested a 20 minute light treatment twice a day for one month and found positive results in terms of cure rate, nutritional quality of milk, SCC and yield. Milk yield increased after treatment from 25.77 kg to 28.83 kg compared to the control group (no treatment) which had a yield drop of 2 kg. SCC was reduced from 347 000 cells/mL to 132 000 cells/mL. The beneficial effects on yield and SCC were seen both during the trial and after treatment was stopped. A significant benefit of this treatment method is that it can be administered as part of the normal milking routine without the need for extra labour.
Bacteriocins
Administration • Intramammary
• Topical (as teat