New treatment set to reduce antibiotic use in dairy cows

A “FIRST-OF-ITS KIND” veterinary product is set to revolutionise immune suppression and claims to reduce antibiotic usage.

The treatment, developed by Elanco, effectively helps restore the cow’s natural defences by increasing the number and restoring function of the primary type of white blood cell that recognises and kills harmful bacteria.

John Cook, Technical Vet at Elanco, explained the importance of adopting a disease-preventing approach to the calving period.

“During the vital 90 days, 60 days before to 30 days after calving, dairy cows experience a dip in their natural immunity, leaving them especially vulnerable to important diseases such as mastitis, metritis and retained placenta. With serious cost consequences and implica- tions for cow welfare and productivity, this makes the transition period one of the most challenging, yet vital, periods for vets and dairy farmers to manage,” he said.

Speaking during the Immunology and Herd Health conference in Portlaoise this week, Mr Cook said it’s no secret that a successful transition period is vital for maximising productivity in the next lactation.

However, he said the industry and farmers are still “fire-fighting” common transition diseases rather than focusing on their true cause.

“Vets and farmers are under increasing pressure to adopt a more proactive approach, not least to reduce the use of antibiotics.

“This can be challenging in dairy herds, particularly around calving when cows are susceptible to multiple disease challenges while their defences are low. This new treatment helps to restore a cow’s own natural immunity and strengthens her ability to defend against infection by a range of mastitis causing pathogens, thus helping to protect the cow against mastitis when she needs it most,” he said.

Eugene Smyth, Marketing Manager, Elanco Ireland believes the new product will help alleviate stress among dairy farmers dealing with increased numbers of sick cows during calving.

“Reducing the negative consequences associated with immune-related diseases like mastitis could reduce this stress and maximise a herd’s milking potential. Vets and farmers are under increasing pressure to help decrease their use of antibiotics,” he said.

Elanco is a global company that develops products to improve animal health and food animal production and companion animal care.