MAARIA RAHEEL SPAUL
A Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.
Threats to the sustainability of livestock in dairy sector
Every year, livestock farmers loose millions of cows owing to preventable diseases despite treatment and therapeutic strategies. Where actually the hindrance is? Among all these preventable diseases, Bovine mastitis is a major culprit. With the increasing consumption of dairy products, the control and management of mastitis has become imperative. Estimated global annual losses due to bovine mastitis ranges from 8-12B USD dollars which is unbearable for our developing economy.
The quality and quantity of milk is tremendously reduced as a result of mastitis. Much of the contemporary research and managemental strategies are directed towards the blind treatments and vaccinations instead of the targeted ones without having considerable comprehension about what is actually happening inside animal’s body. Therefore, the question arises, what is to be blamed? The ineffective therapeutic strategies or timely implemented preventable options?
Understanding the Bovine Mastitis
In understandable words, Bovine Mastitis is an infection of udder in dairy animals particularly cows caused by bacteria, virus or even fungi, resulting in reduced milk production and economic constraints on the economy of a country.
The condition is painful for the animal too resulting in reduced milk production, the color and odour of the milk also changes and in severe cases blood comes out with the milk. The sub-clinical form often goes unnoticed owing to lack of visible changes in milk whereas, the Clinical form is the severe one.
Factors that weaken immunity in dairy cattle
It is noteworthy that every body has natural defense mechanism which protects from it from harmful external entities which is termed as “Immunity “. These entities may be physical, chemical or biological. Any contravention in the intactness of body’s immunity will make the body an accessible target for diseases. Similarly, cow’s mammary glands are protected by various factors.
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The interference in the structure and function of these glands indicates the onset of mastitis. Milking by farmer or by machine is a critical procedure that disturbs the physiology of mammary glands. Additionally, the irrelevant use of medications in the animals also weakens their immune system. The consequent outcomes are greatly faced by the general public who are dependent on the milk and meat of these animals to meet their dietary requirements.
How immunity protects against Mastitis?
The body is shielded by immunity that is naturally acquired after birth of which one source is through the consumption of mother’s milk. Immunity is also adopted with the passage of time. Skin is the most vital element that blocks any extraneous factor to enter into body. Same is the case of cow’s mammary glands. Body also has a set of certain check points where any unwanted substance is identified and is ultimately eliminated.
Sustainable Solutions for Long-Term Carbon Reduction in Dairy
These are termed as immune cells. A cow will never encounter any bacteria, virus or fungi that causes mastitis as long as its immunity is intact. This is the key concept behind the sustainability of public health! Contemporary scientific researches in the field of veterinary sciences are based on implying various conventional or advanced methods in ascertaining the health status of animal.
Proactive measures to strengthen immune system:
Need of the hour: Monitoring the health of animals
Therefore, in order to ensure sustainability of livestock as well as the public health, it is imperative to regularly monitor the health of cows for timely treatment in case of any disease indication as well taking prior precautions.
The responsibility is rested upon the vet practitioners mainly who have a direct connection with the farmers and field. The screening of milk is extremely important before it could reach to the consumers as most of the consumable milk reaching to the public is sub-clinically affected with mastitis.
Practical strategies for farmers
Maintenance of clean environment on farms is the key responsibility of farmers. Proper milking practice is extremely essential on the part of farmers. The hands should be sanitized well before and after milking as well as the teats should also be properly disinfected pre- and post-milking procedure. Teats should be dried with paper towels to avoid cross-contamination.
BOVINE EPHEMERAL FEVER VACCINE
Effective Immunity to
Cattle Against
The farmers must ensure that animals are having balanced diet with adequate supply of proteins and energy. Cow udders should be monitored regularly for any sort of swelling or inflammation. Screening tests should be performed for preliminary diagnosis and antibiotics should only be given when needed under veterinary supervision.
Conclusion: Prevention is better than cure
Therefore, being a costly disease in terms of animal loss and treatment cost, farmers should adopt strong managemental, nutritional and therapeutic practices prior to the infection under veterinary supervision for better animal health, enhanced milk production, and farm profitability.
Proper implementation of animal health programmes at national as well as at international create significant awareness as livestock plays a major role in the economics of our country.