Approach
Prevention is better than cure.
Antibiotic-free
The switch to antibiotic-free production is similar to switching to organic; it's a different mindset, you have to think out of the box. Adjustments in farm management are either needed to increase the natural resistance of the cows and thereby the resistance of the herd; to treat the sick cows differently (alternatively) and -very important- not to treat healthy cows unnecessarily.
The first step to antibiotic-free (means: only use antibiotics in case of cow's welfare risks) producing could be the reduce the antibiotic use before quit the antibiotic treatments.
Changes may be made in farm management and treatment habits. This costs time, but it is possible. The first thing to know and to think about is what the risk factors of diseases are.
The first step to antibiotic-free (means: only use antibiotics in case of cow's welfare risks) producing could be the reduce the antibiotic use before quit the antibiotic treatments.
Changes may be made in farm management and treatment habits. This costs time, but it is possible. The first thing to know and to think about is what the risk factors of diseases are.
Natural resistance
Natural
resistance for cows is important to maintain a good resistance reduces the
chance that cows will be infected by viruses and bacteria. When housing, feeding, milking and caring of
cows is in balance, the resistance should be of good quality. When one or more
of these aspects is not optimal, cows will have less resistance and are more
vulnerable for getting infected by viruses and bacteria.
First line of defence
The first
line of resistance at cows there body are the mucous membrane function of the
lungs and the teat holes that have to work properly. When these do not work
optimal, bacteria and viruses can infiltrate easily.
Farmers can notice when cows have a well working resistance. The cow’s skin watches groomed and it shines. Furthermore, at the cow’s skin, no old hairs are present anymore when the resistance is optimal. Another point is that the cow takes care of herself. When there is a lack in resistance, the cow does not take the effort to clean herself.
Farmers can notice when cows have a well working resistance. The cow’s skin watches groomed and it shines. Furthermore, at the cow’s skin, no old hairs are present anymore when the resistance is optimal. Another point is that the cow takes care of herself. When there is a lack in resistance, the cow does not take the effort to clean herself.
Stress
When
cows have stress, they are less able to resists themselves against bacteria.
That is why it is important to maintain a no-stressful environment for them.
Stress can come up in different situations, included the amount of cows in a herd
( herd density), amount of feeding/water places and too small walking paths.
Also when cows have to move to different places, like to other farms or
slaughterhouses and moving inside the stable to a new place, they can have
stress. This stress period can last from 3 to 7 weeks. For the farmer it is an
important issue to move the cows as less as possible. When cows have to calf,
it is a moment that can create stress. To reduce the amount of stress, farmers
can try to put the cow in a separate calving area but with sight on the other
cows.
Preventive measures
With prevention thinking of 'where does the diseases/infection come from, what is the cause of the disease?' and 'what can I do to get rid of this cause' is important, rather than only cure the (disease) symptoms. Generally, farm-specific problems originate from the farm management. Management measures and take into account risk factors contribute to the transition to an antibiotic-free farm.