Progress 07/01/99 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Several projects were active this year. One project evaluated risk factors for short-term outcomes after treatment of bovine clinical mastitis. Duplicate quarter milk samples were collected from 143 cases of clinical mastitis that occurred on 4 commercial dairy farms. The results demonstrated that cases were more likely to experience bacteriological cure when the cow experienced CM for the first time in the lactation and when no pathogen was recovered from PRE milk samples. Occurrence of a previous case of CM, bacteriological cure and DIM at occurrence of the case were associated with the probability of recurrence. Greater milk yield at previous DHI test was the most important predictor for retention within the herd. When SCC before CM was > 200,000 cells/mL the probability of having somatic cell response after treatment was reduced. When the case experienced bacteriological cure, the cow was less likely to experience recurrent cases and was more likely to have somatic cell response below 200,000 cells/mL. Post-treatment outcomes such as recurrence and somatic cell response, are strongly associated with bacteriological cure and when monitored can be used to help determine if a treatment has been successful. Information about etiology of CM, history of clinical and subclinical mastitis and parity are useful to review when making strategic treatment decisions. Results of the previous study were used to construct a decision tree model to evaluate the economic impact of different durations of intramammary treatment for the first case of mild or moderate clinical mastitis occurring in early lactation with various scenarios of pathogen distributions and use of on-farm culture. The tree included two decision and three probability events. Pathogen specific estimates for bacteriological cure and milk losses were used. The economically optimal path for several scenarios was determined by comparison of expected monetary values. For most scenarios, the optimal economic strategy was to treat CM caused by Gram-positive pathogens for 2 days and to avoid antimicrobials for CM cases caused by Gram-negative pathogens or when no pathogen was recovered. Use of extended intramammary antimicrobial therapy (5 or 8 days) resulted in the least expected monetary values. A third active project was focused on improving quality and safety of farmstead dairy products by development of risk assessment based milk quality production plans. On Phase I, bulk tank milk samples were collected for 15 weeks in each farm to establish the prevalence of selected foodborne pathogens and verify the overall bacterial quality of the milk. Additionally, on Phase I, each farm received 4 monthly visits to sample milk from infected cows and access critical control points during milking. In the first visit a general management questionnaire was applied to the producer and cow samples were taken. In the other three farm visits the milking procedures, work routine and overall hygiene was assessed. Microbial hygiene and prevalence of food safety pathogens was assessed. PARTICIPANTS: Pamela Ruegg (PI), Carol Hulland - researcher, Carolina Pinzon-Sanchez - research assistant, Ana Rodrigues - research associate; 17 farmers and various farm personnel TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy Farmers, veterinarians, dairy processors, cheese plants, consumers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The results the clinical mastitis study can directly benefit dairy producers when making strategic treatment decision by characterizing post-treatment outcomes and demonstrating the association of risk factors with successful outcomes post-treatment. The results from that study were used to construct a unique decision tree to evaluate the economic impact of several treatment strategies for mild and moderate cases of clinical mastitis. Pathogen specific losses were evaluated using several herd level distributions of causative pathogens. The results of this study can directly benefit dairy producers when making strategic treatment decisions. In Phase II of the Farmstead milk quality project, producer received a comprehensive bulk tank culture report and a summary report comparing his farm with the other farmstead dairies participating in the project. Those two reports provided information about the milk quality status of their raw milk and were useful to identify areas for improvement in their dairies. Each producer had a farm visit after the delivery of the reports to discuss them, talk about farm managements that influence his raw milk quality and verify his interest in continuing the project. Based on their willing to continue the project, each producer was asked to form a milk quality team that would meet monthly for a 3-4 month period to set goals and discuss actions for improvement. These teams are currently ongoing.
Publications
- Pinzon-Sanchez, C. C. Hulland and P. L. Ruegg. 2010. Post-treatment outcomes of clinical mastitis on commercial dairy farms. J dairy Sci 93 E-Suppl, 79.
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this period, we completed several projects looking at the use of indirect testing for evaluation of subclinical mastitis in several ruminant species. All on farm work, analysis and writing was completed for a project evaluating relationships among bacterial counts and SCC on 16 Wisconsin dairy farms. Additionally, a study evaluating the use of SCC values to evaluate subclinical mastitis across the dry period and subsequent lactations was completed, analyzed, written up and published in a peer reviewed journal. Additional work was performed to evaluate the use of SCC values as a diagnostic indicator in milking goats and a final study was performed looking at the use of SCC in milking sheep. On farm trials were also completed for several other studies looking at antimicrobial use on dairy farms and methods to improve efficacy and cost effectiveness of mastitis treatments. PARTICIPANTS: Leane Oliviera, research assistant University of Wisconsin, Madison; Pamela Ruegg, (PI) University of Wisocnsin, Madison. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy producers, producers of goat and sheep milk, food supply veterinarians, affiliated professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Several presentations were given to goat and sheep dairy producers to discuss the results of these studies and the best ways to use and interpret SCC values relative to mastitis control programs. The studies of bacteriological and SCC values in raw dairy cow milk were the first evaluations of sequential tanker milk loads and demonstrated the immense variability in these values as compared to previously used less frequently sampled bulk tank values. These study results indicate that payment program based on bacteriological quality must carefully acquire samples prior to transport. Results of our other studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of enterotoxin genes in bulk milk is low compared to other countries.
Publications
- Pantoja, J. C. F., D. J. Reinemann, and P. L. Ruegg. 2009. Associations between Bacterial and Somatic Cell Counts in Raw Bulk Milk. J Dairy Sci. 92:4978-4987.
- Apparao, M.D., P. L., Ruegg, A. Lago, S. Godden, R. Bey, and K. Leslie. 2009. Relationship between in vitro test results and treatment outcomes for Gram-positive mastitis pathogens following treatment with Cephapirin sodium. J Dairy Sci. 92: 2589-2597.
- Pantoja, J. C. F., C. Hulland, and P. L. Ruegg. 2009. Dynamics of somatic cell counts and intramammary infections across subsequent lactations. Prev. Vet. Med. 90:43-54.
- Rodrigues, A.C. O, L. D. Cassoli, P. F. Machado, and P.L. Ruegg. 2009. Short Communication: A Cow-Side Test to Estimate Somatic Cell Count. . J Dairy Sci 92:990-995.
- R. D. Bade, D. J. Reinemann, M. Zucali, P. L. Ruegg, and P. D. Thompson. 2009. Interactions of Vacuum, b-phase Duration, and Liner Compression on Peak Milk Flow Rate in Dairy Cows. J Dairy Sci 92:913-921.
- Ruegg, P.L. 2009. Implementing Effective Milk Quality Programs. Irish Veterinary Journal 62:411-414.
- Oliveira, L., C. Hulland and P.Ruegg. 2009. Prevalence of Enterotoxin Genes in Staphylococcus aureus recovered from cases of subclinical mastitis 48th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27.
- Moraleda, G.R., L. Reilly, R. Panzalis, M. Haugen and P. Ruegg. 2009. Milking performance of dairy goats in Wisconsin. 48th ann. Proceedings NMC. 8th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27.
- Lago, A, S. Godden, R. Bey, .P Ruegg, and K. Leslie. 2009. Effect of the Selective Treatment of Clinical Mastitis Based in On-Farm Culture Results on the Risk to Receive Secondary Therapy, Days to Clinical Cure and Days Out of the Tank. 8th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27.
- Lago, A, S. Godden, R. Bey, .P Ruegg, and K. Leslie. 2009. Effect of the Selective Treatment of Clinical Mastitis Based in On-Farm Culture Results on Clinical Mastitis Recurrence, Somatic Cell Count, Milk Production and Culling.. 8th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27.
- Ruegg, P.L. 2009. Risk factors for recurrence of clinical mastitis. 48th ann. 8th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27.
- Sobreira, N. M., J. C. F. Pantoja and P. Ruegg. 2009. Daily Variability in Somatic Cell Count of Dairy Goats and Cows. 8th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27.
- Spanu, C., D. Thomas, Y. Berger and P. Ruegg. 2009. . Performance of the Direct Cell Counter on Ovine Milk Samples 48th ann. 8th Ann. Proceedings NMC, Charlotte, NC, Jan 25-27, 2009.
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Temporal association between exposure to intramammary antimicrobial therapy and antimicrobial resistance of Gram-positive mastitis pathogens. Key Findings: In this work we are continuing to identify relationships between exposure to antimicrobials and the development of both phenotypic and genotypic resistance. To date, our research indicates that very few mastitis compounds seem to induce or select for resistant bacteria. Project title: Test characteristics of the an innovative biosensor relative to traditional microbiological methods used in mastitis control. Key Findings: Staph aureus in Wisconsin do NOT routinely express enterotoxin and exhibit great diversity in strain type among farms but algorithms that use molecular aspects of mastitis pathogens can be used to identify bacteria without culture. Project title: Factors influencing microbial quality of raw milk. Key Findings: This research is based on investigating variability in bacterial counts on large dairy farms that ship tanker loads of milk. Frequent monitoring of bulk milk bacterial counts results in tremendous variability and the counts are very weakly correlated. Appropriate thresholds for defining premium payments for farms are suggested and an interaction between season and farm was observed. Project title: Evaluating new formulations of internal teat sealant. Key Findings: We are completing a clinical trial investigating the stability of a new formulation of an internal sealant used in dairy cows. Project title: New intramammary product Clinical Trial Key findings: We participated as one of 8-10 US field locations in the evaluation of a new subclincal mastitis intramammary treatment. This trial is ongoing and no results have been released. Project title: Milking characteristics of dairy goats Key findings: We visited 19 goat dairy farms to collect data on mastitis and milking performance. We determined that coagulase negative Staphylococci are the primary mastitis causing organisms and determined that somatic cell count thresholds must be greater for goats (>500,000 cells/ml) as compared to dairy cows. We also measured and reported milking performance and identified a number of areas that dairy goat operators can improve upon. Project title: Mastitis prevention in dairy ewes. Key findings: We performed 2 full lactation clinical trials investigating the use of dry off treatment and pre-dipping in lactating ewes. In our dataset, the use of dry off treatment was not effective in reducing SCC or increasing milk yields. Likewise, predipping did not seem to reduce the development of intramammary infections. PARTICIPANTS: Jose Pantoja (graduate student); Leane Oliviera (graduate student); Ana Carolina Rodrigues (post-doctoral fellow); Carolina Pinzon (graduate student); Carol Hulland (research specialist); Tonia Peters (research specialist); Lindley Reilly (research intern); Natalia Sobriera (research intern) TARGET AUDIENCES: Veterinarian working with dairy farmers, dairy farm consultants and professionals, dairy farmers and dairy farm workers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: We have changed our focus from delivering an extension program targeted toward implementation of best management practices to development of tools that farmers, veterinarians and consultants can use to better manage the health and productivity of their dairy cows.
Impacts
We have determined that the development of antimicrobial resistance appears to vary greatly among farms and also described some patterns of multidrug resistance. These results will help farmers and veterinarians better manage antimicrobials and protect animal and human health. We have also made progress on development of a rapid test for identification of mastitis pathogens, this test will help farmers better match antimicrobials to specific bacterial infections. We have broadened our focus from just dairy cows into identifying bottlenecks for milk quality in dairy goats and dairy ewes. We presented our findings to several dairy goat communities. Finally, we have continued to focus on helping farmers arrive at effective diagnoses of mastitis so that appropriate treatments can be administered.
Publications
- Ruegg, P.L., 2008. The quest for the perfect test: phenotypic versus genotypic identification of coagulase negative Staphylococci associated with bovine mastitis. Vet Micro. epub ahead of print: Doi:10.1016/j.vet-mic.2008.09.013
- Ruegg, P.L., 2008. Management of Mastitis on Organic and Conventional Dairy Farms. J. Anim Sci. 1910. doi:10.2527/jas.2008-1217. Pantoja, J. C. F., C. Hulland, and P. L. Ruegg. 2009. Somatic cell count status across the dry period as a risk factor for the development of clinical mastitis in subsequent lactations. J Dairy Sci 92: 139-148.
- Apparao, D. J.,, L. Oliviera, and P. L. Ruegg. 2008. Relationship between In Vitro susceptibility Test Results and Treatment Outcomes for Gram-Positive Mastitis Pathogens Following Treatment with Pirlimycin Hydrochloride. Accepted J Am Vet Med Assoc.
- Rodrigues, A.C. O, L. D. Cassoli, P. F. Machado, and P.L. Ruegg. Short Communication: A Cow-Side Test to Estimate Somatic Cell Count. Accepted JDS 30 Sept 2008.
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Milk Money program was a statewide milk quality program that was been offered by UW Extension in partnership with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. The Milk Money program has included a comprehensive media campaign stressing the importance of producing high quality milk, on-line and face to face milk quality training programs for a wide variety of agricultural professionals and the development of individual farm milk quality teams that are based on building partnerships between private consultants and UW extension personnel to assist individual farms to meet their milk quality goals. The team forming component of the program has been it's most recognized aspect and >450 dairy farm teams comprising >11% of Wisconsin dairy cows have participated. While much emphasis has been placed on the success of the individual teams, the Milk Money program has been far more than a provider of individual team services. More than 1300 individuals including producers, agribusiness,
extension employees, veterinarians and university personnel have registered as participants in the program. The ability to leverage the existing UW extension infrastructure, with private resources (such as veterinarians and agri-professionals) and a centralized milk quality support staff has been a unique component of this program and allowed the Milk Money program to impact most of the state. UW Extension has led the program in 63 of 72 of Wisconsin counties and the participation of individual county based extension agents as team leaders and organizers of local milk quality related events has been fundamental to it's success. University of Wisconsin extension agents have led about 80% of milk quality teams and participated in at least 1500 Milk Quality related team meetings. Milk Money staff have trained more than 130 potential team leaders from across the industry (including veterinarians, dairy plant field representatives, and other agriprofessionals). The centralized milk quality
staff participated in at least 540 milk quality team meetings and >40 county level producer oriented training meetings. Milk Money personnel have offered both traditional "in person" and on-line distance based milk quality training programs for a number of Wisconsin dairy cooperatives, Wisconsin veterinarians and agribusinesses.
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Pamela Ruegg was project director. Kathryn Hohman was a research assistant. Eileen Nelson was an outreach specialist. Dr. David Rhoda was an outreach veterinarian. Carol Hulland was the laboratory supervisor. University of Wisconsin Extension personnel were major partners in delivering this program. UW Extension has led the program in 63 of 72 of Wisconsin counties and the participation of individual county based extension agents as team leaders and organizers of local milk quality related events has been fundamental to it's success. University of Wisconsin extension agents have led about 80% of milk quality teams and participated in at least 1500 Milk Quality related team meetings.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The targtet audience was producers and agriprofesionals in Wisconsin. Milk Money staff trained more than 130 potential team leaders from across the industry (including veterinarians, dairy plant field representatives, and other agriprofessionals). The centralized milk quality staff participated in at least 540 milk quality team meetings and >40 county level producer oriented training meetings. Milk Money personnel have offered both traditional "in person" and on-line distance based milk quality training programs for a number of Wisconsin dairy cooperatives, Wisconsin veterinarians and agribusinesses.
Impacts
The analysis documented that herds completing Milk Money adopt many best management practices, have improvement in milk quality and improve milk quality related financial performance. The average farm included in the analysis dropped their bulk tank somatic cell count by about 77,000 cells/ml and improved monthly income by $1,650 per month after 4 months in the program. The Milk Money support staff have produced a number of training materials that have been widely distributed and the "World's Best Milk Quality website" www.uwex.edu/milkquality has grown into a well recognized dairy industry resource. In May of 2007, the Website experienced 8000 hits per day. A monthly electronic milk quality newsletter was distributed each month to 550 recipients. This comprehensive and shared industry effort to promote and improve milk quality in Wisconsin has resulted in concrete outcomes for both individual farms and improved the image of the Wisconsin dairy industry. Between 2000
and 2006, the DHIA average bulk tank SCC for Wisconsin dairy herds dropped from 306,000 cell/ml to 258,000 cells/ml.
Publications
- 1. Ruegg, P. L., 2007. Implementing Milk Quality Programs on Farms. Proc. CVC Central, Kansas City , Sept 15-18, 2007, pp 982-986.
- 2. Ruegg, PL. 2007. Implementing milk quality program on-farms: lessons learned from Milk Money. Proc. 44th Annual meeting NMC, 44:152-157.
- 3. Ruegg, P. L. 2007. Implementing successful milk quality improvement programs on farms. Abstract of the 58th Ann. Meeting European Assoc. Animal Prod. Dublin Ireland, 26-29, August 2007 pp 133.
- 4. Hohmann, K., and P.L. Ruegg. 2007. Milking parlor employee management on Wisconsin dairy farms. J Dairy Sci 90 (supp 1): 333.
- 5. Hohmann, K., and P.L. Ruegg. 2007. Relationship between milking performance and microbiological characteristics of bulk tank milk. Proc NMC, 44: 208-209.
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
More than 401 farms have registered fro the Milk Money program and 17 farms have participated in the More Milk Money program. These teams have consisted of farmers, veterinarians, dairy plant field representatives and other members of the agricultural community. The total number of FTEs (many industry professionals participate in multiple teams) participating in farms that submitted completed forms (n = 286) was 1,428. Farm owners (n = 339) are listed as participating in all but 9 teams (some teams have more than 1 owner participating). The average team has 5 members and (when FTEs are averaged) consists of 1.2 farm owners, 0.5 employees, 0.8 vets, 0.7 dairy field reps, 0.9 extension agents, 0.3 industry consultants, 0.6 other industry personnel. Herds enrolling in Milk Money adopt many best management practices, have improvements in milk quality and have a significant improvement in financial performance. While not all farmers had the same level of success, farmers
indicated that they are generally satisfied with their participation in the program. Of farms, 63% indicated that they had achieved their goals, 99% agreed that Milk Money teams were a useful way to improve milk quality and most important, 83% of the farms indicated that the Milk Money teams would continue to meet. This is remarkable given that the teams will generally continue to meet independent of support from Milk Money programming or personnel.
Impacts
Assessment of before and after financial performance of the 113 herds indicated that farms gained $1.12/cow/month because of reduced subclinical mastitis; $3.24/cow/month because of increased milk quality premiums; and $2.24/cow/month because of reduced costs associated with treatment of clinical mastitis. The total financial improvement based on Milk Money was $6.60/cow/month and is likely an underestimate because many costs associated with mastitis (culling, reduced fertility etc. are not included). The average herd size in the 113 data analyzed was 250 cows for an average total increase in income of $1,650 per month. If this is maintained for 1 year it results in an average increase in income of $19,800/farm/year. Reviewing a summary of data from 172 herds that recently completed the Milk Money program confirm previously published results. For enrolled herds, the bulk tank SCC dropped an average of 87,210 cells/ml during the 4 month period of the program and the
Standard plate count dropped 5,170 cfu. A conservative estimate of the per farm increase in income attributable to participation in Milk Money is approximately $1,030 per month (based on current milk prices) with about 60% ($627) due to farms receiving increased premiums. If maintained for 1 year for every 100 Wisconsin dairy farm families participating the annual return would be $1,236,000.
Publications
- Hoe FGH and PL Ruegg. 2006. Opinions and practices of Wisconsin dairy producers about biosecurity and animal well-being. J Dairy Sci. 89:2297-2308
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Results from successful teams were used to revise program goals and activities and a media campaign based on successful teams was initiated to continue to enroll herds. Herds were recruited via targeted mailing with industry partners, radio spots, press releases, trade show displays, distribution of brochures, the Worlds Best Milk Quality Website, direct contact, and referrals from satisfied Milk Money participants. The use of Fast Start meetings was central to recruitment of herds. Herds enrolling in the program formed individual milk quality teams and were supplied with revised program materials. Materials are structured to guide the individual teams through a milk quality situation analysis, identification of farm-specific critical control points for milk quality, goal setting, definition of action points, determination of responsibilities and identification of appropriate evaluation strategies. Each MILK MONEY team conducted 4 monthly team meetings. Ongoing
program support was available via current Wisconsin milk quality extension outlets such as web pages (www.uwex.edu/milkquality), email (topmilk@calshp.cals.wisc.edu), and a toll-free phone number (1-866-TOP-MILK). Continual evaluation of MILK MONEY outcomes occured. Carbonless copies of the program forms from the first and last meetings were returned using self-addressed stamped envelopes. Data on milk quality premiums, bulk tank SCC, clinical mastitis, and herd management practices relevant to milk quality were analyzed.
Impacts
More than 300 herds have enrolled in the Milk Money program and enrollment continues. Data from 180 herds that have enrolled in Milk Money has recently been analyzed. Herds are representative of the Wisconsin dairy industry with herd sizes ranging from 22 to 1838 cows. The average bulk tank SCC at enrollment was 377,161 cells/ml but ranged from 100,000 to 1,169,000 cells/ml. The Milk Money program is highly successful in reducing SCC and encouraging implementation of best management practices. Before and after data of herds (n = 100) that have completed the Milk Money program has been compared. The bulk tank SCC dropped an average of 78,000 cells/ml, milk yield increased by 1.3 lbs/cow, the clinical mastitis rate dropped by 29% and the currently received premium increased by $0.20/cwt. Milk Money encouraged adoption of best management practices and by the 4th MM meeting 86% were using a complete milking routine, 92% were recording all cases of clinical mastitis, 55%
had adopted a written treatment protocol (as compared to 16% before MM) and 52% had adopted a written milking routine (as compared to 26% before MM). The MM program is successful in encouraging interaction with local professionals. At the end of the MM program, 84% of farms were discussing milk quality with their veterinarian and 78% were discussing milk quality with their field representative as compared to pre MM positive responses of 20% and 42% for vets and field reps, respectively.
Publications
- Rodrigues, A.C.O., and P. L. Ruegg. 2004. Opinions of Wisconsin dairy professionals about milk quality. Food Protection Trends 24:1-6.
- Maroney, M., PL Ruegg, F. Tayar, and D. J. Reinemann. Use of Lactocorder to evaluate milking routines. Proc 43rd Annual Meeting of the National Mastitis Council, 2004, Charlotte, NC
- Hoe, F. and P.L. Ruegg. 2005. Biosecurity practices related to cattle purchases. J Dairy Sci 88(supp 1): 300.
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
The objective of this project is to develop and implement programs that help Wisconsin dairy farms reduce mastitis and improve the quality and safety of the milk produced on their farms. Dairy farms have the opportunity to join a state-wide team-based milk quality program called "Milk Money." "Milk Money" was designed to help producers and dairy professionals promote improvement in milk quality and farm profitability. Enrollment in "Milk Money" began in November 2001 and is continuing. Upon enrollment, farms commit to form a milk quality team of their choice and meet for 4 meetings (usually at monthly intervals), focusing on reaching self-defined milk quality goals. More than 300 farms have registered in the Milk Money program and an assesment of the program (below) has indicated the broad success that farms have enjoyed. The program is supported by a toll free number and website www.uwex.edu/milkquality
Impacts
Management and financial data related to milk quality were compared between the beginning and end of the milk quality program. Milk quality premiums were reported to be the largest financial opportunity related to milk quality and reduction of bulk milk somatic cell count was the most commonly listed goal. Recommended management practices were highly adopted upon completion of the program. Operators of herds housed in freestalls that were not using a recommended management practice at the beginning of the program were more likely to adopt it during the program as compared to operators of herds housed in stallbarns. The use of written treatment protocols for clinical mastitis, microbiological analysis of milk obtained from cows with clinical mastitis, frequent training of milking personnel and scheduled milking system analysis were more frequent in herds housed in freestalls. In general, herds completing the milk quality program reported significant reductions in
measures of clinical and subclinical mastitis, reduced bacterial counts in bulk milk and reduced culling of cows because of mastitis. At the end of the program, increased milk quality premiums and decreased losses attributable to mastitis resulted in improved estimates of financial performance. Herds that began the program with high BMSCC experienced greater improvements in milk quality during the program, including a significant greater reduction in BMSCC and decreased losses attributable to mastitis.
Publications
- Rodrigues, A. C. O., Caraviello, D., and P.L. Ruegg. 2005. Management and Financial Losses of Wisconsin Dairy Herds Enrolled in Self-Directed Milk Quality Teams. Submitted J Dairy Sci . Dec. 2004.
- Rodrigues, A. C. O. and P. L. Ruegg. 2005. Actions and Outcomes of Wisconsin Dairy Farms Completing Milk Quality Teams. Submitted J Dairy Sci., Dec. 2004,
- Rodrigues, A. C. O., D. Z. Caraviello, and P. L. Ruegg. 2004. Financial losses and management practices associated with BTSCC. J Dairy Sci 87(supp 1):375.
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Wisconsin Milk Quality Systems continues to grow and gain industry support. The popularity of Milk Money is evident as many supporting agricultural industries are promoting the program and offering supporting services. For example, AgSource CRI offers free SCC testing for herds that enroll in Milk Money. Data collected from teams indicates wide satisfaction with the Milk Money process. Of farms that request manuals, 93% actually form teams and 85% of the teams complete the 4 meeting process. Milk Money teams have formed throughout the state and have included producers, field representatives, veterinarians, extension agents and a large variety of industry professionals. Many farms that complete the 4 Milk Money modules indicate a desire for continued team meetings and we have developed modules for a Quality Assurance program for herds that have completed Milk Money. Four dairy herds are enrolled in the development of this complementary project. Participants in the Milk
Money program will receive program materials, bulk tank culturing, visits from UW milk quality veterinarians and other resources to enable them to reach their milk quality goals.
Impacts
Our website is visited by approximately 4000 unique visitors each month and we continue to add resources to promote implementation of milk quality programs. The Milk Money program continues to grow and gain acceptance within the dairy industry. More than 200 farms have been enrolled in the Milk Money program. Preliminary data analysis of 75 herds that have completed the Milk Money program indicate tremendous progress in improving profitability of enrolled dairy farms. Farms completing Milk Money reduced their bulk tank SCC by 76,000 cells/ml and reduced the rate of clinical mastitis by 28%. The estimated monthly financial loss due to clinical mastitis dropped by 34% and the currently received milk quality premium increased by $0.28/cwt. For the 75 herds analyzed, the aggregate monthly financial impact of this program was $89,103.
Publications
- Rodrigues, A. C. O. and P. L. Ruegg. Opinions of Wisconsin Dairy Professionals about Milk Quality. 2003. pp 364-365. In: Proceedings of 42nd annual meeting of the National Mastitis Council, Feb 11-14, 2001, Fort Worth TX, NMC, Madison WI.
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The objective of this project is to improve the profitability of WI dairy farms by improving milk quality. In this project we have developed a team-based milk quality program that has enrolled >100 dairy farms. Management and financial data have been obtained from a sample of enrolled dairy farms (n = 80). Significant findings included: The monthly rate of clinical mastitis and percentage of new subclinical cases were 8 percent (7.0) and 10 percent (5.9), respectively. The mean bulk tank SCC (BTSCC) was 397,800 cells/ml and was not associated with herd size. The standard plate count (SPC) of herds with BTSCC 450,000 cells/ml (21,000 cfu/ml) was significantly higher than the SPC of herds with BTSCC of 250,000 cells/ml. The estimated total cost of a clinical case of mastitis was significantly lower for small herds ($82.00) when compared to medium ($110.00) and large herds ($114.00). The duration of milk discard for clinical cases of mastitis was 6.5 d and accounted for
56.3 percent of total costs. At enrollment in the program, herds received 0.08 per 45 kg of milk in quality premiums in contrast to available premiums of 0.54 per 45 kg of milk for achieving their goal SCC values (mean of 186,600 cells/ml). We are currently assessing outcomes of activities directed toward improving milk quality on these farms. A survey of agriprofessionals involved in the team-based programs was completed. The excellent survey response rate (78.8 percent) indicated that WI dairy professionals were interested in contributing to this survey.Milk Money teams had been started by 38.8% of responders. The most important reasons that responders chose to start Milk Money teams were: It helps us focus on goals to improve milk quality (33.0 percent); I like the concept of working with other professionals (30.1 percent); It helps me motivate farms and I have farms with mastitis problems (both 27.2 percent). Almost half (48.5 percent) of responders had not yet started a Milk
Money team but most indicated that they intend to start a team in the future. The most important reasons that teams have not been started were: I haven't had time to start a team (29.1 percent); I haven't got around to it yet (24.3percent); and The milk price is too low (16.5percent). However, 77.7 percent of the responders affirmed that they plan to start a Milk Money team in the future and 88.3 percent thought that working with other consultants is an effective way to improve milk quality. Analysis about implementation and activities is ongoing.
Impacts
We expect to enroll an additional 300 herds per year in this program and significantly improve milk quality on many of these farms.
Publications
- Rodrigues A. C. O. and P. L. Ruegg. Opinions of Wisconsin Dairy Professionals about Milk Quality. 2003. pp 364-365 in Proceedings of 42nd annual meeting of the National Mastitis Council, Feb 11-14, 2001, Fort Worth TX, NMC, Madison WI.
|
Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
This project develops innovative milk quality programs including educational materials and team-based approachs to improvments in milk quality on Wisconsin dairy farms.Outputs include the "Worlds Best Milk Quality Web Site" (www.uwex.edu/milk quality), CDROMS, spanish-language training mateirals and traditional media and videos. In this year we used the result of the pilot milk quality team project to develop a comprehensive team based approach to improving milk quality "MILK MONEY." Over 100 manuals have been distributed and more than 30 potential leaders have attended training sessions. Our website has received >20,000 visits and is considered to be the most comprehensive milk quality site available. An additional training CD describing the Snap Test and Delvo-Test was developed and is being distributed.
Impacts
The team-based approach to milk quality has reduced somatic cell counts and increased the profitability of dairy farms in the state of Wisconsin. Farmers that participate successfully in this project increase the price that they receive for their milk by receiving milk quality premiums.
Publications
- Activities and outcomes of WI dairy farms participating in team-based milk quality programs. pp 339-342 in Proceedings of the 2nd Intl. Symp. on Mastitis and Milk Quality, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Sept 13-15, 2001.
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
This project develops innovative milk quality programs including educational materials and team-based approachs to improvment of milk quality on Wisconsin dairy farms. Outputs include the "Worlds Best Milk Quality Web Site" www.uwex.edu/milkquality, CDROMs, spanish-language training materials and traditional videos.
Impacts
Our pilot program "team based approach to milk quality" has reduced somatic cell counts and increased milk quality premiums by 0.23/cwt for farms beginning the program with high somatic cell counts
Publications
- Milk quality premiums received by WI dairy farms participating in Veterinary-directed milk quality programs. Proceedings of 33rd Annual Conf. Am Assoc Bov Prac, Rapid CIty, SD, Sept 21-23, 2000 33:142.
- Milk Quality premiums received by WI dairy farms participating in directed milk quality premiums. Proc 9th Intl, Soc Vet Epi Econ, Breckenridge CO, 2000. Aug 7-11, 201-203.
|
|