A comparison of somatic cell count and antimicrobial susceptibility of subclinical mastitis pathogens in organic and conventional dairy herds

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (2005), 149(3), 173-182

A comparison of somatic cell count and antimicrobial susceptibility of subclinical mastitis pathogens in organic and conventional dairy herds.Bovine subclinical mastitis is the most important disease ... [more ▼]

A comparison of somatic cell count and antimicrobial susceptibility of subclinical mastitis pathogens in organic and conventional dairy herds.Bovine subclinical mastitis is the most important disease affecting dairy cows. The fluctuating increase in somatic cell count (SCC) that occurs causes major economic losses in dairy industry. This comparative study between conventional and organic dairy herds was conducted in the aim to better characterize which consequences might have different management practices on SCC but also on the frequency of pathogens isolated and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Four conventional and four organic herds, with bulk milk SCC >300x103cells/ml were selected, in which respectively 47 and 44 cows were investigated. Each quarter was sampled 3 times at 15 days interval for SCC, microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility. In both herd categories, major pathogens isolated were by order of importance Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus dysgalactiae with a great impact on SCC. Coagulase negative staphylococci were the most frequent minor germs and had a moderated but real impact on SCC. In certified organic dairy farms, the three most frequently isolated major pathogens were significantly more susceptible to antimicrobials in vitro. This study suggests that the limited use of antibiotics in organic dairy herds could explain, at least in part, the lower resistance obtained from analysed isolates. [less ▲]

Etude sur les fluctuations de température relevées dans 25 compartiments de maternité et de post-sevrage

in 24èmes Journées de la Recherche Porcine en France (1992)

Temp. was measured for 7 days, every 20 min., in 20 farrowing houses and 5 weaning houses. The mean stocking rate in the farrowing houses was 70% and the air space per litter (1 sow and 8 piglets) 25 m ... [more ▼]

Temp. was measured for 7 days, every 20 min., in 20 farrowing houses and 5 weaning houses. The mean stocking rate in the farrowing houses was 70% and the air space per litter (1 sow and 8 piglets) 25 m. In the weaning houses the mean stocking density was 84% and the air space per piglet 1.3 m. Four different heating systems were used: radiators, floor heating, gas heaters and aerotherms. Artificial ventilation was provided in 88% of the compartments and natural ventilation in the others. The mean inside and outside temp. were 22 2 and 106C resp. A good estimate of the mean daily temp. was provided with only the min. and max. daily records. No more than one measurement per h was needed to assess the daily variations. The mean daily temp. range inside the buildings was 33C, ranging from 1 to 11C. The largest inside temp. variations were observed with high and fluctuating outside temp. On an hourly, daily or weekly basis, the outside temp. range was reduced by two thirds. This value can be used as a reference to judge the ability of the building and its equipment to maintain a constant inside temp. [less ▲]

Etude sur les fluctuations de température relevées dans 5 locaux de post-sevrage en porcheries

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (1991), 135(7), 511-515

Temperature was measured during 7 days, every 20 minutes, in 5 rooms of 3 weaning houses. All the rooms were artificially ventilated but they differed by their stocking rate which ranged from 0.5 to 2.3 ... [more ▼]

Temperature was measured during 7 days, every 20 minutes, in 5 rooms of 3 weaning houses. All the rooms were artificially ventilated but they differed by their stocking rate which ranged from 0.5 to 2.3 m3 per animal. The mean inside and outside temperatures were 23 +/- 3-degrees-C and 13 +/- 8-degrees-C. The outside temperature range was reduced, on average, by 60% either on a daily or a weekly basis. In terms of absolute values, the daily range varied from 2 to 80-degrees-C according to the room. An accurate estimate of the mean daily temperatures was already provided by just the minimum and maximum records. Only one measurement per hour was needed to assess the daily variations. Advices related to the stability of temperature in the rooms have to be expressed in relative terms rather than in absolute values. A 60% reduction of the outside temperature range can be suggested as a reference. [less ▲]

Prévention des maladies respiratoires du porc par le contrôle du microclimat et du niveau de pollution de l'air des bâtiments.

Conference (1991)

Etude sur les fluctuations de température relevées dans 20 compartiments de maternité en porcherie d'élevage

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (1991)