Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


In search of cows that fight off mastitis better than others

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Scientists are using molecular research to find animals that show a superior immune response to disease challenges – and perhaps in the long-term to reduce the need for antibiotics


by DON STONEMAN

Mastitis control isn't just about udder management. Some cows simply fight off disease better than others.

Now, using molecular research, veterinarians and animals scientists are trying to develop screens to find the animals that mount a superior immune response to disease challenges.

The near-term goal is to reduce the incidence of mastitis. A single case costs a Canadian dairy producer between $110 and $320, according to a paper presented by Prof. Bonnie Mallard of the Ontario Veterinary College at the National Mastitis Council annual meeting in Arlington, Va., last January.

The longer-term goal is to reduce the need for antibiotics in general. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is of increasing concern to producers as well as consumers, Mallard noted.

But, says Ken Leslie, a professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, practical applications for the dairy farm using molecular research are likely to be years away. Leslie says that, for now, vets are still focused on reducing genetic predisposition to mastitis by emphasizing genetic merit for somatic cell score, one of the traits accounted for when the Canadian Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) of sires is published. (see Table 1).

The somatic cell score doesn't get the attention it should, a prominent American dairy scientist asserts.

In a report presented at the 2007 National Mastitis Council conference, George Shook, professor emeritus, dairy science department, University of Madison-Wisconsin, noted that bull stud operators and breeders face a dilemma when they choose a bull. He cited the example of the U.S. bull Tres and the Canadian bull Goldwyn. Both produce daughters with a low predilection to mastitis and a tendency to produce high-quality milk.

However, breeders using these bulls are giving up 28 pounds and 16 kilograms of protein production per daughter per lactation, respectively, compared to higher-producing bulls like the American bull Jet Stream or the Canadian bull Lomax, whose daughters, statistically, are much more likely to get mastitis.

Shook asserts that operators of herds with excellent mastitis control might choose the latter bulls, while those with a poor milk quality track record may not be able to afford to or they will face milk quality penalties.

Mallard says the patented High Immune Response Technology test she has developed at Guelph will improve on this. The test was used on 690 cows from 58 herds across Canada to measure their response to a variety of diseases. About 15 per cent of cows were high responders, 15 per cent were low, and 70 per cent were average immune responders.

Her January paper cited other studies which have shown that high immune response cows have the lowest disease occurrence. Mallard's paper says: "Results to date have shown that breeding for optimal high immune response based on both antibody and cell-mediated immune responses would not compromise production."

David E. Kerr, associate professor of animal science at the University of Vermont, favours another genetic testing system (also still under development) to test fibroblasts, individual cells in connective tissue that secrete proteins. Fibroblasts might be tested in vitro (before birth) or when heifers are at a young age to select herd replacements. BF

(With files from Susan Mann)

image

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online

Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online

HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer

Thursday, July 17, 2025

HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online

Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start

Monday, July 14, 2025

Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top