Efficacy of Formic Acid as a Means of Controlling Mycoplasma bovis and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Dairy Cattle

Authors

  • Z. Quirk Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • J. West Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • P. Gorden Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • B. Leuschen Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • R. Griffith Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
  • P. Plummer Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20084474

Keywords:

colostral transfer, waste milk, Mycoplasma, Mycobacterium, pathogens, acidification, immunoglobulins

Abstract

Adequate colostral transfer of immunoglobulins is critical to the health of the dairy calf. However, colostrum and waste milk can also serve as an efficient mode of transmission for pathogens including Mycoplasma spp and Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, the causative agent for Johne's disease. Pasteurization and colostrum substitutes are successful means of eliminating this threat, but are cost-restrictive for many smaller dairy producers. There is a critical need for an alternative method to prevent the transmission of these diseases while maintaining adequate passive transfer of immunoglobulins. This study examines the use of acidification of colostrum and waste milk using formic acid as a control system for these pathogens while maintaining the integrity of the immunoglobulins.

Downloads

Published

2008-09-25

Issue

Section

Posters