smartCOW - Fast Mastitis Diagnosis
Dairy farms will be provided with a tool for the early detection of mastitis as a supplement to the established quarter milk analysis within the framework of the udder health service. This will enable targeted, proactive action with optimized antibiotic use, prioritizing animal welfare and consumer health. Especially given the global increase in multi-resistant bacteria, the careful use of antibiotics is of paramount importance.
Current status of udder health monitoring and treatment (quarter milk analysis): Currently, a bacterial examination (BU) for various bacteria is performed in each udder quarter. Results cannot be obtained for unculturable or damaged microorganisms. Furthermore, only the dominant pathogen is identified, thus providing no overview of other potential problems (e.g., barn hygiene). Analysis of stabilized milk samples is also not currently possible, as this requires a time-consuming separate sampling procedure.
The advantage of this digitization project lies in the resulting datasets. They will be fed into a central data platform, enabling feedback to the LKV (Livestock Performance Testing Association) regarding sample collection data. This allows individual dairy farms to react quickly to abnormal results. Furthermore, the analysis of aggregated data provides insights into regional and national animal health, including the ability to intervene proactively.
Further Development of Methods
A DNA-based method is being developed to analyze up to 15 different microorganisms within 5 hours.
Establishment of a Central Digital Data Platform
All analysis data will be fed into the platform to ensure rapid exchange of results – from the laboratory to the farmer. Feedback will be provided to LKV/farmers with the aim of improving milk quality through monitoring the microbial flora. Statistical analysis will be conducted (region, time, trends, forecasts).
Ongoing Milk Screening
Samples from LKV/farmers will be tested for microbes. The data will be processed, adjusted, and fed into the data platform. Antibiotic use will be assessed and quantified.
The Lower Austrian Quality Laboratory, in collaboration with the Lower Austrian Livestock Control Association (LKV), has developed a simple, rapid DNA-based test as part of the "smartCOW" cooperation project, funded by the state of Lower Austria (WST3). This molecular biological screening requires no additional effort from the farmer or control assistant during sample collection.
During the pilot phase, raw milk samples from cows on 150 contracted farms were analyzed over several months for both total somatic cell count and cow- or environment-associated mastitis pathogens. The anonymized data was then fed back into a central database. By linking the collected data, predictions can be made regarding the potential occurrence of mastitis in seasonal patterns, within the region, and also in clusters on specific farms or for a particular cow. The Lower Austrian Quality Laboratory is thus a pioneer in monitoring the udder health of cows in the Waldviertel region. Analyzing this wealth of data enables farmers to take timely measures against mastitis infections on their farms. This improves herd management and can ultimately reduce the use of antibiotics – which in turn benefits all milk consumers.