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Principal Investigator: Drs. Garrison-Tikofsky, L., Schukken, Y.,
Zadoks, R.
Contact Information: E-mail: lg40@cornell.edu - Phone: 255-8202
Sponsor: USDA
Grant Number: 2004-51106-03103
Title: The Transitioning Dairy: Identifying and Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in Milk Quality and Safety
Annual Direct Cost: $65,590
Project Period: 9/15/04-9/14/08
The organic dairy (OD) sector is growing rapidly, due to increased consumer interest in animal welfare, environmental stewardship and potential health benefits of OD. To meet the demand for organic milk and dairy products, farmers who farmed conventionally are transitioning to organic production. In conventional farming (CF), antibiotics are often used to maintain cow health and milk quality, specifically to control bacterial infections of cows' udders. Without antibiotics, maintenance of infection-free udders is a major challenge. As a result, cow health, milk quality, and milk safety may be at risk. Organic management may have benefits. Cows may develop healthier immune systems and milk may contain increased levels of selenium and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a result of grazing. Withdrawal of antibiotics may result in a lower risk of antimicrobial resistance in milk. Researchers and farmers will work together during the transition of 5 farms from (CF) to organic farming. During the transition, (pre-transition, transition, and post-transition years), cow health and milk quality will be monitored closely, with emphasis on udder infections, bacteria and antimicrobial resistance, and levels of selenium and CLA in milk. They will identify challenges and opportunities in udder health and milk quality associated with the transition to organic farming, and will develop management strategies to produce high quality milk from healthy cows under organic farming conditions. They will share their experience and advice through workshops, pasture walks, newsletters and websites.
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