New strategy to reduce antibiotics in dairy farming
BY KATRIEN VAN’T HOOFT, GETACHEW GEBRU,
M.N.B.NAIR, N. PUNNIAMURTHY, E. KATUSHABE AND MARIA GROOT, NATURAL LIVESTOCK FARMING FOUNDATION
I
n the worldwide quest for dairy modernisation the focus on crossbreeding and productivity increase of dairy cattle has, besides enhanced milk production, also resulted in high use of agro-chemicals. The use of antibiotics for
common cattle diseases, such as mastitis in cows and diarrhoea in calves, is widespread in both in smallholder and large-scale dairy farming. The residues, if not managed properly, leak into the environment affecting natural processes, biodiversity and soil life. Public health and dairy markets may also be affected due to residues in milk, especially in countries with insufficient food quality control. These processes contribute to the global threat of anti- microbial resistance (AMR).
Natural Livestock Farming approach Since 2014 farmers, livestock scientists and veterinarians from three continents (Europe, India, Africa) have joined forces un- der the umbrella of the Natural Livestock Farming Foundation (NLF). This international network on knowledge development for livestock health is re-valuing time-tested methods, such as use of medicinal plants and strategic use of local breeds, to be applied in a new context. NLF combines knowledge from various backgrounds, including traditional farmer knowledge, western science and Ayurveda science, as well as from small- holder and large-scale dairy farming. NLF is working in Ethiopia, Uganda, India and the Nether- lands to develop, to test and promote the NLF 5-layered ap- proach to improve cattle health, and reduce the use of antibi- otics and other chemicals (Figure 1). The NLF 5-layered strategy comprises of: 1. 2.
Appropriate management of animals, farm and soils Strategic use of local breeds, strategic cross-breeding
3. Use of herbs and other natural products 4.
Food quality improvement and control
5. Better farm income through cost reduction and (direct) marketing strategies.
NLF core activities are action research, exchange of best prac- tices, and training. The combination of bottom-up experi- mentation and international peer to peer exchange is addi- tional to existing initiatives in the field of AMR control. This opens opportunities towards resilience that more conventional
Results in smallholder dairy system The NLF concept is gradually being adopted, especially within countries with smallholder dairy farmers. The main example being India, the largest dairy producer in the world, based on 98% zero-grazing smallholder dairy farmers with 2-5 cows. Over the past decade NLF India (a collaboration between GLOHMSIWA and Trans Disciplinary University TDU) has
▶ ANTIBIOTIC REDUCTION | DECEMBER 2021 57
The Natural Livestock Farming Foundation has developed an effective method to support farmers reduce their use of antibiotics and other veterinary drugs, in both small and large-scale dairy systems. It is now clear that this not only improves milk quality, but also the quantity of milk, farm income, environment, and reduces antibiotic use up to 87%.
Application of herbal mastitis treatment by a smallholder farmer in Ethiopia.
livestock development programmes fail to unlock, providing opportunity for increased farm income, better child nutrition, food safety & security, as well as improved environment.
PHOTO: KATRIEN VAN’T HOOFT
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