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Troubleshooting Antibiotic Residues in
Milk and Dairy Beef

Author: Jeromy Ten Hag - Milk Quality Assurance Program Lead/OMAFRA
Creation Date: November 2001
Last Reviewed: November 2001

 

Causes
Solutions
Milk from treated cow(s) enters bulk tank or cow(s) shipped for slaughter before end of withdrawal time:
  • No permanent written records of treatment(s)
  • Poor identification of treated cows
  • Forgetting cow was treated    
  • Make a permanent record of all treatments
  • Identify all treated cows
    -use coloured leg bands, livestock marker -for computerized milking systems, program animal ID and withdrawal time into computer
    - bigger herds can create a separate treatment group
  • Poor communication between person who treats the animal and person who milks  
  • Post treatment information on a designated message or bulletin board to ensure people milking are aware of treated cows and appropriate withdrawal time
  • Not keeping out all milk from all quarters of treated cows
  • Discard milk from all quarters of treated cows.
  • Milk line used as a vacuum source to milk treated cows when using trap bucket to withhold milk
  • Separate milker unit not used for treated cows
  • Check with equipment supplier to see whether current pulsation system can be adapted to provide vacuum to trap bucket
  • Milk treated cows last or with separate equipment to ensure no contaminated milk can enter the milk supply
  • Milker unit not cleaned properly between treated & untreated cows
  • Treated dry cows not separated from the milking herd
  • Thoroughly clean milker unit between treated and untreated cows
  • Separate dry cows from the milking herd
  • Identify dry cows with coloured leg bands or livestock marker
  • Use appropriate antibiotic test
Prolonged drug withdrawal time because antibiotics used in extra-label fashion:
  • Antibiotic drugs used at a higher dosage and/or more frequently than label instructions
  • Livestock medicines administered by a route different from label recommendations
  • Consult a veterinarian before using extra-label or off-label antibiotic treatment(s)
  • Make a permanent record of all treatments including the animal ID, antibiotic given, dosage and number of treatments, method of administration, and withdrawal time
  •   Using antibiotic drugs not approved for use in lactating dairy cattle
  • Use only approved livestock medicines, and only according to label instructions or according to a veterinarian's prescription
  • Use appropriate antibiotic tests
  • Purchasing cows that have been treated
  • Be diligent about obtaining treatment history of animal at time of purchase from previous owner.
  • Use appropriate antibiotic tests
  • Dry cows that have been dry-treated calve earlier than withdrawal time on label
  • Confirm date of dry-off treatment for freshened cows to determine whether adequate withdrawal time has been observed
  • Consult your herd veterinarian • Use appropriate antibiotic test
  • Feeding medicated feeds
  • Medicated feeds for non-lactating dairy cows should be stored separate from the milking herd feeds
  • Remove all traces of medicated feed from storage and feed handling equipment
  • Cows' udders treated with antibiotic ointments, salves and sprays
  • Use only approved products
  • Follow recommended with-holding times
  • Foot treatments where medicated solutions have been used to combat infectious diseases of the feet
  • Use only according to a veterinarian's prescription
  • If possible do not treat cows during milking to avoid possible contamination with milk or milking equipment

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