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Minimizing the Level of Butyric Acid Bacteria Spores in Farm Tank Milk

M. M. M. Vissers^*,1, F. Driehuis^*, M. C. Te Giffel^*, P. De Jong and J. M. G. Lankveld

^* Department of Health and Safety, and
Department of Processing, NIZO Food Research, PO Box 20, 6710 BA Ede, the Netherlands
Chair of Dairy Science, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, the Netherlands

¹ Corresponding author: marc.vissers{at}nizo.nl

A year-long survey of 24 dairy farms was conducted to determine the effects of farm management on the concentrations of butyric acid bacteria (BAB) spores in farm tank milk (FTM). The results were used to validate a control strategy derived from model simulations. The BAB spore concentrations were measured in samples of FTM, feces, bedding material, mixed corn and grass silage fed to cows in the barn, and soil. In addition, a questionnaire was used to gather farm management information such as bedding material used and teat cleaning method applied. The average BAB spore concentration in FTM was 2.7 log₁₀ spores/L, and 33% of the FTM samples exceeded a concentration of 3 log₁₀ spores/L. Control of the average spore concentration in mixed silage fed was the only aspect of farm management that was significantly related to the concentration of BAB spores in FTM. Farms that fed mixed silage with the lowest average BAB spore concentrations (3.4 log₁₀ spores/g) produced FTM with the lowest average concentration (2.1 log₁₀ spores/L). The efficiency of farm management in controlling the BAB spore concentration in FTM depended to a large extent on the ability of farmers to prevent incidents with elevated BAB spore concentrations in mixed silage (>5 log₁₀ spores/g) and not on the average BAB spore concentration in mixed silage across the year. The survey showed that farmers should aim for a concentration in mixed silage of less than 3 log₁₀ spores/g and should prevent the concentration from exceeding 5 log₁₀ spores/g to ensure a concentration in FTM of less than 3 log₁₀ spores/L. These results correspond with the previously reported model simulations.

Key Words: butyric acid bacteria • bulk tank milk • silage • late-blowing

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