ARTICLE 80 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2023 factors to the bulk tank somatic cell count reduction beyond the introduction of Polygain™. However, the direct correlation with the introduction of Polygain™ and this rapid decline is worthy of further examination. One of the limitations of this on farm study, is that no individual animal cell count data were available, only the bulk tank. Further investigations into this potential preventative solution for mastitis at an individual animal level would be an advisable follow-up study. In addition to the potential benefits to animal health and welfare of reducing somatic cell count, there is a potential benefit to milk stability and shelf life from reducing the somatic cell count in milk. Previous studies have observed a decreased stability of milk products with an increasing somatic cell count in raw milk [24]. Therefore, any follow-up studies could benefit from assessing any effect on milk stability and milk quality that may be associated with this observed reduction in somatic cell count. Polyphenols have previously been described as potential solutions to prevent or even treat mastitis [25,26,27,28,29]. However, the majority of this work has been under in vitro settings, in non-ruminant mammalian models such as mice or required intramammary delivery. It is very surprising that a feed additive delivered orally could be correlated with such a significant effect on bulk tank somatic cell counts. The present study observation of a rapid and highly significant decrease in bulk somatic cell count under commercial conditions is a major finding that warrants further investigation. The opportunity to use a non-antibiotic solution to combat mastitis presents an exciting opportunity for the dairy industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding information relating to the principles of antibiotic stewardship used to produce food products. A natural solution for promoting improved udder health, with reduced reliance on antibiotics, would be of significant benefit to producers. CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of Polygain™ to the diets of dairy cattle at a relatively low dosage of 0.25% of total dry matter intake increased milk production significantly, whilst decreasing methane and bulk somatic cell counts. These observations were under commercial on-farm conditions enabling a direct path for adoption by dairy farmers. Further work is required to understand the effect of the Polygain™ product under different dietary conditions, animal genetics and seasonal conditions. For references and other details about the article, please click here.
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