Milk & Honey: Israel’s path to milk quality and udder health excellence – Part two

Welcome back to our exploration of Israel’s remarkable achievements in the dairy sector in “Milk & Honey: Israel’s Path to Milk Quality and Udder Health Excellence.” In our first installment, we celebrated the innovative approaches that have positioned Israel globally at the forefront of dairy technology and production. Now, we zoom in on the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing mastitis detection and management, setting new benchmarks for milk quality and animal health. As we continue, let us modestly explore the advanced tools and methods that not only underscore Israel’s role but also hold the promise of enhancing the dairy industry’s future. Join us to learn more about these impactful innovations.

About the Author – Ofier Langer serves as the manager and owner of the Israeli Dairy School, where he has dedicated over 14 years to nurturing excellence in dairy education and practice. Holding a degree in animal nutrition from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ofier brings a thoughtful approach to his leadership, blending academic knowledge with practical experience. His tenure as Vice President at Afimilk, along with a rich background in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, enriches his contributions to the field, reflecting a deep commitment to the advancement and sustainability of dairy farming.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/langerofier

Advancing dairy excellence: Israel’s national service for udder health and milk quality

Israel’s National Service for Udder Health and Milk Quality is a nonprofit dedicated to boosting dairy animals’ health and milk quality, including cows, sheep, and goats. By implementing scientific methods, this organization not only helps protect animal health but also supports the economic success of milk producers. It sets a high standard in dairy health management, leading to innovations that benefit the agriculture sector and consumers by ensuring superior milk quality.

Founded by the Israel Dairy Board, Israel Cattle Breeders Association, and the Dairy industry, the National service was streamlined in 1997 from five regional laboratories to its present form. Today, the organization consists of one National Mastitis Control Laboratory and the Mastitis Reference Center, part of the Kimron Veterinary Institute situated at Beit Dagon near Tel Aviv. 

The laboratory serves more than 85% of all herds from the Golan Heights in the North to the far South as Eilat. The National service is funded by the Israel Dairy Board. Services are provided to all milk producers by the levy on all milk marketed and with no further payment on behalf of the producers.

The following services are provided to all dairy herds in the country: 

• Laboratory diagnosis and services.
• Analysis of milk samples from mastitic cows sent by dairy herd owners.
• Analysis of samples sent by dairymen from prepartum cows for subclinical mastitis. 
• Antibiograms provide information to the clinical veterinarian.
• Evaluation of teat dip samples from dairy herds
• Bulk tank analysis for contagious pathogens.

Udder health

• Tracing and planning the eradication of contagious mastitis. E.g. Strep. agalactiae, Staph. aureus Mycoplasma.
• Advice during the eradication phase.
• Advice to producers with high somatic cell counts
• and/or high cell plate counts.
• Planning, implementation, and follow-up on programs to combat mastitis in individual cows and on a herd basis. 

Analysis of milking parlors and milking equipment by specialist technicians

• Advice on milking parlor construction.
• Advice to dairy farmers on milking machine specifications.
• Supervision of companies supplying milking equipment, teat dips, and detergents.
• Static and dynamic testing of milk parlors.
• Milk parlor troubleshooting.

Education

• Advice on laboratory facilities and laboratory examinations.
• Organization of workshops.
• Publication of technical newsletters.
• Promotion of research projects.
• Conducting field studies.
• Advice, coordination, and follow-up of all services provided.

Interview with Ralph Ginsberg, udder health and milk quality specialist
Ralph Ginsberg has dedicated over fifty years to the dairy industry. He began his career as a dairy worker and advanced to a herd manager before ultimately serving as an adviser to various dairy farms. Ralph has worked at the National Service for Udder Health & Milk Quality for many years. Today, he is a respected lecturer at the Israeli Dairy School and other educational institutions and works internationally as an Udder Health and Milk Quality Specialist. His extensive expertise has been pivotal in shaping standards for milking management and improving milk quality globally.

Question Ralph, with your extensive career in dairy farming, could you enlighten us on some common udder health challenges you’ve encountered? How do these impact the herd?
Absolutely. One of the frequent challenges I see involves the milking equipment. Issues with the milking machine or improper milking routines can lead to significant problems in udder health. Additionally, poorly maintained sheds create an environment where bacteria can thrive.

Q. And regarding milk quality, what are the typical issues you encounter? How do they affect the final product?
A vital issue often lies with cleanliness of the vacuum regulator or the pump’s Variable Frequency Drive not functioning correctly, leading to incorrect vacuum levels as well as pulsation problems. Moreover, not following the recommended timings in the milking process—from preparing the cow to attaching the milking cluster—can adversely affect the milk quality. Post-milking teat disinfection and the condition of the cow’s environment, like wet and unclean feeding and resting areas, also play critical roles in determining milk quality.

Q. With technological advancements and methodology, how do you view the progress in dairy farming in Israel?
There’s been notable progress, especially in integrating new technologies and improved practices. However, it’s important to remember that there’s always room for improvement, which can lead to better health for the herd and superior quality of milk.

Q. Based on your rich experience, what are your top recommendations for dairy farmers aiming to enhance their milk quality?
One of the most crucial steps is providing thorough training for the milkers. Ensuring that everyone involved in the milking process adheres strictly to the recommended routines can make a significant difference in milk quality and yield. Regular milking machine maintenance and checks are also essential. I also recommend that a qualified milking management adviser conduct routine evaluations of the milking routine and system at least once a year to ensure that everything functions optimally. This holistic approach improves milk production and quality and enhances overall herd health.

Leading the herd: Israel’s contribution to dairy farming innovation

The development of advanced dairy farming technologies in Israel is a collaborative effort. Local tech companies have been key, supported by government research and a culture that values progress. These companies create solutions that boost the efficiency and productivity of dairy operations. Their innovations support Israeli farmers and elevate global dairy standards. Every dairy farm in Israel uses technologies from these leading companies, showcasing their reliability and the trust they have earned.

These Israeli companies’ innovative products are recognized locally and widely adopted internationally. Their technologies are present in tens of thousands of dairy farms worldwide. This global reach underscores the effectiveness and reliability of their solutions, making them trusted partners for dairy farmers seeking advanced herd management and mastitis detection technologies.

Founded in 1977, Afimilk has been equipping dairy farms with user-friendly computer systems. Their main tool, AfiFarm, delivers real-time updates on herd health and productivity through an easy-to-navigate dashboard and app. Afimilk’s uses precise milk meters and AfiLab Milk Analyzer to boost milk quality and cow health. This setup is key for early detection of diseases like mastitis, ketosis, and subacute ruminal acidosis or SARA, crucial for optimal dairy management and maintaining animal welfare. These advanced technologies ensure that dairy farms can operate more efficiently and produce higher quality milk.

MSD Animal Health Technology Labs, formerly SCR, was founded in 1976 and specializes in herd management tools like SenseTime for monitoring cow health and nutrition and Heatime for heat detection and reproductive management. Their software solutions streamline data integration and analysis. SCR’s milk meter, sold globally as Delaval’s premier milk meter, is the world’s best-selling product. In Israel alone, over 4000 SCR milk meters are installed, while their presence extends to more than 500,000 installations worldwide. SCR’s milk meter includes conductivity measurement capabilities for detecting teat inflammation.

ENGS Systems, a pioneer in dairy technology, excels with its innovative solutions to enhance dairy farm operations. Among its offerings, the Track a Cow or TAC system stands out, providing detailed monitoring of cows’ activity patterns and health status. It is crucial for early detection of potential health issues. Additionally, ENGS has developed sophisticated milk meters specifically designed to prevent mastitis infections by ensuring the optimal health of cows’ udders, thus maintaining milk quality and the overall productivity of the herd.

Further distinguishing itself in the industry, ENGS Systems has introduced a voluntary cooling system that empowers cows to initiate cooling based on their individual needs. This system addresses the challenge of heat stress in dairy cows, particularly in warmer climates, by allowing them to access cooling mechanisms as needed. The result is a notable reduction in somatic cell count, indicative of improved udder health and lower mastitis rates. This voluntary approach not only enhances animal welfare but also optimizes resource usage and labor costs on dairy farms, marking a significant advancement in how dairy operations manage the comfort and productivity of their herds.

Mileutis is at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation, specializing in developing non-antibiotic and hormone-free treatments for dairy animals. Their flagship products, Imilac™ and Milac™, are designed to manage and treat mastitis without antibiotics, providing a residue-free solution that enhances milk yield and animal welfare. Their technology harnesses natural peptides that modulate immune responses, effectively reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This strategic approach positions Mileutis as a leader in advancing precision-fermented, animal-free dairy solutions, setting new standards for sustainable dairy farming practices. Their commitment to safe and effective alternatives also underscores their role in promoting healthier dairy practices globally.

Armenta, an innovative Israeli company, leverages Acoustic Pulse Therapy or APT in its product to effectively combat bovine mastitis. This cutting-edge technology enhances udder health by promoting blood circulation and immune responses, significantly reducing inflammation without antibiotics. Not only does it decrease the incidence of mastitis, but it also supports increased milk production, thereby improving farm profitability and sustainability. This approach is instrumental in advancing animal welfare and reducing environmental impacts by minimizing antibiotic use in dairy farming.

Beyond somatic cells: Israel’s leap into precision-fermented, animal-free dairy

The Israeli government actively supports the development of the alternative protein industry, focusing on plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultured protein innovations to strengthen food security and sustainability, aiming to position Israel as a global leader in this emerging field.

Among the companies, you can find Remilk. Remilk utilizes precision fermentation technology to produce dairy-identical milk proteins without using cows. This technology involves inserting the gene responsible for milk protein production in cows into yeast cells, which then produce these proteins efficiently in a controlled environment. This method allows for creating like-real dairy products that are indistinguishable from those derived from cows in terms of taste and texture but are free of lactose, cholesterol, hormones, and antibiotics​ (Remilk: Real Dairy. No Cows.)​. On the regulatory front, Remilk has successfully obtained significant approvals that underline the safety and quality of its products. The company has received a “no questions letter” from the FDA in the United States, which follows an expert panel’s conclusion that Remilk’s animal-free whey protein is safe under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) standards. Additionally, Remilk has gained approval from the Singapore Food Authority and the Israeli Ministry of Health, marking it as a safe and innovative food source.​ These approvals affirm the bioidentical nature of the proteins produced and position Remilk as a pioneer in the alternative protein and dairy industry globally.

Other companies leading the charge in animal-free dairy through innovative technologies, Imagindairy stands out by using biotechnology and artificial intelligence to teach microorganisms to produce exact dairy proteins. At the same time, Wilk focuses on cellular agriculture to cultivate mammary cells for milk components. Both employ methods that ensure traditional dairy’s taste, texture, and nutritional benefits are maintained without the environmental impact associated with conventional dairy farming.​

Udder health, milk quality, and milking machine workshop

At the Israeli Dairy School, we actively engage participants in our Udder Health, Milk Quality, and Milking Machine Workshop. This program dives into udder anatomy and physiology, equips attendees with the knowledge to tackle common pathogens, and demystifies the operations of milking machines. Participants receive hands-on training to perfect their milking routines, maintain equipment, and implement data-driven strategies for optimal dairy management. This workshop is ideal for dairy professionals aiming to boost operational efficiency and improve milk quality through educated practices and innovative technology.

Tailored group learning at the Israeli Dairy School

Step into a world of specialized dairy education with the Israeli Dairy School’s exclusive five-day group programs, available on-demand to fit your schedule. As a premier destination for comprehensive dairy training, we offer programs meticulously crafted for groups seeking a personalized and immersive experience. Engage with our expert-led sessions, explore cutting-edge dairy farms, and customize your learning journey to match your group’s unique needs. Join us for a transformative adventure in dairy education designed to empower your team with knowledge and insights, all at a time that suits you best.

Diverse learning experience: We grant direct access to over 30 operational dairy farms and provide learning across over 50 specialized topics. This extensive range ensures a deep, practical understanding of all facets of dairy farming.

Cultural enrichment: Our programs uniquely integrate dairy education with explorations of Israel’s rich cultural and historical landscapes, enriching your educational journey with unforgettable experiences.

Customizable programs: Flexibility is at the heart of our offerings. Each group can customize their experience, choosing the topics and farms that best meet their interests and needs.

All-inclusive convenience: We offer comprehensive packages that include all logistics, making our programs particularly appealing to international visitors looking for a seamless learning experience.

Strategic location: Located in a hub of agricultural innovation, near the famous city of Nazareth, our school provides access to advanced dairy farming techniques and technologies, enhancing the educational value for all attendees.

Broad educational scope: Our curriculum goes beyond basic dairy farming principles to include advanced technologies, management practices, and innovative techniques, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

The Israeli Dairy School is a leader in dairy education and a gateway to an enriching experience that blends learning with cultural discovery. For more information, visit www.dairyschool.co.il.