Addressing Antibiotic Residues in Milk for Health and Sustainability

The presence of antibiotic residues in milk is a serious concern due to its potential to cause allergic reactions, toxicity, and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans. When consumed, these residues can adversely affect individuals who are sensitive or allergic to specific antibiotics, leading to allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe complications. Furthermore, the continuous exposure to low levels of antibiotics through milk consumption can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, making infections more difficult to treat effectively.

Economic Losses and Environmental Implications

Beyond the health risks, the presence of antibiotic residues in milk leads to significant economic losses. Milk containing antibiotic residues cannot be sold for human consumption, resulting in the complete discard of affected milk batches. This not only represents a financial loss for dairy farmers but also disrupts the supply chain and affects the overall profitability of the dairy industry. Moreover, the disposal of large quantities of discarded milk can have environmental implications, further adding to the negative consequences of antibiotic residue contamination.

Revaluing Discarded Milk: Innovative Approaches

To address these challenges, innovative approaches and research initiatives have been undertaken to develop methods for revaluing discarded milk by effectively degrading antibiotic residues. By implementing advanced techniques, such as enzymatic nanoparticles, it becomes possible to eliminate antibiotic residues and repurpose the milk for other valuable applications, such as feeding calves or producing dairy products with high nutritional value. These endeavors aim to not only safeguard consumer health but also minimize economic losses and promote sustainability within the dairy sector.

Study: Degradation of Antibiotic Residues in Waste Milk

A research team from the Ruminant Production program at IRTA has been working on an innovative system based on enzymatic nanoparticles to eliminate traces of antibiotics from the milk of cows that have been treated for infections. The goal is to repurpose the milk as a high-nutritional value product for calves and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, which has become a global health threat affecting both animals and humans.

Supported by the Department of Climate Action, Food, and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia, the project strives to showcase to the industry the potential of revaluing waste milk using this groundbreaking approach. This initiative encompasses a system that is straightforward to implement, highly effective, and economically viable. Its primary objective is to degrade antibiotic residues found in waste milk, transforming it into a suitable and nourishing feed for calves.

Research Process and Benefits

In order to accomplish this objective, the Ruminant Production program research team at IRTA will generate enzymatic beta-lactamase nanoparticles within the laboratory setting. These nanoparticles utilize the power of beta-lactamase, an enzyme capable of rendering antibiotics from the beta-lactam family (such as penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems) inactive. Following this phase, the team will proceed to treat waste milk obtained from three distinct farms located in the province of Girona. A comparative analysis will be conducted to evaluate the presence of antibiotic residues in the waste milk prior to and subsequent to the treatment involving the nanoparticles.

Double Benefit for Livestock

The treatment of waste milk and the elimination of antibiotic residues offer significant advantages to farms. Firstly, it helps prevent the occurrence of recurrent and challenging-to-eradicate infections commonly caused by microorganisms with resistance to multiple drugs. Mastitis, affecting approximately 10% of dairy cows, is the prevailing infection within the industry. By effectively treating waste milk and removing antibiotic residues, the risk of these infections can be minimized, ensuring the well-being and health of the livestock.

Secondly, repurposing treated waste milk as a feed source for calves promotes the implementation of a circular economy within farms. Instead of discarding the milk, it is reused in a valuable manner, fostering improved growth and productivity among calves. The high nutritional value of the milk contributes to the positive outcomes, benefiting both the calves’ fattening process and their future milk production. This not only enhances the economic viability of the farms but also aligns with sustainable practices by minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.

The Significance of the Project

The significance of the project should not be overlooked, considering the substantial quantity of wasted milk in the dairy industry. With over 780,000 registered dairy cows in Spain, each typically producing a minimum of 30 liters per day, the volume of milk going to waste is considerable. By addressing the presence of antibiotic residues in milk and implementing revalorization techniques, such as the degradation of antibiotic residues, the project aims to mitigate the risks associated with wasted milk while maximizing its potential benefits for livestock.

Conclusions

• The presence of antibiotic residues in milk poses significant health risks and can lead to various consequences, including allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, economic losses, and environmental concerns. However, by focusing on treating waste milk and eliminating antibiotic residues, the risks can be mitigated, and a double benefit can be achieved for livestock.
• This approach helps prevent challenging infections and promotes the circular economy within farms, resulting in improved growth and productivity among calves. By implementing such strategies, the dairy industry can ensure the long-term viability of its operations while safeguarding consumer well-being and environmental sustainability.

You may also like to read: “Mineral nutrition and its association with mastitis in dairy herds.”

Source: IRTA