In the context of 41st AXA National Dairy Show 2023 in Millstreet (Co. Cork, Ireland), OZOLEA won the first place in the science section and top prize (Overall Innovation Award) at the Innovation Awards.

OZOLEA applied for this prestigious award with their non-antibiotic, no-withdrawal veterinary device OZOLEA-MAST. OZOLEA introduced a new concept for udder issue management in dairy cattle. The main purpose of OZOLEA-MAST is taking care of the mammary tissue, aiming at its restored functionality and integrity through an autonomous regeneration process, instead of a direct action on microorganisms causing infections.

This new approach allows an overall improvement of the cow’s performance at udder level, with positive effects in terms of milk production and self-defense mechanisms due to a restored condition of the tissue.

By thinking udder issue management differently with OZOLEA-MAST, many are the advantages dairy farmers can have. First, they have the opportunity to work on high and chronically high somatic cell count (SCC) cows with the aim of lowering SCC to steadier and long-lasting values. This represents a strategy to save cows from culling, thus, to improve longevity on farms.

Due to its versatility, OZOLEA-MAST finds application during lactation, for early intervention, and for drying off cows eligible for selective dry cow therapy. If used at dry-off, dairy farmers will observe better results in milk production and milk quality in the following lactation.

In the context of AHI’s CellCheck programme, OZOLEA-MAST could represent an effective strategy for farmers to achieve the goals set by the dairy stakeholders involved.

Far beyond these benefits, as it leads to a decrease in antibiotic usage, OZOLEA-MAST allows dairy farmers to further contribute to the fight against today’s hardest challenge, antibiotic resistance.

OZOLEA-MAST is not only a strategy for animal health, but also a tool for food safety throughout the entire dairy supply chain. Lower SCC values and no antibiotic residues means higher yield at processing level, and safer food products for consumers.

All these benefits can be translated in improved sustainability due to reduced culling rates, lower antibiotics used, efficient exploitation of inputs and resources, more milk delivered and improved farmers’ profit. Being OZOLEA-MAST a no-withdrawal tool, it helps minimize milk losses: considering the current world sustainability goals, OZOLEA-MAST can support the dairy industry in their path towards a more sustainable dairy production.

Sincere thanks to all people that made the National Dairy Show possible and who warmly welcomed OZOLEA as exhibitors. First, thanks to AXA and IHFA (Irish Holstein Friesan Association) for their active role in the organization of the show, well-coordinated and well-attended. Furthermore, special thanks to the three highly qualified judges of the Innovation Awards from Bandon Co-op, The Irish Farmers Journal, and AXA Insurance, who honoured OZOLEA with interesting questions and with such high relevance awards.

This achievement represents a real acknowledgement of the benefits of OZOLEA-MAST, and we trust that it is a step towards full awareness from the dairy stakeholders on its role in dairy sustainability.

Moreover, these awards would have not been possible without the support of the researchers engaged on OZOLEA-MAST, who have understood our approach to udder management. A special thanks to Professor Luigi Bonizzi, expert in infectious diseases in domestic animals, University of Milan; Professor Fausto Cremonesi, DVM, expert in animal reproduction, University of Milan; Professor Bradley J. Heins, Extension Specialist in Dairy Managament, University of Minnesota, USA. These pioneers for research are an added value for us: we trust that, thanks to their involvement, other academic researchers and veterinarians will further investigate OZOLEA-MAST from a scientific point of view.

Moreover, a number of dairy friends all over the world deserve special thanks for their dedication and love for the dairy sector, and among these a truly special one in Ireland: thank you, Mr.Dermot Battle, OZOLEA reciprocate your friendship with affection.

The biggest thanks go indeed to all dairy farmers In Italy, in the US, in Germany, as well as in other European Countries, and now in Ireland, who are using OZOLEA-MAST and have been pioneering this new approach in the dairy industry. Among these, we would like to thank today Mr. Michael Dullea, from Clonakilty (Co. Cork), who tried our product with success. Find here his testimonial.

And, last, but not least, OZOLEA would like to deeply thank Agrihealth for their support and lead throughout the Irish market, with their reliable, professional, and respectful nature.

OZOLEA is looking forward to bringing added value to the Irish dairy sector, which is famous worldwide for the high quality standard.

Dairy congratulations to everyone!

Agriland provided some good insights on the Innovation Awards and the other participating companies that won first place in Technology, Engineering, and Sustainability sections. Find more at this link: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/dairy-innovation-awards-cow-health-business-takes-top-prize/