MONTREAL, Quebec – Dec. 29, 2015 – PRLog — Dairy farmers have long been ensiling forage to preserve feed for their cows. The methodology can be complicated and labor intensive but, when done in a safe and hygienic manner, it helps ensure the livestock will be well fed all year round. Paramount to making the most of this method is ensuring that the silage, which is susceptible to contamination from the environment (e.g., soil, wind, water, insects, carcasses, etc.), remains untainted (i.e., well wrapped with polyethylene or reinforced plastic, secured by truck-tire sidewalls). Poorly protected silage can result in the proliferation of pathogens that not only expose the cows to serious disease, but are transmissible to humans, thereby posing a significant public health risk.
According to Western Daily News, one such pathogen isListeria monocytogenes, the causative organism for listeriosis in livestock. It is also capable of causing significant disease in humans. A food-borne pathogen mostly found in tainted milk or cheese products, listeriosis predominately affects the reproductive and central nervous systems (CNS) and can cause septicemia or eye infections.
Listeriosis affecting the reproductive tract in pregnant cows can result in transplacental infection and late term fetal abortion accompanied by retained placenta. When it affects the CNS, it can cause irreversible tissue damage and produce problematic coordination, facial paralysis, animals walking in circles, and head pressing. Early treatment with antibiotics offers the best chance of recovery.
The primary way cows contract listeriosis is through consumption of contaminated feed. Listeria monocytogenes is widely distributed in soil so proper silage management is the key to ensuring effective fermentation and minimization of soil contamination of harvested feeds.
Once the feed has been correctly ensiled, proper storage is critical. Danny Nadler, president and CEO of Tire Sidewall Depot, is the go-to guy for 100% nylon, bias ply truck-tire sidewalls you can count on year after year to keep silage wholesome. He has been successfully serving the agricultural industry since 1995 by filling the need for safer, more efficient and sanitary bunker silo coverage. Completely metal free and wireless, Tire Sidewall Depot’s sidewalls will not rust (nor cut hands or arms, or tear clothing or tarps) and will effectively anchor your silage covers to prevent the infiltration of air, stagnant water, and pathogens. This system not only optimizes the nutritional content of silage for cattle, but also protects the environment and farmers by eliminating exposure to soil contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens.