Overview: Following Nature's Blueprint
Antibiotics and Pathogens: healthy cows mean healthy milk
The Raw Facts: Discover the Difference Between Conventional, Organic, and RAW USA Dairy Practices
ANTIBIOTICS AND PATHOGENS
Clean, "Green" Cows:
Breaking the antibiotic/pathogen cycle
A milk cow's immune system is of highest concern; her mental and physical states must be addressed first and foremost in any dairy plan. As with humans, natural conditions such as fresh air and clean water, open space, and whole natural foods promote optimal health, and minimize the need for antibiotic drugs.
Numerous studies show that the greatest pathogen contamination threat to raw milk is the creation and introduction of antibiotic-resistant bacteria combined with crowded manure-laden factory conditions. Frequent doses of antibiotics create resistant strains of bacteria, which are released into manure. These pathogens then cross-contaminate the raw milk during the milking process. Rather than addressing this problem at its root - supporting the natural health and vigor of the cow - dairymen have had to practice triage-style sanitation just prior to milking, often sacrificing thoroughness in the interest of time and money. This has resulted in poor test results, and a bad name for raw milk. The outcome has been the development of a huge industry in nutrient-deficient, lifeless milk from highly-stressed pregnant and nursing cows.