OSAM project: 93% of mastitis cases detected
Mastitis is one of the most costly diseases in dairy farming. Each case means milk losses, treatment costs, and often long-term damage to the udder. Subclinical cases are particularly dangerous, as they often go unnoticed. This makes early detection all the more crucial.
The OSAM field project impressively demonstrates the difference that digital internal temperature measurement makes: 93% of all mastitis cases were detected with smaXtec – only 35% of cases would have been discovered through conventional rumination monitoring alone. For dangerous E. coli infections, the detection rate with internal temperature measurement was even 100%. This makes the crucial difference: detected as early as possible, udder infections can be treated more precisely and severe disease progressions can be prevented.
The OSAM project: collaboration for better animal health
The OSAM field project was conducted jointly by HIPRA, Bahrenborstel Veterinary Practice, and smaXtec on a dairy farm in Lower Saxony, Germany, with around 545 cows. OSAM stands for "one step ahead of mastitis". The aim was to test in a practical trial how the use of smaXtec affects udder health and early detection of mastitis compared to conventional rumination monitoring.
Trial design:
- Methodology: Comparison of herd health parameters before and after smaXtec deployment
- Parameters recorded:
- Somatic cell counts
- Prevalence and dynamics of infections
- Cure rates
- Clinical mastitis cases
- Main pathogens (especially Strep. uberis, E. coli)
Annabel Fuß, HIPRAThe collaboration in the OSAM project clearly demonstrates how practical digital early detection improves animal health.
The numbers speak for themselves
The results following the introduction of smaXtec boluses were clear:
93% detection rate for mastitis
Nearly all mastitis cases were detected early by the system – before clinical symptoms appeared. In comparison: with rumination activity monitoring alone, only 35% of cases would have been detected.
100% for E. coli infections
Particularly impressive: All E. coli mastitis cases, which often have a dramatic course, were identified in time with smaXtec.
Declining mastitis rate
The clinical mastitis rate decreased significantly following the installation of smaXtec – a direct result of early detection and targeted treatment.
Better cure rates
The cure rate increased measurably. At the same time, the proportion of chronic cases decreased – cases that are particularly difficult to treat and often permanently compromise udder health.
Economic benefits
The combination of earlier detection, fewer clinical cases, and higher cure rates leads to lower treatment costs, reduced antibiotic use, and decreased milk losses.
For the farm in practice, this means: better animal health and measurable reduction in the daily workload.
Bahrenborstel Veterinary PracticeSince introducing the smaXtec sensors, we see disease progressions, especially mastitis, much earlier and can respond in a targeted manner. We have significantly reduced our use of antibiotics as a result.
What does this mean for your farm?
The results from the OSAM project clearly show: early disease detection with smaXtec is not just a nice-to-have, but an effective tool for modern herd management. Farmers benefit specifically through:
- More stable milk yield: fewer losses due to better animal health
- Fewer acute and clinical disease cases: early detection prevents severe progressions
- Lower treatment costs: targeted medication, reduced antibiotic use
- Better udder health: higher cure rates and fewer chronic cases
- Greater security: 24/7 monitoring without additional workload
