Peter Down

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Peter Down is a leading researcher in dairy science, with a primary focus on colostrum quality, mastitis control, and on-farm bacterial management. His most cited work, "Quantitative Analysis of Colostrum Bacteriology on British Dairy Farms" (2020, 22 citations), provides critical insights into how colostrum collection methods directly impact bacterial contamination. By analyzing 328 samples from 56 farms, Down demonstrated that colostrum collected directly from teats harbored significantly lower total bacterial counts (32,079 CFU/mL) and coliform counts (21 CFU/mL) compared to samples from collection buckets, which showed alarmingly higher counts (327,879 and 13,294, respectively). This landmark study has shaped best-practice guidelines for dairy farmers, emphasizing hygienic collection to improve calf health and reduce antibiotic use. Down’s work bridges veterinary microbiology and practical farm management, offering evidence-based solutions to reduce neonatal mortality. His research is widely cited by veterinarians and agricultural scientists, underscoring its impact on both animal welfare and dairy industry sustainability.