Effect of milking equipment on somatic cell count in a Holstein herd

Abstract

Quality Milk Production Services was contacted by a New York dairy producer requesting to have a farm evaluation performed due to a consistently high bulk tank somatic cell count and a high rate of clinical mastitis. The herd had an average bulk tank somatic cell count of over 350,000 cells per milliliter and had greater than ten cases of clinical mastitis each month. A thorough evaluation of the farm was performed, including records analysis, milk sampling and culture, an assessment of milking equipment and procedures, milk flow data collection with a LactoCorder®, and an evaluation of housing and bedding with special attention paid to cow hygiene and comfort. Several recommendations were made to the producer in order to improve milk quality and decrease the prevalence of clinical mastitis on the farm. A follow-up evaluation was performed one month after the initial recommendations were given to evaluate the progress made from changes to the milking equipment.