eCommons

 

Herd Level Investigation of High Bulk Tank Milk Somatic Cell Count

Other Titles

Abstract

A herd of 373 milking cows was visited to have a farm evaluation performed due to a consistently high bulk tank (BT) milk somatic cell count (SCC) and high rates of clinical and subclinical mastitis. The BT SCC was approximately 300,000 cells/mL for at least eight months and the farm’s goal was to maintain a BT SCC < 150,000 cells/mL. A thorough farm audit was performed including records analysis, submission of milk cultures, assessment of milking routine and equipment, and evaluation of housing/bedding. Problems were identified with pen hygiene and bedding management, milking routine and milking equipment. No written standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for the milking routine, dry-off protocol or the identification/treatment of clinical mastitis existed on this farm. High risks for new mastitis infections, chronic infections and high-fresh cows were identified. Mastitis cure risk was also suboptimal. The economic significance of this problem, via loss of SCC premiums, production loss, culling and death associated with mastitis, and treatment of clinical mastitis were discussed with the producer. Several recommendations were made in an effort to improve milk quality, decrease the incidence rate of clinical mastitis and improve cow comfort and hygiene.

Journal / Series

Volume & Issue

Description

Sponsorship

Date Issued

2015-10-28

Publisher

Keywords

mastitis, somatic cell count (SCC), linear score (LS), milk quality, udder health

Location

Effective Date

Expiration Date

Sector

Employer

Union

Union Local

NAICS

Number of Workers

Committee Chair

Committee Co-Chair

Committee Member

Degree Discipline

Degree Name

Degree Level

Related Version

Related DOI

Related To

Related Part

Based on Related Item

Has Other Format(s)

Part of Related Item

Related To

Related Publication(s)

Link(s) to Related Publication(s)

References

Link(s) to Reference(s)

Previously Published As

Government Document

ISBN

ISMN

ISSN

Other Identifiers

Rights

Rights URI

Types

case study

Accessibility Feature

Accessibility Hazard

Accessibility Summary

Link(s) to Catalog Record