Factors influencing somatic cell score in Swiss dairy production systems

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of fixed effects on somatic cell score (SCS) in Swiss dairy production. Monthly milk recording results were investigated against the background of changing housing conditions from tie-stall barns to loose housing systems. Zone, housing system and calving age within lactation number had a significant effect on SCS, as well as the covariables milk yield per day, fat and protein percentage and days in milk. Highest SCS was observed in cows of valley situated farms. Concerning housing system, best values were recorded in tie-stall barns (2.53). SCS was 0.08 higher during the changing period (2.61), and 0.12 higher in loose housing systems (2.65). SCS increased continuously with lactation number, but the differences between the age classes within lactation number were not significant. The lactation curves for SCS resembled inverted milk yield curves and were different between the first lactation on the one hand and higher lactations on the other hand.