Associations between vacuum-, milk flow-, and teat-based milking parameters and somatic cell count

Area of Science:

• Dairy Science
• Animal Health
• Milking Technology

Background:

• Somatic cell count (SCC) is a key indicator of udder health in dairy herds.
• Understanding the relationship between milking parameters and SCC is crucial for effective herd management.
• Teat health and morphology can influence SCC levels and udder infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between milk-flow parameters, vacuum variables, and teat condition with quarter- and cow-level SCC.
• To identify specific milking-related factors influencing somatic cell count across lactation.
• To explore relationships at both individual quarter and whole cow levels.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 58 cows over an 8-month period.
• Analysis using multivariable mixed models to assess factors associated with log10-transformed SCC (log10SCC).
• Inclusion of milk-flow, vacuum, and teat health/morphology metrics.

Main Results:

• Mouthpiece chamber (MPC) vacuum positively correlated with log10SCC at both quarter and cow levels.
• Increased teat-end hyperkeratosis severity was associated with higher log10SCC.
• Quarter-level associations included low average milk flow, high peak milk flow, longer dead time, and wider teat diameter with increased log10SCC.
• Cow-level analysis showed shorter high-flow duration associated with increased log10SCC.

Conclusions:

• Milking parameters (vacuum, milk flow) and teat condition are linked to SCC.
• Monitoring MPC vacuum, milk-flow dynamics, and teat condition aids in interpreting SCC patterns.
• Findings highlight the importance of optimizing milking practices for udder health in dairy herds.