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Management practices associated with low, medium, and high somatic cell counts in bulk milk
H W Barkema1, Y H Schukken, T J Lam
1Animal Health Service, Drachten, The Netherlands.
Journal of Dairy Science
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Implementing specific dairy herd management practices, including hygiene and dry cow treatment, significantly reduces bulk milk somatic cell counts (SCC). Lower SCC herds demonstrate higher milk production, highlighting the economic benefits of improved herd health management.
Area of Science:
- Dairy Science
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Epidemiology
Background:
- Bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC) is a key indicator of udder health and milk quality in dairy herds.
- High SCC negatively impacts milk production and profitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dairy herd management practices and bulk milk SCC.
- To identify specific management strategies linked to lower SCC and higher milk yield.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of management practices across 201 dairy herds categorized by bulk milk SCC levels (low, medium, high).
- Correlation analysis between SCC categories, milk production (fat-corrected milk over 305 days), and management factors.
Main Results:
- A strong negative correlation was observed between low bulk milk SCC and high milk production.
- Management practices such as dry cow treatment, milking technique, teat disinfection, and mastitis treatment explained SCC differences.
- Herds with low SCC (<= 150,000 cells/mL) implemented superior hygiene protocols and mineral supplementation compared to medium and high SCC herds.
Conclusions:
- Effective management practices are crucial for controlling bulk milk SCC and enhancing dairy herd productivity.
- Attention to hygiene, dry cow management, and nutrition are key strategies for achieving low SCC and maximizing milk yield.