Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: The production of high quality milk is a requirement to sustain a profitable dairy\nindustry and somatic cell count (SCC) values are routinely used to identify subclinical\nmastitis and define quality standards. The objective of this paper is to review the use\nof SCC as a diagnostic tool for subclinical mastitis in order to improve milk quality on\ndairy farms. Mastitis is detected based on inflammation subsequent to intramammary\ninfection (IMI) by pathogenic organisms. Individual cow SCC values are used to detect\nthe inflammation that results from IMI and are necessary to define the prevalence and\nincidence of subclinical IMI. A threshold of <200,000 cells/mL is considered to be of\nthe most practical value used to define a mammary quarter as healthy. The development\nof IMI is the most significant factor that influences milk SCC and assessment\nof monthly values to determine newly and chronically increased SCC can be highly\ndiagnostic for resolving problems with increased bulk tank SCC. Methods to reduce the development of new IMI are well known and adoption of best management practices for\nmilking and herd management have consistently been shown to result in reductions in bulk tank SCC. Implementation of mastitis control programmes can be improved by focusing on three practical recommendations: 1) Farmers should work with their advisors to develop an annual udder health plan that includes clear goals for milk quality. 2) The annual udder health plan should emphasise prevention of new IMI. 3) Farmers must identify and manage chronically infected cows. Proactive management of IMI can be extremely effective in helping farmers produce milk that meets industry standards for milk quality.
Source: T-Stór (Teagasc)
Authors: P.L. Ruegg, J. C. E. Pantoja
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2095947709