Dairy farmers often face a high bulk tank somatic cell count without finding a single problem cow. They need to investigate the herd and review management practices. Regular sample testing and monitoring help detect issues early. The following table shows industry benchmarks for bulk tank somatic cell count levels by region:
| Region | Herd Size | SCC Benchmark (cells/ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 25+ | Varies by production level |
| Mid-south | 25+ | Varies by production level |
| Midwest | 25+ | Varies by production level |
| South | 25+ | Varies by production level |
Key Takeaways
- Regular milk sample testing is crucial. It helps detect issues early and supports better herd health.
- Maintain strict hygiene during milking. Clean routines and equipment reduce the risk of mastitis and lower somatic cell count.
- Implement effective bedding and cooling strategies. Clean, dry bedding and proper cooling systems enhance cow comfort and health.
Understanding Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count
What Is Somatic Cell Count?
Somatic cell count measures the number of cells present in milk, mainly white blood cells, secretory cells, and squamous cells. Dairy farms use this metric to monitor udder health across the herd. The bulk tank somatic cell count reflects the overall status of the herd’s udders.
- An uninfected udder usually shows less than 100,000 cells/ml.
- Counts between 100,000 and 199,999 cells/ml suggest possible infection and require further testing.
- A count of 200,000 cells/ml or more signals an ongoing or recent infection.
| BTSCC Level (cells/ml) | Implication for Udder Health |
|---|---|
| Less than 100,000 | Uninfected udder |
| 100,000 – 199,999 | Infection cannot be ruled out |
| 200,000 or more | Infection is occurring or recent |
Impact of High Somatic Cell Count on Milk Quality
High somatic cell count affects milk quality and shelf life. Milk with elevated cell counts contains more leukocytes and enzymes, which change its composition. These changes can cause off-flavors, such as rancidity and bitterness, and reduce shelf life. Dairy processors may reject bulk milk somatic cell count samples that exceed acceptable levels. Lower milk quality leads to financial losses for farms, as processors pay less for poor-quality milk and may discard batches that test positive for mastitis.
Common Causes of Bulk Milk Somatic Cell Count Issues
Several factors contribute to increased bulk milk somatic cell count.
- Cleanliness of cow exercise areas helps keep cell counts low.
- Proper milking routines, including cleaning teats after milking, reduce infection risk.
- Herd size and time spent on pasture influence cell counts.
- Seasonal changes, such as high temperatures and humidity, weaken cows’ immune defenses and raise cell counts.
- Stress from hot weather increases susceptibility to mastitis, which elevates somatic cell count.
Herd Management Strategies for High Somatic Cell Count
Milk Sample Testing and Monitoring
Regular milk sample testing forms the foundation of effective mastitis control. Dairy farms use both bulk tank and individual cow testing to monitor herd somatic cell count. Elevated SCC levels, especially those above 200,000 cells/ml, often signal subclinical mastitis. Early diagnosis allows for prompt intervention and reduces milk production losses. Farms can use a somatic cell count tester to track changes in milk quality and identify trends. Monthly individual cow test results and bulk tank cultures help pinpoint sources of infection. Milk culture testing identifies specific bacteria responsible for intramammary infection, guiding targeted treatment and prevention strategies. Monitoring SCC at both the herd and cow level supports better health outcomes and improves milk production.
Tip: Seek guidance from a qualified dairy professional to interpret culture results and develop a herd health plan.
Segregating And Milking High SCC Cows Last
Segregation of cows with high somatic cell count is a proven mastitis control strategy. Farms should milk these cows after the main herd to prevent the spread of clinical mastitis pathogens.
“Consider managing cows with high SCC as you would cows with clinical mastitis. Milk these cows last to decrease the spread of infection to uninfected cows during the milking process.”
This approach reduces the risk of new intramammary infection and supports overall herd health. Farms may also use individual cow test results and DHI summary reports to identify cows with persistent clinical mastitis. Culling cows with chronic high scc who do not respond to treatment further improves herd health and milk quality.
Milking Routine and Equipment Hygiene
Accurate milking routines and equipment hygiene play a critical role in mastitis control and prevention. Farms with low bulk tank somatic cell count often focus on precision rather than speed. Workers should follow consistent procedures, including:
- Pre-dipping teats for at least 30 seconds to disinfect.
- Wiping teats with clean towels to reduce bacterial spread.
- Forestripping each quarter to remove milk with high scc and detect clinical mastitis early.
- Post-dipping teats immediately after milking for protection.
The most striking difference between farms with low and high bulk tank somatic cell count is the attention to hygiene. Farms with lower counts maintain better hygienic conditions and work more precisely.
Milking equipment must remain in good working order. Regular maintenance prevents contamination and supports milk quality. Training employees on correct milking procedures reduces the risk of clinical mastitis and supports prevention strategies.
Bedding, Cooling and Fly Control
Bedding management directly affects cow comfort and mastitis control. Clean, dry bedding limits the growth of pathogens that cause intramammary infection. Sand bedding often improves cleanliness and reduces the risk of clinical mastitis compared to organic materials like sawdust, which can harbor bacteria if not kept dry. Proper cooling systems, such as fans and sprinklers, help cows stay comfortable and healthy, but stalls must remain dry to prevent dirty udders and high SCC.
Fly control is essential for mastitis prevention, especially during peak fly seasons. Integrated pest management, including sanitation and feed-through insect growth regulators, reduces fly populations and lowers the risk of clinical mastitis. Studies show that herds with effective fly control experience fewer infections from pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus.
- Keep bedded areas clean and dry.
- Manage fans and sprinklers to avoid wet stalls.
- Control flies to minimize stress and disease spread.
- Provide fresh, clean water to support cow health.
Action Plans and Ongoing Monitoring
A proactive approach to mastitis control requires regular review and adaptation of management protocols. Farms should conduct monthly bulk tank cultures and individual cow testing to monitor SCC trends. Selective antibiotic therapy, guided by milk culture testing, targets only cows with major pathogen infections, reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use and supporting udder health.
| Method | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Selective DCT | Targeted treatment based on culture results | Reduces antibiotic use, focuses on infections |
Culling decisions based on scc data remove chronic sources of clinical mastitis and improve overall herd health. Farms should update protocols as needed to prevent new infections and maintain low bulk tank somatic cell count. Herd size and management style also influence SCC levels, with improved hygiene and participation in milk recording schemes linked to better milk quality.
Note: Maintaining low SCC requires a thorough monitoring program and regular updates to management strategies.
Conclusion
Dairy farms improve milk quality by lowering somatic cell count through regular monitoring and sample testing.
The primary reason for dairy producers to reduce somatic cell count is because somatic cell count relates to milk losses due to mastitis.
They use tools like QualiTru Sampling Systems and the California Mastitis Test to detect rising somatic cell count early.
- Implementing string sampling protocols helps in early detection of mastitis and maintaining low somatic cell count levels.
Maintaining low somatic cell count supports milk quality, animal health, and farm sustainability.
| Evidence | Description |
|---|---|
| Milk Production | Elevated somatic cell count was associated with lower milk production. |
| Pregnancy Rates | Higher somatic cell count correlated with reduced pregnancy rates. |
| Death Losses | Increased somatic cell count led to more significant death losses. |
Regular monitoring and adapting management practices protect milk quality and help farms stay proactive.
FAQ
How Can a Farm Control High Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count Without Finding a Problem Cow?
They can manage somatic cell count by improving hygiene, monitoring milk samples, and using regular testing. Farms manage infection sources and limit spread by updating control protocols and adjusting milking routines.
What Role Does Milk Sample Testing Play in Somatic Cell Count Control?
Milk sample testing helps maintain herd health by identifying infection trends. Farms manage outbreaks by using results to inform treatment plans and culling decisions, supporting better milk quality.
Why Is Ongoing Monitoring Important for Somatic Cell Count Control?
Ongoing monitoring allows farms to track changes in milk quality. They reduce mastitis risk by tracking data, monitoring cow health, and adjusting management practices to maintain somatic cell count.