by Amanda Smith, Associate Editor
On many farms, the environment is the root of fresh cow somatic cell count (SCC) problems. Dry cows and springing heifers may not be lactating, but they still require the same level of care as the milking herd. Providing a clean, dry and comfortable environment lessens the chance that these cows will become heavy contributors to the bulk tank SCC postcalving.
"The goal is to have the SCC under 200,000 on any fresh animal despite its lactation number," noted Andy Johnson, D.V.M., in the Grande Milk Marketing newsletter. While the focus tends to be on older herdmates, fresh heifers are often a bigger issue. "The key is to look at the data and see if there is an issue on your dairy," continued Johnson.
Cows that have an elevated SCC after calving produce less milk. But that's not where the economic losses stop. These cows also had a greater risk of clinical mastitis and were more likely to have recurring infections. Furthermore, their reproductive efficiency declined, and they were at a great risk of being removed from the herd.
Research presented at the National Mastitis Council annual meeting evaluated DHI data for more than 164,000 cows. It showed that a fresh animal with an SCC over 200,000 produced 1,583 pounds less milk for that lactation. These animals were also 18 percent more likely to have a case of clinical mastitis in their first 90 days in milk. It also took an additional 17 days for high SCC fresh cows to become pregnant.
If your dairy is having issues, discuss the problem with your herd vet and examine your dry treatment protocols, noted Johnson. With declining milk prices, these health and economic losses are ones we cannot afford.
To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.
On many farms, the environment is the root of fresh cow somatic cell count (SCC) problems. Dry cows and springing heifers may not be lactating, but they still require the same level of care as the milking herd. Providing a clean, dry and comfortable environment lessens the chance that these cows will become heavy contributors to the bulk tank SCC postcalving. "The goal is to have the SCC under 200,000 on any fresh animal despite its lactation number," noted Andy Johnson, D.V.M., in the Grande Milk Marketing newsletter. While the focus tends to be on older herdmates, fresh heifers are often a bigger issue. "The key is to look at the data and see if there is an issue on your dairy," continued Johnson.
Cows that have an elevated SCC after calving produce less milk. But that's not where the economic losses stop. These cows also had a greater risk of clinical mastitis and were more likely to have recurring infections. Furthermore, their reproductive efficiency declined, and they were at a great risk of being removed from the herd.
Research presented at the National Mastitis Council annual meeting evaluated DHI data for more than 164,000 cows. It showed that a fresh animal with an SCC over 200,000 produced 1,583 pounds less milk for that lactation. These animals were also 18 percent more likely to have a case of clinical mastitis in their first 90 days in milk. It also took an additional 17 days for high SCC fresh cows to become pregnant.
If your dairy is having issues, discuss the problem with your herd vet and examine your dry treatment protocols, noted Johnson. With declining milk prices, these health and economic losses are ones we cannot afford.
