very dairy has cows with chronic high somatic cell counts (SCC). My definition of a chronic high SCC cow is one that has a SCC of 400,000 or higher for two or more consecutive tests
Trying to successfully treat a case of clinical or subclinical mastitis with intramammary tubes can sometimes be a crapshoot, as cure rates are typically 50 percent or less
A lot of intramammary infections occur during the dry period even if we don’t see them as clinical mastitis. That situation quickly changes after calving when clinical mastitis reaches its pinn
Quality milk must be a total team effort. That means that dairy farm owners and managers must allow employees to openly share observations and thoughts to improve the milking process
The 2016 National Dairy Quality Award Platinum winners represent an exemplary group of dairy producers. Not only do these herds produce some of the nation’s highest quality milk on a daily basis
The authors are veterinarians with the Quality Milk Production Services, Ithaca, N.Y.Milking in a tie stall or stanchion barn is a dance. It takes a certain sense and finesse
Every hour of the day counts; don't let time spent in the holding area become a detriment to cow health and comfort. A row of positive pressure ventilation tubes can evenly distribute airflow and enhance...
Maximize heifers' udder health. Bred heifers represent the future of the milking herd in all dairy operations, and it is critical that udder health be maximized to ensure that these young animals freshen...
Generalmente creemos que el ordeño es una operación independiente del resto de la granja porque la rutina de ordeño empieza y termina en la sala, pero en realidad es un esfuerzo en...
It usually takes two to tango in the parlor, but your routine begins and ends in the barn. Once the unit is on, check your alignment - it's one of the most neglected areas in milking. Whether you waltz,...
Amy's bulk tank SCC (BTSCC) varied from 250,000 to 500,000 and occasionally would be over 600,000. With the allowed level being lowered to 400,000, she needs a management plan that prevents those worst...
Relentless attention to details sets these National Dairy Quality Award winners apart. They're on top of everything from fastidious stall care to meticulous milking and from frequent use of CMT paddles...
61st Annual Hoard's Dairyman Round Table: How the top herds produce high-quality milk Top-quality milk: what it takes Here's a detailed look at the practices of the five Platinum winners in the National...
They produce the highest quality milk These farms pair preventative practices with effective mastitis treatment. The six Platinum winners in this year's National Dairy Quality Awards competition work closely...
Clean, dry, and comfortable - those should be the goals of every dairy producer when it comes to cows and their housing conditions. If those goals are met, odds are your dairy can produce quality milk...
Err on the side of safety to avoid milk residues. When a cow needs medication, the first treatment step (before any medications are administered) should be the application of some form of semi-permanent...
Compost barns helping udder health and cow comfort. Compost, when managed correctly, can serve as a great tool to improve milk quality. There are many ways to successfully utilize and manage a compost...
Ten tips to bolster milking performance. Now would be a good time to review common confusions on your dairy's milking procedure and determine which procedures are not based on sound science. Those not...
Not all mastitis cases hurt us the same way. As every dairy producer knows, clinical mastitis is a common and persistent problem. It may occur several times during a lactation, with various consequences...
