Management practices associated with somatic cell counts in bulk milk
2006
Yamane, I.(National Inst. of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan))
We used data obtained from a mastitis survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to analyze the management practices currently in use at 109 tie-stall dairy farms in Hokkaido and five prefectures in mainland Japan. Bulk milk somatic cell counts were found to be significantly lower in farms that owned milk wagons, always conducted post-dipping, frequently checked overmilking, used rubber mats and maintained a low moisture content in cow bedding. Farms with higher bulk milk somatic cell counts had significantly lower average annual milk yields, indicating that mastitis may result in serious economic losses for farmers. It is essential to inform farmers of proper management practices for milking hygiene to reduce somatic cell counts in bulk milk.
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