2. Using Somatic Cell Counts for Mastitis Detection

Monthly somatic cell counts are a crucial tool for quality milk production! On an individual cow level, milk may appear normal, but the cow may have an elevated SCC. The only way to know is by testing. On a herd level, the SCC of your bulk tank is the main driver of milk quality. Weather you are testing the bulk tank or an individual cow, you can use somatic cell counts to: 1. Spot trends- monitor the monthly incidence and prevalence trends 2. Map the pathogens- break down SCC by parity or stage of lactation to learn what pathogens are present, how they are spreading, and where to focus our preventative actions 3. Make treatment decisions- use the data to determine when to segregate a cow, use selective dry cow therapy, or add to the cull list Learn more at topmilk.msu.edu 0:00 Intro 0:27 Why use somatic cell counts 1:05 Monthly testing 1:16 Identify trends 1:28 Identify mastitis pathogens 1:44 Make treatment decisions 2:13 SCC and transition cows 2:24 SCC and parlor hygiene 2:41 Managing chronic cows 3:07 Summary 4:00 Using SCC to evaluate subclinical mastitis