Measuring the economic impact of improved control of sub-clinical mastitis in Irish dairy herds

Abstract

SUMMARYImprovements in milk quality are important if the Irish dairy industry is to grow sustainably and retain a competitive advantage in a post-quota environment. In this regard, superior animal health has an important role to play. In order to reduce the costs of disease and to improve best practice it is important to demonstrate the economic gains achievable from improved dairy herd health. Elevated levels of somatic cell count (SCC) are an indicator of the prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical mastitis in dairy herds. Nationally representative farm-level data for Ireland (2008–2011) and panel data methods are used here to consider the independent effect of herd-level SCC (an annual weighted average figure based on monthly milk bulk tank readings) on both milk yield and gross margin per cow. Results indicate a 2% reduction in productivity for farms with SCC above 400 (‘000 cells/ml), while a reduction in bulk tank SCC from 400 to 300 (‘000 cells/ml) for the average herd (55 cows) results in an annual increase in gross margin of €1045. The impact of a range of herd management practices on SCC is also considered, with such practices shown to be important in influencing animal health.