Relationship of herd average somatic cell count and spontaneous recovery from subclinical mastitis (1985)

James R Dunham

doi:10.4148/2378-5977.3088

Abstract

The rate of spontaneous recovery from subclinical mastitis was evaluated in 56 Kansas. DHI herds participating in the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) program. Herds were classified as low (>300,000) or high (>600,000) based on herd sec average. Comparisons between low and high SCC-herds were made for each cow's ability to recover from a subclinical case of mastitis (>600,000 SCC). Low-SCC herds had a rate of spontaneous recovery that was more than three times greater than that of high-SCC herds. Average SCC of cows with subclinical mastitis was similar in low and high herds J as well as the average sec of cows following spontaneous recovery. Results illustrate the importance of monitoring monthly sec reports. Proper attention to good procedures of milking management includes: attention to milking techniques, proper function of milking equipment, and attention to sanitation and housing conditions. As a result, herds with low SCC tests will have higher production and fewer subclinical cases of mastitis.; Dairy Day, 1985, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1985;

Highlights

The Somatic Cell Count (See) of an individual cow is a good indicator of intramammary infection
The rate of spontaneous recovery from subclinical mastitis was evaluated in 56 Kansas .D~I herds participating in the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) program
Comparisons between low and high SCC-herds were made for each cow's ability to recover from a subclinical case of mastitis (>600,000 SCC)

Summary

Introduction

The Somatic Cell Count (See) of an individual cow is a good indicator of intramammary infection (subclinical mastitis). As the SCC increases above 200,000, there is an increasing chance that one or more quarters are infected with mastitis causing bacteria. These infections are considered subclinical when there are no signs of abnormal milk. If the leucocytes win the battle, as evidenced by a see lower than 200,000, it is considered that the cow spontaneously recovered from subclinical mastitis. The Mid-States Dairy Records Processing Center's SCC Report denotes cows with sees greater than 600,000. These cows are considered to be subclinical mastitis cases, any cow with a SCC higher than 200,000 might be infected. Some of the cows appearing on the high SCC list drop below 200,000 SCC without any treatment, which suggests that the leucocytes cured the infection and spontaneous recovery occurred

Methods

Results

Conclusion