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Farm management factors associated with bulk tank somatic cell count in Irish dairy herds
Date Issued
2009
Date Available
2014-07-31T12:05:11Z
Abstract
The relationship between bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) and farm management and infrastructure was examined using data from 398 randomly selected, yet representative, Irish dairy farms where the basal diet is grazed grass. Median bulk tank SCC for the farms was 282,887 cells/ml ranging from 82,209 to 773,028 cells/ml. Two questionnaires were administered through face-to-face contact with each farmer. Herd-level factors associated with bulk tank SCC were determined using linear models with annual somatic cell score (i.e., arithmetic mean of the natural logarithm of bulk tank SCC) included as the dependent variable. All herd level factors were analysed individually in separate regression models, which included an adjustment for geographical location of the farm; a multiple regression model was subsequently developed. Management practices associated with low SCC included the use of dry cow therapy, participation in a milk recording scheme and the use of teat disinfection post-milking. There was an association between low SCC and an increased level of hygiene and frequency of cleaning of the holding yard, passageways and cubicles. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank SCC in Irish grazing herds are generally in agreement with most previous studies from confinement systems of milk production.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
Journal
Irish Veterinary Journal
Volume
62
Issue
Suppl 4
Copyright (Published Version)
2009 the author(s)
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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