Mastitis Control Practices: Differences Between Herds with High and Low Milk Somatic Cell Counts

摘要: Abstract Effects of differences in herd mastitis control management maintaining low average SCC, was studied. Washington State DHI herds with Hotstein cattle and enrolled the SCC program (n = 309) were ranked by percentage cows their less ≤283,000 cells/ml. "Low herds" 28) among 56 highest cells/ml "high 31) 75 lowest Herds visited annually for 2 yr a technician who collected samples recorded data. Geometric mean bulk tank during year between visits 175,000 460,000 high herds. Milking time hygiene practices, teat dipping, dry cow therapy practiced equal frequency on Differences function maintenance milking equipment did not discriminate groups. versus that managers excellent more frequently had producers milked first clinical last; automatic unit detachers; kept moisture content bedding lower; workers disinfect ends prior to intramammary antibiotic treatment. Managers likely use computers attend dairy informational meetings. Results suggest subtle strategies differentiate