A rising SCC today can mean lower profits tomorrow, as high SCC levels often indicate bacterial infections in the udder, leading to reduced milk production, increased culling, and higher costs.
Understanding and Managing High Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in Dairy Cows
As a dairy farmer, maintaining the health of your herd is key. One of the critical indicators of cow health is the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in milk.
The most common cause of high SCC is bacteria, which can either spread contagiously from cow to cow or enter the udder from the environment. Identifying the specific bacteria present is crucial for effective management, prevention, and treatment of mastitis. By knowing which bacteria are causing the high SCC, farmers can implement targeted treatments and improve herd health.
Herd Test Data
Herd tests offer a good indication of cow health through several markers, with high SCC being one that receives a lot of attention. Identifying the cause of a high SCC allows farmers to address the problem effectively:
• Implement a veterinarian-endorsed animal treatment plan.
• Identify the specific bacteria causing the high SCC to gain insight into the root cause.
Targeted Testing
Test high SCC cows in a targeted approach. Specificity means identifying the exact or specific bug causing the high SCC, clinical, or sub-clinical mastitis. Not all tests have high specificity, but independent scientific studies show that DairySmart™ tests are highly specific, making them the most useful tests to run.
The Benefits of Subdetect Testing
Subdetect testing offers several benefits for dairy farmers:
• Early Detection of Mastitis: Subdetect testing identifies high SCC cows and detects the specific bacteria causing infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus. This allows farmers to address issues before they spread through the herd.
• Improved Herd Health: By pinpointing the bacteria present in the udder, farmers can implement targeted treatments, reducing the risk of mastitis and improving overall herd health.
• Reduced Costs: Early detection and treatment prevent milk production losses, reduce culling, and minimise the use of antibiotics, saving farmers thousands of dollars.
• Enhanced Milk Production: Healthy cows produce more milk, leading to increased revenue for farmers.
Convenient Testing Options: Farmers can access Subdetect testing through their vet or directly via the DairySmart lab, making it easy to integrate into herd management practices.
DairySmart has transformed traditional milk culture techniques with advanced AI-powered software. Our unique plates provide highly accurate diagnoses, giving farmers and vets the confidence to act quickly. Thousands of high SCC cows have been tested this year, revealing significant levels of both contagious and environmental bacteria. Early detection and treatment can stop the spread of mastitis and protect your herd’s health and productivity.
