Herd management and social variables associated with bulk tank somatic cell count in dairy herds in the eastern United States

Abstract

The ability to reduce somatic cell counts (SCC) and improve milk quality depends on the effective and consistent application of established mastitis control practices. The US dairy industry continues to rely more on nonfamily labor to perform critical tasks to maintain milk quality. Thus, it is important to understand dairy producer attitudes and beliefs relative to management practices, as well as employee performance, to advance milk quality within the changing structure of the dairy industry. To assess the adoption rate of mastitis control practices in United States dairy herds, as well as assess social variables, including attitudes toward employees relative to mastitis control, a survey was sent to 1,700 dairy farms in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida in January and February of 2013. The survey included questions related to 7 major areas: sociodemographics and farm characteristics, milking proficiency, milking systems, cow environment, infected cow monitoring and treatment, farm labor, and attitudes toward mastitis and related antimicrobial use. The overall response rate was 41% (21% in Florida, 39% in Michigan, and 45% in Pennsylvania). Herd size ranged from 9 to 5,800 cows. Self-reported 3-mo geometric mean bulk tank SCC (BTSCC) for all states was 194,000 cells/mL. Multivariate analysis determined that proven mastitis control practices such as the use of internal teat sealants and blanket dry cow therapy, and not using water during udder preparation before milking, were associated with lower BTSCC. Additionally, farmer and manager beliefs and attitudes, including the perception of mastitis problems and the threshold of concern if BTSCC is above 300,000 cells/mL, were associated with BTSCC. Ensuring strict compliance with milking protocols, giving employees a financial or other penalty if BTSCC increased, and a perceived importance of reducing labor costs were negatively associated with BTSCC in farms with nonfamily employees. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to managing mastitis, one that includes the human dimensions of management to maintain the practice of scientifically validated mastitis control practices.

Evaluation by employees of employee management on large US dairy farms

“…For farms to be successful in meeting quality, production, and profitability goals, employers must manage people well and employees must be performing their job to the best of their abilities. Relationships between employee management practices and measures of some aspect of herd performance have been reported [e.g., milk quality (Schewe et al, 2015) and milking efficiency (Rodrigues et al, 2005)]. However, relationships between farm employee management and measures of farm profitability have rarely been studied and only occasionally demonstrated (continued training and farm return on assets; Stup et al, 2006).…”

Invited review: Determinants of farmers' adoption of management-based strategies for infectious disease prevention and control

“…This so-called "frame of reference" is often influenced by farmers' descriptive norms (e.g., their perception of how other farmers deal with the issue), injunctive norms (i.e., their perception of what is approved by other people), comfort rates, and experiences Noordhuizen et al, 2008a;Jansen et al, 2016; Table 1). Examples of the influence of farmers' frame of reference include its association with their willingness to decrease mastitis rates, or with variations in mastitis incidence and bulk-milk SCC (Jansen et al, 2009;Jansen and Lam, 2012;Schewe et al, 2015).…”

“…Jansen et al, 2010b • Provide educational materials and training programs for farmers and employees (if applicable, account for different languages and cultural backgrounds). Izak et al, 2011;Schewe et al, 2015 • Maintain consistent messaging across sources. Moore et al, 2008 • Tailor extension methods used with personal preferences, where possible.…”

“…The implementation of standard operating procedures and engagement of employees are important aspects of farm management to ensure consistent herd performance and prevent disease (Reneau, 2001;Cavazos, 2003;Schewe et al, 2015). For example, dairy cows' udder health could be improved by implementing communication strategies for milkers (delivered by veterinarians and consultants on mastitis control), as well as by strictly enforcing protocols and (financial) penalties if bulk-tank SCC increased (Izak et al, 2011;Schewe et al, 2015).…”

Einfluss eines komplementärmedizinischen telefonischen Beratungssystems auf den Antibiotikaeinsatz bei Nutztieren in der Schweiz

“…Dass die Einstellung und das Verhalten des Landwirtes Einfluss auf die Eutergesundheit haben, zeigten auch Studien von Jansen et al [37], Ivemeyer et al [38] und Schewe et al [39]. Tschopp et al [35] konnten zeigen, dass die Auseinandersetzung des Landwirts selbst mit Tiergesundheitsthemen zu einer Reduktion von antibiotischen Mastitisbehandlungen führte, während punktuelle Inanspruchnahme von Beratung oder regelmässige Betreuung durch den Hoftierarzt keinen Einfluss zeigten oder sogar zu einer Erhöhung der eingesetzten Antibiotikamenge führten.…”