Interaction of Somatic Cell Count and Quarter Milk Flow Patterns

Abstract

Milk flow parameters at udder and quarter levels were studied in relation to somatic cell count (SCC) and other risk factors for mastitis (bimodality, duration of decline, and duration of overmilking phase). Thirty-eight Holstein cows in their first to sixth lactations were investigated during 10 mo of lactation. Monthly milk samples were collected for SCC during morning milking. Quarter and udder milk flows were recorded daily. A cow was included if one quarter was found to have an SCC higher than 200 x 10(3) cells/mL. A total of 3,262 quarter milk flow curves and 804 udder milk flow curves from 22 cows (6 primiparous and 16 multiparous) were selected and evaluated. Selected data for milk flow profiles in relation to SCC represented 5 consecutive morning milkings around the time of milk sampling (sampling on d 3). A total of 661 milk samples were analyzed. At both the udder and quarter levels milk yield was reduced in groups with increased SCC. Quarters with high SCC (> 500 x 10(3) cells/mL) had lower peak flow rate and longer overmilking phases compared with quarters with low SCC (< 200 x 10(3) cells/mL). There was a tendency for a longer duration of the decline phase in quarters with high SCC but no effect was observed at the udder level. There were longer declines in bimodal milk flows at the quarter, but not at the udder, level. Also, quarters with bimodality had longer overmilking phases. The duration of the decline phases at the quarter level influenced all measured parameters except the duration of the increase phase. The quarters with a longer duration of the decline phase (> or = 80 s) had greater SCC and peak flow rate but had lower milk yield compared with quarters with a shorter duration of the decline phase (< 27 s). Duration of the overmilking phase influenced all measured parameters except SCC. We conclude that for good udder health, the duration of the decline phase at the quarter level should be considered for milking parameters and udder preparation before milking.

Efficacy of an internal teat seal associated with a dry cow intramammary antibiotic for prevention of intramammary infections in dairy cows during the dry and early lactation periods

“…Godden et al (2003) also verified a decrease in SCC values during postpartum of nimals treated with intramammary seal. High SCC at calving is related to reduction in milk production (Green et al 2007, Tancin et al 2007, reinforcing the importance of using internal seal as a limiting factor to the entry of microorganism in the udder and in the control of new infections (Berry & Hillerton 2002, Godden et al 2003, Berry & Hillerton 2007, Parker et al 2007. Animals that have infections caused by coliforms could remain with a high SCC, due to the persistence of inflammatory reaction after bacterial cure, which may occur spontaneously (Smith et al 1985, Akers & Thompson 1987.…”

Milk flow, teat morphology and subclinical mastitis prevalence in Gir cows

“…Using 200,000 cells mL -1 SCC threshold, Schepers et al (1997) found 74% sensitivity and 89% specificity in Holstein cows. Anatomical characteristics of teats have positive correlation with milk flow rate during milking that could be used for precocious identification of udder health problems which could increase the risks of mastitis (Tancin et al, 2007).…”

“…Tancin et al (2007) studied the milk flow and its variations during lactation and observed influences in the somatic cell counts (SCC), as much as the udder as the individual teats. Generally, a SCC threshold of 200,000 cells mL -1 are recommended as the limit to separate uninfected mammary quarters from the infected ones, to decrease the occurrence of false-negative and false-positive results (Schepers et al, 1997;Djabri et al, 2002).…”

Comparison of the effects of quarter-individual and conventional milking systems on milkability traits

“…It indicated an unbalanced milk secretion between the four udder quarters. Quarters with long tAB had higher SCC in comparison with quarters with shorter tAB (Tančin et al 2007b). Lactation did not influence tAN (Tančin et al 2006), which is similar to the present findings.…”

“…According to Naumann & Fahr (2000), the transition between tPL and tAB represented the moment on which the milk flow at least in one udder quarter has ended. The tAB is the time interval in which the full milking vacuum has an effect on one or more empty quarters (Tančin et al 2007b). Especially front quarters needed usually less time for milking than rear quarters because rear quarters contain more milk , Wellnitz et al 1999.…”