Microbiological quality of goat's milk obtained under different production systems

In order to determine the safety of milk produced by smallholder dairy goat farms, a farm-based research study was conducted on commercial dairy goat farms to compare the microbiological quality of milk produced using 3 different types of dairy goat production systems (intensive, semi-intensive and extensive). A survey of dairy goat farms in and around Pretoria carried out by means of a questionnaire revealed that most of the smallholder dairy goat farms surveyed used an extensive type of production system. The method of milking varied with the type of production system, i.e. machine milking; bucket system machine milking and hand-milking, respectively. Udder half milk samples (n=270) were analysed, of which 31.1% were infected with bacteria. The lowest intra-mammary infection was found amongst goats in the herd under the extensive system (13.3%), compared with 43.3% and 36.7% infection rates under the intensive and semi-intensive production systems, respectively. Staphylococcus intermedius (coagulase positive), Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus simulans (both coagulase negative), were the most common cause of intramammary infection with a prevalence of 85.7% of the infected udder halves. The remaining 14.3% of the infection was due to Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteriology of bulk milk samples on the other hand, showed that raw milk obtained by the bucket system milking machine had the lowest total bacterial count (16,450 colony forming units (CFU)/ml) compared to that by pipeline milking machine (36,300 CFU/ml) or hand-milking (48,000 CFU/ml). No significant relationship was found between the somatic cell counts (SCC) and presence of bacterial infection in goat milk In comparison with the herds under the other 2 production systems, it was shown that dairy goat farming under the extensive production system, where hand-milking was used, can be adequate for the production of safe raw goat milk.     

The cell count in milk of goats]

Weekly milk samples were taken from mammary halves from 30 goats from 8 different herds each with from 2 to 5 experimental animals throughout their lactation periods. The physiological variations in the cell counts of goats milk during lactation were investigated by a projection microscope. Only small variations were found in the average cell counts in milk samples from goats in the same herd, but big variations from one herd to another (Table I and Fig. 3.). The curves of the average cell counts in milk samples of 5 herds showed a rise at the beginning of the season at pasture (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). Also in the housed periods the cell count showed transitory rises. The herd with the lowest average cell count (220,000/ml) was milked by an ordinary bucket milking system, while the herd with the highest average cell count (1,490,000/ml) was milked by a pipeline milking system. Five herds milked by machine had an average cell count of 720,000/ml and three herds milked by hand 540,000/ml. All the herds in the material had an average cell count of 680,000/ml.     

Farm management factors associated with bulk tank total bacterial count in Irish dairy herds during 2006/07

Research has shown that total bacterial count (TBC), which is the bacterial growth per ml of milk over a fixed period of time, can be decreased by good hygiene and farm management practices. The objective of the current study was to quantify the associations between herd management factors and bulk tank TBC in Irish spring calving, grass-based dairy herds. The relationship between bulk tank TBC and farm management and infrastructure was examined using data from 400 randomly selected Irish dairy farms where the basal diet was grazed grass. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC were identified using linear models with herd annual total bacterial score (i.e., arithmetic mean of the natural logarithm of bulk tank TBC) included as the dependent variable. All herd management factors were individually analysed in a separate regression model, that included an adjustment for geographical location of the farm. A multiple stepwise regression model was subsequently developed. Median bulk tank TBC for the sample herds was 18,483 cells/ml ranging from 10,441 to 130,458 cells/ml. Results from the multivariate analysis indicated that the following management practices were associated with low TBC; use of heated water in the milking parlour; participation in a milk recording scheme; and tail clipping of cows at a frequency greater than once per year. Increased level of hygiene of the parlour and cubicles were also associated with lower TBC. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC in Irish grazing herds were generally in agreement with most previous studies from confinement systems of milk production.     

Relationships between milk characteristics and somatic cell score in milk from primiparous browsing goats

To determine milk yield and composition, total microbic count (TMC) and somatic cell count (SCC) of browsing goats throughout the first lactation, 100 goats of Sarda breed, equally distributed in four flocks (F1, F2, F3 and F4), were selected. They were exclusively fed pasture and hand‐milked once daily. Individual milk samples and daily milk yield were taken from each goat at monthly intervals, from March to July. Milk samples were analyzed for: total protein, fat, lactose, urea, freezing point (FP), pH, TMC and SCC. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and to correlation matrix. On the whole, in all the flocks, milk yield showed the highest production in April and May. Fat content increased (P < 0.01) throughout the lactation. Protein content showed the lowest value (P < 0.01) in June (4.15%). Urea and pH values were fluctuating. FP was lower (P < 0.01) at the start of lactation (?0.562 Hortvet degrees). TMC log10 values were low, considering the hand milking and inadequacy of facilities on the farms. SCC increased (P < 0.01) throughout the lactation and, on the whole, SCC and TMC were not correlated.     

The effect of pasture turnout on milk somatic cell count,polymorphonuclear leukocytes and milk composition in cows housed in tie stalls

Abstract

This study investigated milk somatic cell count (SCC), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and milk composition in dairy cows, which were kept in tie stalls, during the first days after pasture turnout. Thirty-five cows of the Swedish Red Breed, free of clinical signs of mastitis and with a geometric mean of SCC 67 × 10³ cells/mL, were turned out to pasture after the morning milking on day 0 and then monitored for the next five days on pasture. Samples of cow composite milk were taken at every milking and analysed for SCC, PMN percentage of the total SCC and milk composition. There was a marked increase in both PMN proportion and SCC with the highest SCC value during the study recorded at the evening milking on day 0. The highest value in morning milk was observed on day 1. Milk SCC values in evening and morning milk declined after day 0 and day 1, respectively, but remained on a higher level compared with before turnout to pasture. Milk composition was only slightly altered. Since the changes in SCC and milk composition were of low magnitude, although statistically significant, these effects of pasture turnout can be considered as of minor importance for the milk quality.     

Effect of premilking teat disinfection on mastitis incidence, total bacterial count, cell count and milk yield in three dairy herds.

An iodophor teat disinfectant was applied before milking by dip or spray to 50 cows and 50 cows were left untreated in each of three commercial herds. The mean incidence of clinical mastitis was reduced by 57 per cent, the total bacterial count by 70 per cent and the count of thermoduric organisms by 32 per cent. These results were not statistically significant, except that one herd showed a significant decrease in total bacterial count. There was no effect on somatic cell count, milk production or milk iodine residues. Atmospheric iodine concentrations increased in the two herds which applied the treatment as a spray, but the levels attained were not likely to be detrimental to human health.     

Factors associated with high milk test day somatic cell counts in large dairy herds in Brandenburg. I: Housing conditions

The aim of this study was to examine influences of housing conditions on the udder health in 80 German dairy herds with a herd size between 100 and 1100 cows. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire for the farm manager and a farm visit using a standardized data capture form on hygiene and management. The somatic cell counts of all lactating cows on each farm were collected monthly by the local dairy herd improvement association and analysed to assess udder health status. Factor analysis was used to analyse the variables describing the environmental hygiene. The values derived for the extracted components were classified into good, moderate and poor. The association of the categories was then analysed for their influence on log somatic cell count of the current month (CMSCC) and the year before the farm visit (YASCC) by a one-way anova. In comparison to other housing systems, free stalls with cubicles had the lowest geometric mean somatic cell count. Three components were derived from the factor analysis. Of those, acceptance of the cubicles by the cows and barn hygiene were determined as components influencing the CMSCC and YASCC significantly, while the association of hygiene of the milking parlour with somatic cell counts was only significant for YASCC. The results of the study show that the cow comfort and housing hygiene have a substantial impact on milk quality and should therefore become the focus of further research on the farm management practices.     

Management practices associated with udder health of first-parity dairy cows in early lactation

This study aimed at investigating associations between management routines including feeding, housing, and milking around calving, and udder health of first-parity cows in early lactation in Swedish large, high producing, low bulk-milk somatic cell count (SCC) dairy herds housed in free stalls. Seventy-two dairy herds participated and data concerning 1189 first-parity cows calving during the study period (October 2005-January 2006) was collected. Multivariable regression analysis were performed with three different outcomes; within-herd number of first-parity cows veterinary treated for clinical mastitis at days -10 to 60 after calving, within-herd number of first-parity cows with a SCC> or =200,000cells/mL at first test-day, and SCC of first-parity cows at first test-day. Cow factors significantly associated with good udder health of first-parity cows (few cases of clinical mastitis and or low SCC) were being of the Swedish Red breed, having a high milk yield at first test-day, and a milk-urea > or =5mmol/L at first test-day. Herd factors significantly associated with good udder health were having mattresses as flooring in the cubicles in the lactating cow housing, and to house the first-parity cows in tie stalls 1 month before calving. Cow factors significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows were having a milk-urea <4mmol/L at first test-day. Herd factors significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows were feeding first-parity cows sugar-beet pulp or corn silage, and to give silage from a different batch to pregnant heifers than to lactating cows. Moreover, to have sawdust or shavings in the calving pen, to be moved from the calving pen > or =2 days after calving, to milk first-parity cows at the calving site instead of in the parlor, and to rinse, clean or disinfect milking units before a first-parity cow was milked were also significantly associated with poor udder health of first-parity cows. The results indicate that different control measures must be taken depending on the nature of the udder health problem.     

Fertility, somatic cell count and milk production in Swedish organic and conventional dairy herds

The share of organic dairy production in EU is increasing and this study describes the herd structure and cow performance in organic and conventional dairy production systems in Sweden. The data included records from 2 902 718 lactations, collected in organic (n = 471) and conventional (n = 13 976) herds between 1998 and 2005. Compared with conventional herds, the organic herds were larger and increased more rapidly in size. The replacement rate was slightly lower in organic herds and fewer Swedish Holsteins were used. The statistical analysis of cow performance in the first three lactations showed lower milk, fat and protein production in organic herds, but the increase in production from first to second lactation was larger when expressed in kg milk. Fertility was better for organically managed cows compared to conventionally managed cows, but the somatic cell count (SCC) was higher. However, at a given production level the fertility was slightly worse in organic herds while there was no difference in SCC. No interactions of importance were found between production system and breed for any trait.The results showed that organic and conventional dairy production differed regarding herd structure and cow performance. However, the differences in fertility and SCC found were to a high extent explained by the lower milk yield in organic production and no breed was found to perform better in either system.     

Relationships between infection with caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, intramammary bacterial infection and somatic cell counts in dairy goats.

Somatic cell counts, the bacteriological condition of the milk and antibodies against caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) were measured monthly throughout lactation in 121 lactating goats of the Murcia-Granada breed in four commercial dairy goat herds. The prevalence of bacterial intramammary infection was 5.6 per cent and the prevalence of CAEV infection was 20.6 per cent. An analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of herd, intramammary infection and the interaction between intramammary infection and CAEV on the somatic cell count. In udder halves free of intramammary infection, the somatic cell counts were significantly lower in seronegative goats than in seropositive goats (P<0.05), but the difference was not significant in udder halves persistently infected by bacteria. There was a significant increase in somatic cell counts due to bacterial intramammary infection (P<0.01) in the seronegative goats, but this effect was not present in the seropositive animals.     

Housing system and herd size interactions in Norwegian dairy herds; associations with performance and disease incidence

Background

According to the Norwegian animal welfare regulations, it has been forbidden to build new tie-stall barns since the end of 2004. Previous studies have shown that cow performance and health differ between housing systems. The interaction between housing system and herd size with respect to performance and disease incidence has not been evaluated.

Methods

Cow performance and health in 620 herds housed in free-stall barns were compared with in 192 herds housed in tie-stall barns based on a mail survey and data from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording and Cattle Health Systems. The housing systems herds were comparable with respect to herd size (15-55 cows). Associations between performance/disease incidence and housing system, herd size and year of building the cow barn were tested in general linear models, and values for fixed herd size of 20 and 50 cows were calculated. On the individual cow level mixed models were run to test the effect of among others housing system and herd size on test-day milk yield, and to evaluate lactation curves in different parities. All cows were of the Norwegian Red Breed.

Results

Average milk production per cow-year was 134 kg lower in free-stall herd than in tie-stall herds, but in the range 27-45 cows there was no significant difference in yields between the herd categories. In herds with less than 27 cows there were increasingly lower yields in free-stalls, particularly in first parity, whereas the yields were increasingly higher in free-stalls with more than 45 cows.In free-stalls fertility was better, calving interval shorter, and the incidence rate of teat injuries, ketosis, indigestions, anoestrus and cystic ovaries was lower than in tie-stalls. All of these factors were more favourable in estimated 50-cow herds as compared to 20-cow herds. In the larger herd category, bulk milk somatic cell counts were higher, and the incidence rate of mastitis (all cases) and all diseases was lower.

Conclusion

This study has shown that there is an interaction between housing system and herd size, and that performance and health is not universally better in small free-stalls than in tie-stalls.     

A comparison of production and management between Wisconsin organic and conventional dairy herds

An observational study was conducted in Wisconsin to compare production and management on organic and conventional dairy farms. Thirty organic dairy herds, where antimicrobials are rarely used for calves and never used for cows, were compared with 30 neighboring conventional dairy farms on which antimicrobials were routinely used for animals of all ages. A seven-page questionnaire regarding milk production, milking practices, housing, incidence of the major dairy diseases and medical treatments was used to assess management and production during 2000-2001. Body condition scores (BCS) of lactating cows and environmental and animal sanitation scores (EASS) were also collected on each of two occasions. The organic herds had significantly fewer cattle than did the conventional herds (P=0.017). The average daily milk production per cow in organic dairy herds (20.2 kg/day) was lower than that of conventional herds (23.7 kg/day). The incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) on organic farms (28 cases per 100 cow-years at risk) was not statistically different from that of on conventional farms (32 cases per 100 cow-years at risk). No significant difference in bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) was observed between organic farms (262,000 cells/ml) and conventional farms (285,000 cells/ml). The average annual cull rate was 18.0 cases per 100 cow-years for the conventional farms and 17.2 for the organic farms (P=0.426). Our paired t-test results indicated significantly higher parasite burden on organic dairy farms; however, no significant difference between the two farm types when controlling for season (March and September), grazing intensity (no grazing, little grazing, grazing with access to housing and grazing only) and herd average milk production per cow. There was little evidence of other fundamental differences between the two farm types in other management and production parameters.     

Herd management and prevalence of mastitis in dairy herds with high and low somatic cell counts

Thirty-two dairy herds, 16 with low somatic cell counts (LSCC; Dairy Herd Improvement Association 12-month mean herd SCC less than or equal to 150,000 cells/ml) and 16 with high somatic cell counts (HSCC; Dairy Herd Improvement Association 12-month mean herd SCC greater than or equal to 700,000 cells/ml) were evaluated to determine the relationship between the prevalence of mastitis in each herd and each herd's mastitis control and management practices. Once for each herd, duplicate quarter milk samples were collected from the lactating cows, a survey of herd mastitis control, milking hygiene, and management practices of each herd was performed, and milking-machine function was evaluated. Of the 16 herds with LSCC, 2 (12.5%) had Streptococcus agalactiae isolated and 7 (44%) had Staphylococcus aureus isolated. Both organisms were found in all of the herds with HSCC. In herds with LSCC, the mean percentage of quarters infected with Str agalactiae was 0.1%, the mean percentage infected with streptococci other than Str agalactiae was 1.9%, and the mean infected with S aureus was 0.7%. In herds with HSCC, 25.7% of the quarters were infected with Str agalactiae, 3.7% were infected with streptococci other than Str agalactiae, and 7.6% were infected with S aureus. A program of postmilking teat dipping and treatment of all cows at the beginning of the nonlactating period was practiced more frequently in the herds with LSCC (81.3%) than in the herds with HSCC (37.5%). Major differences were not found between the 2 groups of herds in the use of the more common milking hygiene techniques or in the maintenance and functional characteristics of the milking equipment.     

A comparison of somatic cell count between organic and conventional dairy cow herds in West Germany stressing dry period related changes

Mastitis is one of the major threats to animal health and thus to productivity in all dairy farming systems. Previous studies of organic dairy herds have indicated better udder health in organic herds, as compared to conventional herds but opposite results have also been reported. In view of the great implications that the dry period (DP) has on udder health, we aimed to compare milk performance data between organic and conventional dairy herds by specifically addressing the relation of somatic cell counts in milk (SCC) before and after the DP. On 68 farms (35 organic, 33 conventional) in Western Germany individual cow and herd production data were recorded next to data on SCC (herd, individual) between June 2002 and June 2004. For data analysis, SCC values > 150,000 cells/mL were defined as indicative for disorders of udder health.     

Effect of setting a maximum milking time,from peak lactation,on production,milking time and udder health

Abstract

AIM: To examine the effect of setting a maximum milking time, from peak lactation until drying-off, on production, duration of milking, and udder health of dairy cows.

METHODS: Forty cows were assigned in twin-pairs to be either milked until cups were removed at a milk flow-rate threshold of 0.35 kg/minute (Control), or until cups were removed at a milk flow-rate threshold of 0.35 kg/minute, or maximum time, whichever came first (MaxT). The maximum time was set by determining the milking time of the 70th percentile cow when ranked from fastest to slowest, irrespective of yield. The milking routine was typical of that practised on dairy farms in New Zealand, and involved no pre-milking preparation. The study began at peak lactation (68 (SD 7) days in milk; DIM) and continued for 26 weeks. Duration of milking and milk yield were measured for each milking. Composition of milk was determined from weekly herd tests, and milk quality from fortnightly somatic cell counts (SCC). Completeness of milking and teat condition were assessed during the study. The bacterial status of quarter milk samples was determined at the beginning and end of the study, and all treated cases of clinical mastitis recorded. ANOVA was used to examine the effect of treatment group on variables of interest.

RESULTS: Total milk, fat and protein yields during the study period did not differ between treatments. On average, 30.3% of the morning and 27.6% of the afternoon milkings of MaxT cows reached the maximum time at which cups were removed, and were therefore shortened. While the average milking time of the slowest-milking cow was longer for the Control compared with MaxT group in Weeks 1–18, the average milking time did not differ between treatments. There was no difference in overall SCC, and the incidence of clinical mastitis, or the percentage of infected quarters at drying-off, was similar for the MaxT and Control cows.

CONCLUSION: The results show that setting a maximum milking time can reduce the milking time of slower-milking cows in a herd without compromising overall herd production and udder health.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the numbers of cows in the study were small there was no evidence of a major increase in SCC, or subclinical or clinical mastitis when a maximum milking time was set for slower-milking cows.     

Record keeping,genetic selection,educational experience and farm management effects on average milk yield per cow,milk fat percentage,bacterial score and bulk tank somatic cell count of dairy farms in the Central region of Thailand

A study was conducted to estimate the record keeping, genetic selection, educational, and farm management effects on average milk yield per cow (AYC), milk fat percentage, bacterial score, and bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) of dairy farms in the central region of Thailand. Farms were located in the provinces of Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchisima and were members of the Muaklek dairy cooperative. Records from individual animals were unavailable. Thus, farm records of milk yield, milk fat percentage, bacterial score, and BTCCC were collected from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2006. Additional record keeping, genetic selection, education, and farm management information was collected through a questionnaire in May of 2006. Data from the Muaklek dairy cooperative and the questionnaire were then merged by a farm identification number. A single trait mixed model was used to analyze AYC, milk fat percentage, and BTSCC, while a log linear model was used to analyze bacterial score. Results showed that farms that kept records on individual animals had higher (P < 0.05) milk fat percentages and lower bacterial scores than farms that did not. Farms that used genetic information (EBV) and phenotypes when selecting sires were higher (P < 0.05) for milk fat percentage than farms that used only phenotypes and personal opinion. Farms milking cows with a single unit milking machine and by hand, had higher (P < 0.05) bacterial scores and BTSCC than farms using only a single or multi unit machine. Overall farms that kept individual animal records, used EBV when selecting sires, used a single method for collecting milk, and used family labor achieved higher performance from their herds than farms that did not.     

线性模型对影响奶牛产奶性能的主要相关因素分析

利用一般线性模型研究各种因素对奶牛产奶性能的影响。牛场、胎次和产犊季节对奶牛产奶量影响差异极显著(P0.01),随着奶牛胎次的增加,奶牛产奶量增加;夏季产犊的奶牛产奶量最低,冬季产犊的最高;体细胞计数对奶牛产奶量没有显著性影响(P0.05),但随着体细胞数的增加,产奶量下降。牛场、胎次和体细胞计数对乳脂率有极显著的影响(P0.01),第三牛场平均乳脂率为4.38%,显著高于其他三个牛场;随着胎次的增加,乳脂率有下降趋势;随体细胞数增加,乳脂率升高;产犊季节对奶牛乳脂率没有显著影响(P0.05)。牛场、产犊季节和体细胞数对乳蛋白率的影响极显著(P0.01),体细胞数增加,乳蛋白率升高;夏季和秋季产犊的奶牛乳蛋白率较高,春季和冬季较低;胎次对乳蛋白率没有显著影响(P0.05)。表型相关分析表明:SCC与产奶量呈显著负相关(r=-0.158,P0.05),SCS与产奶量相关性接近显著水平(r=-0.140,P=0.055)。SCC/SCS与乳脂率、乳蛋白率呈正相关,但未达到显著性水平(P0.05)。     

Paratuberculosis sero-status and milk production,SCC and calving interval in Irish dairy herds

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of paratuberculosis sero-status on milk yield, fat, protein, somatic cell count and calving interval in Irish dairy herds. Serum from all animals over 12 months of age (n = 2,602) in 34 dairy herds was tested for antibodies to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis using an ELISA. Herds were categorised by sero-status into positive, non-negative and negative, where a positive herd contained two or more positive cows, a non-negative herd contained only one positive cow and a negative herd contained no positive cows. Data at animal, parity and herd-level were analysed by multiple regression using general linear models. Positive herds (mean herd size = 129 cows) and non-negative herds (81 cows) were larger than negative herds (72 cows) (P < 0.01). Negative herds had the highest economic breeding index (EBI), while positive herds had the highest estimated breeding value (EBV) for milk yield. There was no significant effect of paratuberculosis sero-status at animal, parity or herd-level on milk yield, milk fat or protein production, somatic cell count score (SCCS) or calving interval. Negative herds tended to have a lower SCCS than positive and nonnegative herds (P = 0.087). This study only examined the effects of paratuberculosis sero-status but did not examine the clinical effects of Johne's disease at the farm or dairy industry levels.     

Factors affecting somatic cell count in cow bulk tank milk--a case study from Poland

The aim of this paper was a retrospective analysis of factors affecting the somatic cell count (SCC) in cow bulk tank milk. The investigations concerned the year 2000 and were conducted on 212 family dairy farms in the Wielkopolska region (Western Poland). The average herd size was 13.3 cows (ranging from 5 to 48), whereas the mean SCC was 269,000 in 1 cm3 of milk (ranging from 63,000 to 631,000). In the period from July to September a higher SCC (P < or = 0.01) was found than in the other months. In herds of more than 15 cows, higher SCC values (P < or = 0.05) were observed than in the smaller herds. The following management and technological factors significantly decreased SCC: a 7-8-week dry period (versus shorter period), foremilking with the use of a forestripper, practicing manual udder massage before milking, individual rationing of feeds according to production, and the application of MgO and beta-carotene additives to the feed ration.     

Herd characteristics and management practices associated with bulk-tank somatic cell counts in herds in official Dairy Herd Improvement Association programs in Ohio

OBJECTIVE: To identify herd characteristics and management practices associated with bulk-tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) in dairy herds in Ohio enrolled in official Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) programs. SAMPLE POPULATION: 186 dairies in Ohio. PROCEDURE: All herds in official DHIA programs in 9 counties were asked to participate. Extensive information regarding herd characteristics and management practices was obtained, using a standardized questionnaire. Bulk-tank milk samples were requested from all participating herds for bacterial culture. Official DHIA test-day records for January 1997 were obtained from all herds enrolled in official DHIA programs in the 9 counties. Potential associations were identified, using multivariable ANOVA. RESULTS: Participation was 186 of 479 (39%) herds. Streptococcus agalactiae and Mycoplasma spp were not isolated from bulk-tank milk samples. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 64 of 172 (37%) of the herds. The BTSCC were inversely associated with peak daily milk production, postmilking teat disinfection, percentage of eligible cows in the herd detected in estrus, and directly related to the extent to which BTSCC was perceived as a herd problem during the preceding 2 years. Type of housing for nonlactating cows and product used for treatment of nonlactating cows also were significantly associated with BTSCC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Consideration of herd characteristics and implementation of management practices associated with BTSCC could result in increased milk yield and production of milk with lower BTSCC.