The use of high somatic cell count prevalence in epidemiologic investigations of mastitis control practices

A series of least-squares analytical models were developed in a cross-sectional epidemiologic study of the observed variability in within-herd high somatic cell count (SCC) prevalence, a measure of mastitis prevalence in dairy herds. The dependent variable, high SCC prevalence, was calculated as the 12-month rolling herd average percentage of lactating cows with milk SCC in excess of 283 000 cells ml⁻¹.

The first analysis involved the results of a bacteriologic survey of bulk-tank milk samples for the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae and coagulase-positive staphylococci, the two most common contagious intramammary pathogens. The presence of either pathogen in bulk-tank samples was associated with significantly higher high SCC prevalence.

The second analysis involved responses to a questionnaire concerning management and mastitis control practices. Both the practices of post-milking teat dopping and dry-cow antibiotic therapy were associated with significantly lower high SCC prevalence.

The third analysis combined the data collected for the first two analyses so that the independent variables included both bulk-tank bacteriologic results and management and mastitis control practices. This model was able to explain a greater proportion of the variability in high SCC prevalence than either of the other two models. There were three variables associated with significant decreases in high SCC prevalence namely the absence of Streptococcus agalactiae in the bulk tank milk, the adoption of post-milking teat dipping and the practice of dry-cow antibiotic therapy of all cows.

Milk somatic cell counting is now widely accepted and practiced in many countries, and individual-cow SCC data are available from large numbers of herds at a minimal expense. By corroborating the role of post-milking teat dipping and dry-cow antibiotic therapy in mastitis control programs, this study establishes the usefulness of high SCC prevalence data for epidemiologic studies of mastitis control practices.     

Teat canal diameter and other cow factors with possible influence on somatic cell counts in cow milk

A case-control study on matched pairs of cows in 2 counties of Norway indicated a strong positive association between teat canal diameter (TCD) and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. The study indicated further a highly significant association between leakage of milk and high SCC and a significant association between teat injury and high SCC. Finally, an association between the shape of the teat end and SCC that was nearly significant (p = .067) when considered in isolation, was shown to exist through it's dependency on TCD. A flat or inverted teat end is associated with a large TCD while a pointed or round teat end tends to have a smaller TCD.     

Clinical findings related to intramammary infections in meat-producing ewes

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical findings and bacterial isolation in milk samples of meat-producing ewes. The study was conducted in 17 commercial flocks and 550 udder halves from suckling Santa Ines ewes. Initially, the clinical examination of the mammary glands and teats was performed by visual inspection and palpation of the teats and udder halves; then a scoring system was devised for all the findings. After that, the strip cup test and the California mastitis test (CMT) were performed. Then, milk samples for somatic cell counts (SCCs) and bacteriological analyses were collected. Staphylococci bacteria were the main etiological agent isolated in the present study. Upon investigation of the correlations between bacterial isolation and the clinical findings, only the presence of teat injury, pendulous udder, and alterations in the palpation of the teat were associated with bacterial isolation. A significant correlation between bacteriologically positive milk samples and CMT and SCC was also found. Thus, some clinical findings appeared as a risk factor for bacteriologically positive milk samples and can be used as a tool in mastitis control programs. However, a complete and extensive diagnosis, an appropriate therapy, and an efficient mastitis control program will require the combination of clinical examination, microbiological tests, and SCC.     

Effect of vacuum level on milking efficiency, somatic cell counts (SCC) and teat end wall thickness in ewes of Greek mountain Boutsiko breed

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of vacuum level of machine milking on milk yield, milk composition, milking efficiency, somatic cells counts (SCC), and teat end thickness of the Greek mountain breed Boutsiko ewes. Seventy two ewes after a suckling period of 45 ± 5 days were divided into three equal groups of 24 animals for level of milk production, prolificacy and lactation number. The overall experiment lasted 14 weeks. All groups were milked with a pulsation rate of 120/min, pulsator ratio of 50/50, and three vacuum levels of 38, 44 and 50 kPa, respectively, were applied for the three groups. Every two weeks, in a.m. and p.m. milking, measurements were taken for machine milk (MM) and machine stripped milk (MSM), milk composition, SCC, milk emission characteristics (only in a.m. milking) and teat end wall thickness (TEWT) before and after milking. The results have shown that the lower vacuum level of 38 kPa increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of machine milk (82.9%). There were no significant differences among the groups for milk composition, milk flow rate and SCC, but there was a difference in log SCC (P < 0.05) between 38 and 50 kPa. The teat end wall thickness was lower at the lower vacuum level (38 kPa) after milking, and increased (P < 0.001) as the vacuum level was raised to 50 kPa. The findings of this study suggest that with a lower vacuum level of 38 kPa, the ewes are milked better than those with 44 or 50 kPa. Also, the irritation of teats is considerably reduced, while no differences were seen regarding the health of the udder.     

A comparison of the effect of short-acting and long-acting cloxacillin-based dry-cow therapy on somatic cell counts after calving in cows also given internal teat sealants

AIM: To compare, in cows treated with an internal teat sealant, the effect of short-acting and long-acting cloxacillin-based dry-cow therapy on somatic cell counts (SCC) after calving.

METHODS: Cows from a spring-calving, pasture-based dairy farm in the Manawatu-Whanganui region of New Zealand were randomly allocated to receive either a short-acting cloxacillin and ampicillin dry-cow therapy and internal teat sealant (n=291) or a long-acting cloxacillin and ampicillin dry-cow therapy and internal teat sealant (n=288) at the end of lactation. Cows were managed on-farm with routine husbandry procedures through the dry period and following calving. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the association between length of action of dry-cow therapy and the proportion of cows with a SCC >150,000?cells/mL at the first herd test after calving.

RESULTS: Age of cow, mean SCC for the preceding season and interval from calving to the first post-calving herd test were all associated with the proportion of cows with an individual SCC >150,000?cells/mL at the first herd test (p<0.001) Treatment with the short-acting dry-cow therapy was not associated with decreased odds of cows having a SCC >150,000?cells/mL at the first herd test compared with treatment with long-acting dry-cow therapy (OR=0.724; 95% CI=0.40–1.30).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this herd, which routinely used internal teat sealants, the use of short-acting cloxacillin-based dry-cow therapy did not result in an increased proportion of cows with elevated SSC post-calving. This was a single farm, single year study but indicates that in this herd, changing from a long-acting to a short-acting antimicrobial may have no impact on the prevalence of subclinical mastitis.     

Farm management factors associated with bulk tank somatic cell count in Irish dairy herds

The relationship between bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) and farm management and infrastructure was examined using data from 398 randomly selected, yet representative, Irish dairy farms where the basal diet is grazed grass. Median bulk tank SCC for the farms was 282,887 cells/ml ranging from 82,209 to 773,028 cells/ml. Two questionnaires were administered through face-to-face contact with each farmer. Herd-level factors associated with bulk tank SCC were determined using linear models with annual somatic cell score (i.e., arithmetic mean of the natural logarithm of bulk tank SCC) included as the dependent variable. All herd level factors were analysed individually in separate regression models, which included an adjustment for geographical location of the farm; a multiple regression model was subsequently developed. Management practices associated with low SCC included the use of dry cow therapy, participation in a milk recording scheme and the use of teat disinfection post-milking. There was an association between low SCC and an increased level of hygiene and frequency of cleaning of the holding yard, passageways and cubicles. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank SCC in Irish grazing herds are generally in agreement with most previous studies from confinement systems of milk production.     

Correlations among the somatic cell count of individual bulk milk, result of the California Mastitis Test and bacteriological status of the udder in dairy cows

In a survey of about 3000 dairy cows producing low somatic cell count (SCC) milk and kept on a large-scale dairy farm, California Mastitis Test (CMT) positivity was found in 2714 udder quarters of 1491 cows. Pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from 57.6% of these 2714 udder quarters during bacteriological examination. The commonest pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS, 41%) and Staphylococcus aureus (32.5%); however, udder infections caused by environmental streptococci (12.8%) and coliform bacteria (6.8%) were also common. All pathogens resulted in a significant increase of the SCC in individual bulk milk (IBM) samples. In the case of CNS, this SCC elevation in IBM was significantly lower than in the case of infection by the other pathogens. In spite of this, because of the high number of udder infections caused by CNS, the adverse effect exerted by CNS on dairy herds is considered to be substantial. It was found that 54.6% of all CMT-positive cows produced IBM of an SCC below 400 thousand per ml. The milk produced by 41% of the 315 cows excreting S. aureus also had an SCC below 400 thousand per ml. This poses a serious risk of infection to the healthy herdmates. At the same time, 11% of the infected cows produced IBM with an SCC below 100 thousand per ml. On the basis of these findings, only the regular analysis of SCC of IBM can be a reliable indicator of chronic intramammary infection. As the SCC of milk produced by CMT-positive cows (and especially of those excreting pathogens) tended to increase with advancing lactation, the authors suggest that an efficient drying-off therapy should be used to restore udder health and, whenever justified, culling of cows cannot be avoided either.     

Prevalence of staphylococcal species in four dairy herds

The prevalence of staphylococcal species isolated from bovine mammary glands was determined in four dairy herds. Staphylococcus aureus and S hyicus were the predominant organisms isolated from cows in a herd with a bulk milk somatic cell count (SCC) greater than 900 X 10(3). One herd with a bulk milk SCC of 565 X 10(3) had a high incidence of S aureus while the predominant coagulase-negative species were S epidermidis and S hyicus. S hyicus predominated in two herds with bulk milk SCC less than 200 X 10(3); prevalence of S aureus was low. The impact of herd management practices such as post-milking teat antisepsis on distribution of staphylococcal species is discussed.     

Efficacy of blanket treatment of cows and heifers with an internal teat sealant in reducing the risk of mastitis in dairy cattle calving on pasture

AIM: To evaluate the benefit of blanket treatment of all milking cows at drying-off and all replacement heifers one month prior to the planned start of mating with an internal teat sealant on the incidence of mastitis, and somatic cell counts (SCC), postpartum in a 650-cow herd with a mastitis incidence in early lactation of 15% in cows and 26% in heifers. METHODS: Prior to drying-off, lactating cattle were divided on the basis of SCC and mastitis history. Cattle with records of individual SCC >150,000 cells/ml or mastitis in the previous lactation were treated with a cloxacillin-based dry-cow therapy (DCT), while the remaining cattle received no antibiotics. Cattle in each of the two groups were then randomly assigned to receive either an internal teat sealant or no further treatment. Additionally, one month prior to the planned start of calving the rising 2-year-old heifers were also randomly assigned to receive either an internal teat sealant or no treatment. All clinical mastitis cases were recorded for the first 10 weeks after the start of calving, while SCC were measured on three occasions during the subsequent lactation. RESULTS: Data were available from 466 cows and 206 heifers; treatment with the internal teat sealant significantly reduced the incidence of mastitis in both groups. For cows, the reduced risk of mastitis due to treatment with the teat sealant was not significantly different between cows, which, based on their mastitis history, required dry-cow antibiotics and those which did not. There was no effect of teat sealant on the mean SCC of any group at any time-point. CONCLUSIONS: On this farm, treatment of all cows and heifers prior to parturition with an internal teat sealant significantly reduced the risk of clinical mastitis. The benefits of an internal teat sealant were the same when used in combination with antibiotics in cows with a history of mastitis as when used alone in cows with no such history. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data support the proposition that blanket treatment with an internal teat sealant of all cows due to enter the milking herd can be a useful method of mastitis control. They also suggest that combined therapy with dry-cow antibiotics and internal teat sealants can be beneficial under New Zealand conditions. More detailed research on more farms in more areas of New Zealand is required to confirm these suggestions.     

Surgical treatment of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes in three cows

The diagnosis of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes, a technique used for surgical removal of the fistulae, a method for connecting 2 complexes at the level of the teat cisterns, and complications observed after the procedures are described for 3 cows. All cows produced greater than 8,000 kg of milk during the lactation in which surgery was performed. The surgical procedure may be economically justified in cows that are high milk producers or have the genetic potential for high milk production.     

Prepartum teat apex colonization with Staphylococcus chromogenes in dairy heifers is associated with low somatic cell count in early lactation

A high number of dairy heifers freshen with udder health problems. The prevalence of teat apex colonization (TAC) with Staphylococcus chromogenes, one of the most widespread coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) in milk samples from freshly calved dairy heifers, was measured cross-sectionally in non-lactating heifers on eight commercial dairy farms in Belgium. The influence of age on this prevalence, and the association between teat apex colonization with S. chromogenes prepartum and quarter milk somatic cell count (SCC) in early lactation were studied. In total, 492 teat apices were sampled from 123 heifers. The age of the heifers varied from 8 to 34 months. Overall, 20% of the heifers had at least one teat apex colonized with S. chromogenes. Of all teats sampled, 10% were colonized with S. chromogenes. The chance of having at least one teat apex colonized with S. chromogenes increased with age of the heifer. The presence of prepartum teat apex colonization with S. chromogenes was not associated with intramammary infection (IMI) early postpartum with the same bacterium. On the contrary, teat apex colonization with S. chromogenes prepartum appeared to protect quarters in the first few days of lactation from having somatic cell count >or=200000cells/ml milk, commonly accepted as the threshold for intramammary infection.     

Effect of different hand-milking techniques on milk production and teat treatment in Zebu dairy cattle

The aim of the study was to test three different hand-milking techniques (“pull down”, “thumb in”, and “full hand grip”) and their effects on milk production and teat treatment. This is important since milk production in many tropical areas still rely on hand-milking. The study was carried out at a peri-urban farm in the Bobo-Dioulasso area in Burkina Faso. Twelve indigenous Zebu cows in early lactation were used in the study. The sequences of the treatments (hand-milking techniques) and the milkers were balanced for carry-over effects between successive periods and days, respectively. The sequences were constructed by using special Latin squares. Yield and composition of saleable milk was not affected by milking technique but there were differences between the milkers in milk yield. There was also a significant interaction for saleable milk yield between milker and milking technique. Hemoglobin in milk was measured as an indicator of teat damage. The hemoglobin content was numerically higher in post-milking strip milk samples than in saleable milk. It was concluded that the amount of milk removed depends mainly on the milker and how well the milking technique works for the individual milker. No effect of milking technique was observed on teat treatment.     

副乳头对奶牛生产性能的影响及其相关基因LGR5的遗传表达分析

试验旨在探究副乳头（SNT）对奶牛产奶性能的影响及乳腺发育相关基因LGR5与副乳头发生的关系。收集325头有副乳头奶牛及同年出生的737头无副乳头奶牛的产奶性能数据,比较有、无副乳头奶牛间的产奶性能差异;利用实时荧光定量PCR技术检测有、无副乳头奶牛LGR5基因的表达差异,通过直接测序法测定有、无副乳头奶牛的LGR5基因序列,寻找该基因上的遗传突变。结果表明,无副乳头奶牛的日产奶量、高峰奶量及泌乳持续力等产奶性能均优于有副乳头奶牛,但未达到统计学显著水平;LGR5基因在有副乳头奶牛中的表达量显著高于无副乳头奶牛（P<0.05）;在LGR5基因第1内含子中检测到3个SNPs：rs42849472、rs42849471和rs42849470,有副乳头奶牛中3个SNPs的AA基因型频率均极显著高于无副乳头奶牛（P<0.01）。结果提示,LGR5基因可能与奶牛副乳头发生有关,可作为有效的候选基因。     

河北省中国荷斯坦牛产奶和体型性状遗传参数分析

旨在探究河北省中国荷斯坦牛产奶和体型性状的遗传参数,为育种提供参考.本研究收集了2012-2018年河北省133个牛场8 891头中国荷斯坦母牛第一胎次的3个产奶性状记录(产奶量、乳脂率和乳蛋白率)和26个体型性状记录,利用DMU软件,以场年季、产犊月龄、鉴定年季和鉴定员效应为固定效应,以个体的加性遗传效应为随机效应,...     

地中海奶水牛乳房形态结构与泌乳性能的关联分析

本研究通过分析不同胎次乳房性状之间的相关性以及乳房性状与泌乳性能之间的相关性,建立地中海奶水牛乳房线性性状的入选主成分评估模型,为培育具有优良乳房性状的高产奶水牛提供参考。收集意大利牧场123头地中海水牛共1 107条生产记录信息,利用SAS 9.2 CORR过程进行相关性分析,运用PRINCOMP过程建立入选主成分评估模型。结果表明,1~4胎时,270 d泌乳量随着胎次的增加而增加;在1~2胎时,前乳头长与后乳头长呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）;3胎及3胎以上时,前乳头长与后乳头长呈显著正相关（P<0.05）;1~4胎时,乳区面积与前乳头距、前后乳头距、后乳头距呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,且前乳头距与后乳头距呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）;在≥ 4胎时,前后乳头距与泌乳量、乳蛋白量呈显著正相关（P<0.05）,并与乳脂量呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,同时乳区面积与泌乳性能呈显著正相关（P<0.05）;在第1~2、4胎及以上时,泌乳量、乳蛋白量和乳脂量之间呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）,且在第3胎时泌乳性能之间呈显著正相关（P<0.05）。入选主成分评估模型为：Y=0.2631x1+0.1186x2+0.0862x3+0.0796x4+0.1039x5+0.0042x6-6.9689,式中,x1,前乳头长;x2,后乳头长;x3,前乳头距;x4,前后乳头距;x5,后乳头距;x6,乳区面积。本研究进一步阐明了地中海奶水牛不同胎次乳房性状之间存在相关性,而乳房性状与泌乳性能之间的相关性受胎次的影响。     

On distinguishing cause and consequence: do high somatic cell counts lead to lower milk yield or does high milk yield lead to lower somatic cell count?

Researchers have reported that as milk yield increases composite milk somatic cell count (SCC) is diluted in cattle with no intramammary infection (IMI) and as a consequence, estimates of SCC from high yields are lower than estimates of SCC from low yields in dairy cows without an IMI. To date, estimates of reduced milk yield associated with high SCC because of intramammary infection have not been adjusted for any dilution of SCC. Ignoring dilution is therefore likely to lead to an overestimate of reduction in yield with increasing SCC. This paper investigates scenarios of the possible impact of dilution and inflammation on the association between somatic cell count and yield. The data used to investigate this relationship come from 8373 monthly records of milk yield and composite somatic cell count, together with incidence of clinical mastitis, which were recorded on 850 cows from five dairy cattle farms in Gloucestershire, UK. Two sets of models were used to investigate dilution and inflammation using two-level hierarchical models. The first set of models was used to estimate the linear (dilution) and log10-linear (inflammation) impact of SCC on the outcome variable milk yield. Five general linear models with increasing inclusion of higher test day SCC values were run. The cumulative categories were test day SCC values of up to and inclusive of 30, 50, 100, 200 and 400x10(3)cells/ml. Linear and log linear SCC influences on milk yield were estimated. At low SCC values the linear SCC predictor was dominant, while at higher values the log linear predictor was dominant. Up to 100x10(3)cells/ml there was mostly a slightly negative linear relationship between SCC and yield, potentially indicating a dilution effect. In the second set of models, three approaches to adjust milk loss for dilution were compared with an unadjusted model. In general, dilution-adjusted SCC values fitted the data better and resulted in a slightly lower milk loss per SCC category compared with unadjusted SCC. In all models with a dilution term there was a significant reduction in yield with SCC>200x10(3)cells/ml.     

Milk flow and udder health in cows after treatment of covered teat injuries via theloresectoscopy: 52 cases (2000-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine milk flow, somatic cell counts (SCCs), and the incidence of clinical mastitis in cows that had undergone theloresectoscopy for treatment of teat stenosis caused by mucosal detachment in the region of the streak canal or Fürstenberg's rosette. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 52 cows with teat stenosis that were treated via theloresectoscopy. PROCEDURE: Medical records of eligible cows were reviewed. Additional data regarding milking ease, SCC, development of clinical mastitis of the affected gland, and whether the cow remained in the herd were collected via owner-completed questionnaires. RESULTS: 49 of 52 questionnaires were completed. At referral, teat sinusitis was diagnosed in 29 of 52 cows. Milk flow was normal in 38 of 41 treated teats at discharge and in 24 of 40 during the next lactation. Thirteen of 49 cows were culled during the next lactation because of abnormal udder health. High SCC and teat sinusitis at referral and development of clinical mastitis during the 10-day period after surgery resulted in high SCCs in the remainder of the current lactation. The incidence of clinical mastitis during the remainder of the current and during the next lactation was higher in cows that had teat sinusitis at the time of surgery, compared with those that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Teat stenoses resulting from mucosal lesions in the region of the streak canal or Fürstenberg's rosette may be successfully treated via theloresectoscopy. Inflammation of the teat sinus and gland at the time of surgery may adversely affect udder health.     

The effect of a single prolonged milking interval on inflammatory parameters, milk composition and yield in dairy cows

A technical stop in automatic milking systems may result in a severely prolonged milking interval (PMI) with subsequent impact on milk somatic cell count (SCC). This study investigated the inflammatory reaction, milk composition and yield during SCC peak observed in composite milk after exposing cows to a single PMI of 24h. At the first milking after the PMI, a sharply increased proportion of milk polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) but marginally increased SCC were observed. The peak in SCC was not seen until morning milking day 2 after the PMI, notably, concomitantly with a decreased PMN proportion. An increase in blood lactose, milk bovine serum albumin and serum amyloid A (SAA) and a drop in milk alpha lactalbumin (ALA) were seen concomitantly with the peak in PMN. All parameters mentioned, had returned to base line after day 2. The changes in SCC and SAA had the longest duration. Lactate dehydrogenase in afternoon milk was decreased during the whole study as was also afternoon milk yield. Interleukin-1β could not be detected in milk at any time. SAA and ALA, respectively, may influence chemotaxis and the changed concentrations observed after the PMI might have contributed to the increased migration of PMN to milk.     

Culling of dairy cows. Part III. Effects of diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield on culling in Finnish Ayrshire cows

The effects of 15 diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield on culling were studied in 39 727 Finnish Ayrshire cows that calved in 1993 and were followed until culling or next calving. Survival analysis, using the Cox proportional hazards model, was performed with diseases, pregnancy status and milk yield as time-dependent covariates. Effects of parity, calving season and herd were also accounted for.

Pregnancy status was the single most influential factor affecting culling decisions, followed by milk yield. Several diseases also had a significant effect on culling, the most influential ones being mastitis, lameness, teat injuries, and milk fever. The effects of all of these factors varied according to the stage of lactation.

Milk yield had a significant effect on culling decisions, depending on the stage of lactation. At the beginning of lactation, milk production did not have any effect on culling decisions, but later on, the highest producers were at the lowest risk of being culled and the lowest producers had the highest risk. Adjusting for milk yield modified the effects of parity, most diseases and also pregnancy status on culling. Effects of parity increased after including milk yield in the model, indicating that milk yield and parity are interrelated in their effects on culling. The effects of pregnancy status also increased towards the end of lactation when milk yield was accounted for in the model. The effects of mastitis, teat injuries and lameness decreased after adjusting for milk production. These diseases lower milk yield and thus, part of their effect on culling was mediated through milk production. The effects of anestrus and ovarian cysts were mainly modified by pregnancy status, but not by milk yield. The effects of milk fever on culling increased at the beginning of lactation after including milk yield in the model. This suggests that even though cows with milk fever tend to be higher producers, it is the disease as such that triggers the culling decision early in the lactation. The changes in the effects of other diseases after adjusting for milk yield varied, depending on the disease and the stage of lactation.     

南方地区荷斯坦牛乳中体细胞数及乳房性状与泌乳性能相关性的研究

对192头成年荷斯坦牛乳中体细胞数及乳房性状与泌乳性能的相关性进行研究,结果表明:乳中体细胞数较高,9月份达到最高水平;乳房性状评分偏低。体细胞数与月产奶量、月乳脂产量及月乳蛋白产量等性状有极显著负相关(p<0.01),与乳脂率和乳蛋白含量无显著相关关系(p>0.05);后乳房宽度与月产奶量、月乳脂产量及乳蛋白产量有极显著正相关(p<0.01)。