Somatic cell count (SCC) is a key measurement for understanding the status of a cow’s udder health, including the prevalence and incidence of subclinical mastitis. Intramammary infection (IMI) significantly influences milk SCCs.
As discussed in one of our last insights1, there is a relationship between cow longevity and SCC values: this relationship also affects the economic sustainability of dairy farms. Thus, in addition to their potential as indicators of the udder health status, SCC represents a parameter for economic decisions on farms.
One of the hardest challenges on dairy farms is the risk of chronically high SCC values in lactating cows2,3. How can we define these cows?
Chronically high SCC values in some cows are confusingly similar to those related to subclinical mastitis, but they are actually different.
In addition to high SCC scores for more than four months, these cows do not show clinical signs of mastitis, but they can relapse (if mastitis has occurred in previous lactations). Alternatively, they are multiparous and usually highly producing cows in late lactation (7 or 8 months after calving), with possible intra-mammary tissue stress.
In this case, an antibiotic treatment would be ineffective because the SCC would immediately decrease under the threshold level, but then increase again after a few days because the teat tissue is still not improved. The only solution would be culling these animals.
Regardless of chronically high SCC values, microbial and non-microbial factors often cause udder tissue stress. When this happens, it results in a loss of tissue functionality and productivity4.
Intra-mammary infections can exploit this condition, further damaging the udder tissue.
Observable and detectable signs of mastitis (milk flakes, high SCCs, changes in the EC, etc.) will alert us to the problem, and milk cultures will guide us toward suitable therapies.
In case of infections, we typically seek solutions that kill bacteria – pre and post-dipping products as prevention, and antibiotics to cure mastitis. However, these solutions can also cause add stress to tissue health.
Obviously, once udder tissue is damaged, there is a reduction in the quantity and activity of epithelial cells, and a decrease in milk production follows. Also, we would see an increase in SCCs in the milk.
Is there any tool that can support the dairy farmer to manage udder stress and reduce somatic cell counts?
Yes, and it was created by OZOLEA and it is called OZOLEA-MAST.
Depending on the causes leading to high SCCs, OZOLEA-MAST allows the mammary tissue to autonomously regenerate, thus improving udder functionality. The result of tissue regeneration is a reduction in epithelial flaking (flaking cells) and a better defensive action against pathogens. This is due to better performance of the improved tissue condition.
To support the efficacy of OZOLEA-MAST at its best, OZOLEA provides dairy farmers with the right protocol in this situation (Protocol M3 – Udder, lactation: chronically high somatic cell count). In this case, the SCC will gradually decrease over time. Thus, repeating the protocol twice would help further reduce SCC, while continuing shipping the milk.
OZOLEA-MAST is a harmless, effective, safe and sustainable solution for any dairy farmer5.
1 Improve SCCs in your dairy cows to extend longevity.
https://www.ozolea.it/improve-sccs-in-your-dairy-cows-to-extend-longevity/
2Dealing with chronically high SCCs in dairy cows.
https://www.ozolea.it/dealing-with-chronically-high-sccs-in-dairy-cows/
3 Dealing with chronically high SCC in lactating cows.
https://hoards.com/blog-29605-dealing-with-chronically-high-scc-in-lactating-cows.html
4 Udder tissue deserves support and protection for more productive dairy cows.
5 OZOLEA: harmless, safe, effective, sustainable solutions for the fight against AMR.
