What Steps Can I Take to Reduce Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in My Herd?

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) is a critical indicator of milk quality and udder health in dairy cows. High SCC levels not only suggest the presence of mastitis but can also lead to significant financial losses due to decreased milk quality and production. Maintaining a low SCC is essential for improving both the profitability of your dairy operation and the well-being of your cows.

In this article, I will explain practical steps you can take to reduce SCC in your herd, drawing from my veterinary expertise and experience in dairy health management.

Understanding Somatic Cell Count (SCC)

Somatic cells are primarily white blood cells that increase in number when a cow’s udder becomes infected, most commonly due to mastitis. A healthy cow typically has an SCC below 100,000 cells per millilitre of milk. An SCC over 200,000 often indicates subclinical mastitis, while levels above 400,000 are cause for serious concern.

The key to reducing SCC is not just treating infections but also preventing them from occurring. By focusing on management practices and hygiene, you can significantly lower SCC levels and improve overall milk quality.

Steps to Reduce SCC in Dairy Herds

1. Maintain Excellent Milking Hygiene
   • Pre-Milking Teat Preparation: Clean the cow’s teats before milking to remove dirt and bacteria. Use an approved pre-dip or sanitising solution and ensure it is thoroughly wiped off before attaching the milking unit. Clean, dry teats reduce the likelihood of bacteria entering the udder. This process facilitates milk let-down and ensures optimum milking. 
   • Post-Milking Teat Disinfection: After milking, apply a post-dip solution to each teat to kill any remaining bacteria on the skin surface. This prevents bacteria from entering the udder after milking, particularly when the teat canal remains open.
2. Improve Milking Techniques
   • Consistent Milking Routine: Establish a consistent milking routine, including milking at regular intervals. This minimises stress on the cows, which can help improve immune function and reduce susceptibility to infections.
   • Milking Machine Maintenance: Ensure that milking machines are properly maintained and calibrated. Faulty machines can damage teats, increasing the risk of infection and elevating SCC levels.
3. Monitor and Treat Mastitis Promptly
   • Regular SCC Testing: Conduct routine individual SCC tests to identify cows with elevated counts, which may indicate subclinical mastitis. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing the infection from spreading and reducing long-term impacts on milk production.
   • Treatment Protocols: Cows with high SCC levels should be examined and treated according to veterinary guidance. Depending on the severity of the infection, this may involve the use of intramammary antibiotics or other mastitis treatments.
4. Maintain a Clean Environment
   • Clean Bedding and Housing: Dirty, damp bedding breeds bacteria, increasing the risk of mastitis and higher SCC levels. Regularly clean and replace bedding materials to maintain a dry, clean environment.
   • Ventilation: Proper shed ventilation helps reduce humidity and keeps cows dry, reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth and infection.
5. Improve Cow Comfort and Welfare
   • Minimise Stress: Cows that are stressed are more susceptible to infections, including mastitis. To minimise stress levels, ensure that your herd has access to comfortable, clean resting areas and avoid overcrowding.
   • Provide Adequate Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements supports immune function, making cows more resistant to infections. Work with a nutritionist to ensure your cows receive proper nutrition for optimal udder health.
6. Cull Chronic Cases
   • Chronic Mastitis Cows: Cows that repeatedly suffer from mastitis or consistently have high SCC levels may need to be culled to protect the rest of the herd. Chronic mastitis cases can serve as a reservoir of infection, increasing the risk of new cases within the herd.
7. Implement a Dry Cow Management Program
   • Dry Cow Therapy: At the end of lactation, treat cows with appropriate dry cow therapy to cure any existing subclinical infections and prevent new ones during the dry period. This therapy helps reduce SCC levels when the cow returns to production after calving.
   • Teat Sealants: Consider using internal or external teat sealants during the dry period to protect the teat canal from bacterial invasion, further reducing the risk of mastitis and high SCC levels.
8. Work with Your Veterinarian
   • Herd Health Monitoring: Regular collaboration with a veterinarian ensures that your herd’s health is monitored effectively. A vet can advise on mastitis prevention strategies, treatment protocols, and SCC management tailored to your specific operation.
   • Vaccination Programs: In consultation with your veterinarian, consider implementing vaccination programs targeting common pathogens that cause mastitis, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

The Impact of Low SCC on Milk Quality and Profitability

By lowering SCC in your herd, you’ll see a direct improvement in milk quality. Lower SCC means fewer somatic cells in the milk, leading to higher-quality milk with a longer shelf life and better taste. Many milk buyers and processors offer premium prices for milk with low SCC, so investing in prevention and management strategies is a wise financial decision.

Additionally, cows with low SCC are generally healthier, experience fewer cases of mastitis, and produce more milk. A healthy herd is a productive herd, making SCC reduction a key factor in maintaining profitability.

Achieving and maintaining a low SCC in your dairy herd is essential for improving milk quality, boosting production, and ensuring herd health. If you’re looking for expert guidance on reducing SCC and improving overall udder health, FarmLab Diagnostics is here to help. Our specialised testing and diagnostic services provide valuable insights into herd health, helping you take the right steps to achieve optimal results. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can support your dairy farm’s success.