Udder Cleanliness and Somatic Cell Count

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

USU Dairy Extension Newsletter

Volume

27

Issue

5

Publication Date

2004

Abstract

I am always concerned when I visit dairies and see dirty cows. Dirty cows are an indicator of udder health problems. The French reported a study where they categorized commercial dairies on the basis of 5 levels from clean to very dirty. Not surprisingly, there was a linear relationship between increased somatic cell count and dirty udders. Others have found similar relationships. I believe most dairy farmers won't argue too strongly over whether this association is real, but they may not look at the situation in a systematic, measurable way. I always like cheap, easy and useful management tools to assess different aspects of a dairy. This article describes a quick, easy way to determine the cleanliness score for the cows on your dairy.

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