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 cm(3) of milk (ranging from 63 000 to 631 000). In the period from July to September a higher SCC (P less than or equal to 0.01) was found than in the other months. In herds of more than 15 cows, higher SCC values (P less than or equal to 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.