Lower your SCC with cleaner cows

Many producers could lower their somatic cell count (SCC) simply by keeping their cows cleaner.

If environmental mastitis pathogens are a problem, you may be able to lower your herd average SCC by 40,000 to 50,000 just by improving cow cleanliness by one unit cleanliness score. To score your cows in this matter, go to the following Web site: www.ansci.umn.edu/dairy/toolbox/toolbox.htm

Once at the Web site, scroll down the list of worksheets until you get to “cow cleanliness scorecard.” You will need Adobe Acrobat software to view the file.

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