The Milk Producer - February 2012 - (Page 30)

RESEARCH By Natalie Osborne Taking control New study shows CanWest DHI program offers advantage in managing bulk tank somatic cell counts M vid Kelton collaborated with CanWest DHI and Dr. Karen Hand of Strategic Solutions Inc. to analyse bulk tank SCC data from 4,084 Ontario dairy herds. They compared the bulk tank SCCs of herds enrolled in DHI to those not in the program. They found DHI herds had significantly lower bulk tank SCC values and a decreased risk of incurring a penalty. The study aimed to quantify the benefits of DHI’s monitoring program on SCCs, an indicator of udder health and milk quality. An individual cow with high SCCs indicates it has subclinical or clinical mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland, and is producing lowquality milk. On the other hand, bulk tank SCC data provide an overall picture of your entire herd’s milk quality. Producers receive bulk tank SCC information from Dairy Farmers of Ontario, which analyses their bulk tank samples on each pick-up. The samples are then analysed for various milk parameters, including SCC. Among the herds in the study, 2,898 were enrolled in DHI programs, and received additional data based on monthly milk samples Bulk tank SCC data can provide an overall picture submitted for each cow. The data help producers of your entire herd’s milk quality. 30 | February 2012 | MilkPRODUCER aintaining low bulk tank somatic cell counts ensures your cows produce highquality milk. However, closely monitoring individual cow SCC data can save you money by identifying costly subclinical diseases, such as mastitis. This is especially important since the new SCC regulatory limit of 400,000 takes effect Aug. 1. Currently, 75 per cent of Ontario’s dairy herds are enrolled in DHI programs. Population medicine professor Da- identify and manage specific animals that are contributing to elevated bulk tank SCCs. “A penalty is given when three out of four bulk tank SCC values exceed the acceptable threshold level. Producers with multiple infractions receive increased fines and risk being shut off from selling their milk,” says Kelton. “Since Ontario’s regulatory SCC limit is being lowered from 500,000 to 400,000 this August, effectively managing bulk tank SCC is more important than ever.” Kelton and his team calculated the odds of bulk tank SCCs exceeding the threshold, and the risk of incurring a penalty at current and future regulatory limits. They concluded bulk tank SCC values for DHI herds were 30 per cent less likely to exceed the 500,000 limit than non-DHI herds. They were also 28 per cent less likely to exceed the new 400,000 threshold, and 30 per cent less likely to incur a penalty under the new regulations. “The individualized SCC information provided by DHI’s services can help producers identify subclinical animals and make informed decisions on which cows to treat, withhold or cull to maintain acceptable bulk tank SCCs,” says Kelton. “Overall, the DHI programs improve both cow and herd management.” Natalie Osborne is a student writer with the University of Guelph’s office of research. Funding has been provided by CanWest DHI.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - February 2012

The Milk Producer - February 2012
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
Industry Roundup
DFC Promotion
Research
Ruminations
Alternative Energy
Calf Health
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - February 2012