High Bulk Tank Bacteria Counts Without Udder Disease in Two Dairy Herds

Abstract

I have been interested in mastitis control in dairy herds for many years. Until recently, however, I did not concern myself with high bulk tank bacteria counts, unless leukocytes were also elevated. I was convinced that if leukocyte counts were normal, then high bacteria counts were due to either improper sanitation of milk handling equipment, or improper cooling of the milk. I reasoned that if the cows themselves were not involved, then high bacteria counts were not the concern of the herd veterinarian.