Herd Level Information and Bulk Tank Milk Analysis

Tools for lmproving Milk Quality and Herd Udder Health

Authors

  • Bhushan M. Jayarao Department of Veterinary Science, 111 Henning Bldg., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
  • Shreekumar R. Pillai Department of Veterinary Science, 111 Henning Bldg., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
  • David R. Wolfgang Department of Veterinary Science, 111 Henning Bldg., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
  • David R. Griswold Department of Veterinary Science, 111 Henning Bldg., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
  • Lawerencee J. Hutchinson Department of Veterinary Science, 111 Henning Bldg., Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol35no1p23-35

Keywords:

bovine mastitis, dairy herds, mammary glands, milk, milk collection, milk hygiene, milk quality, milk tanks, somatic cell count, udders

Abstract

When milk produced on a farm is examined for bacteriological milk quality and mastitis causing bacteria, it can disclose descriptive information about the general udder health status of the herd, milk hygiene and milking practices on the farm. Many dairy producers periodically receive information about their bulk tank milk with reference to standard plate counts and bulk tank somatic cell counts. Some dairy producers also receive a report on preliminary incubation counts. This information, when collected over a period of time, in combination with bulk tank mastitis culture reports can become a significant knowledge base. This comprehensive data, when interpreted in context with the farm's management practices, provides a rationale to determine current and potential milk quality and mastitis problems in a herd. This paper describes the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting bulk tank milk microbiology test results, and utilizing the information to make decisions on improving udder health of the herd and improving milk quality.

Cover image of Volume 35, No. 1 of the Bovine Practitioner: a herd of dairy cattle waiting in a milking barn

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Published

2001-01-01

How to Cite

Jayarao, B. M., Pillai, S. R., Wolfgang, D. R., Griswold, D. R., & Hutchinson, L. J. (2001). Herd Level Information and Bulk Tank Milk Analysis: Tools for lmproving Milk Quality and Herd Udder Health. The Bovine Practitioner, 35(1), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol35no1p23-35

Issue

Vol. 35, No. 1 (2001 January)

Section

Articles