Dairy farmers were today warned that their favourite and most productive cows could be their costliest. This came at the launch of a new decision-making tool that helps farmers identify the true costs and likelihood of curing high somatic cell count (SCC) cows.
MDC extension officer Hugh Black, who specialises in mastitis, explained that high SCC cows with a patchy production history, fertility problems or health issues were often culled early as a matter of course. But high SCCs in more productive cows that may be held to first service every time, had many heifer calves or were otherwise very healthy, were often overlooked.
"It's only human nature that a blind eye is turned to what can be your favourite animals, as they cause relatively few problems other than their high cell counts," said Mr Black. "But the truth is that many cows with high cell counts have a history of the problem and are costing significant amounts in treatment, withdrawn milk, spread of infection to other animals and possibly even in leaving female progeny that will inherit the high SCC problem."
The High SCC Cow Decision Support Tool works out the likely cost of treating a high SCC cow, as well as predicting the chance of a cure from the disease (in percentage terms) during lactation.
Mr Black added that the tool was extremely user-friendly, and best used in conjunction with the vet to help farmers rank cows as part of the decision-making process.
"The tool works by scoring the cow in six categories, including lactation number, cow history of SCC and udder condition, for example the presence of lumps or swelling," he said.
"Using additional information - such as the cost of treatment, yield of the cow and the milk withdrawal period - the tool can then predict the likelihood of the cow being cured and the estimated total cost of treatment. This figure is shown as average, minimum or maximum figures. "
Mr Black concluded: "Both the cure rate and costs are estimates based on historical data and are most effective when used to rank cows when deciding how or whether to treat them."
To order the tool, call the MDC publications line on 01285 646510 or email publications@mdc.org.uk. More information about the tool can also be found on the website www.mdc.org.uk by selecting Farm Management, R&D, then cattle health and welfare.
