New results out show that the average somatic cell count (SCC) in the U.S. dairy herd has dropped. Each year, test-day data from all herds enrolled in Dairy Herd Improvement somatic cell count testing in the United States are examined to assess milk quality on a national basis.
During 2010, the SCC in DHI herds averaged 228,000. This compares to 233,000 in 2009; 262,000 in 2008; 276,000 in 2007; 288,000 in 2006; and 296,000 in 2005. Thirty-two states and Puerto Rico had lower average SCC than the previous year; 14 states had higher averages. A few Mexican herds tested through the U.S. system were included for the first time.
Variation among states remains large, ranging from 170,000 (Idaho) to 421,000 (Arkansas). State average SCC was lower than the national average for mountain and western states, and often higher for southeastern states. Differences between adjacent states were substantial, which suggests that herd size and mastitis control practices, including genetic selection, are impacting state differences as well.
The current federal SCC regulatory limit in the U.S. is 750,000, except in California where it is 600,000. In many other major dairy countries, the SCC limit is 400,000.
Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection