<p>Een laag celgetal is een belangrijke indicator voor een goede uiergezondheid en melkkwaliteit. Een verhoogd celgetal kan wijzen op een ontstekingsreactie in de uier en gaat vaak samen met een lagere melkproductie.</p> <p>Voor melkveehouders is het daarom belangrijk om een stijgend of hoog celgetal tijdig te signaleren en naar de mogelijke oorzaak te zoeken.</p> <p>Naast uiergezondheid verdienen ook voeding, voeropname, koecomfort en spijsvertering aandacht. Een goed functionerende pens en darmflora helpen de koe om voedingsstoffen uit het rantsoen optimaal te benutten.</p> <p><a href="/producten/bioaktiv-salis-r-voor-melkvee">BioAktiv Salis-R</a> wordt bij melkvee toegepast ter ondersteuning van de spijsvertering en voerbenutting.</p>
The somatic cell count indicates the number of body cells per milliliter of milk. These cells consist mainly of white blood cells and, to a small extent, of shed cells from the udder tissue.
Even milk from a healthy udder always contains cells. When an inflammatory response occurs within a quarter of an hour, the number of white blood cells increases sharply and the cell count rises.
An elevated individual somatic cell count is therefore an important indication that there may be an udder infection or inflammatory process.
In addition, the cell count can vary depending on factors such as the stage of lactation, age, and other farm- and animal-related factors. A single measurement should therefore always be evaluated in the proper context.
An elevated somatic cell count warrants attention because it provides information about udder health and the quality of the milk produced.
A rising or chronically elevated cell count may indicate inflammation in one or more quarters. Subclinical mastitis may also be present without any immediately apparent external symptoms.
An elevated somatic cell count and mastitis can lead to a loss of production. Damage to milk-producing udder tissue can cause a cow to produce less milk.
A high somatic cell count can also affect the composition and processability of milk. For this reason, the somatic cell count is an important quality parameter in dairy farming.
Udder health problems can lead to lost production, additional labor, diagnostic testing, and potential treatment costs. Effective udder health management is therefore important from both an animal health and a business management perspective.
There is no single measure that can reduce every high cell count. First, it is necessary to determine the cause of the increase.
A number of aspects deserve special attention in this regard:
A good milking routine helps reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. Work with clean udders and teats, and ensure proper pre- and post-milking care in accordance with the applicable milking protocol.
It is also important to have a milking system that functions properly and is correctly adjusted.
Track individual cell counts and monitor changes between consecutive milk tests.
If cell counts are elevated, additional testing can help determine which quarter is affected and whether an infection is present. If mastitis is suspected, it is important to follow the farm health plan and consult with the veterinarian.
A dairy cow needs sufficient energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber to stay healthy and produce milk.
Nutrition is not the only factor that determines udder health, but a well-balanced diet does provide an important foundation for the cow’s overall condition and immunity.
A clean and comfortable resting area helps limit the exposure of weaned calves to environmental bacteria.
Therefore, pay attention to the hygiene of the cubicles, the bedding used, ventilation, and sufficient resting space for the cows.
The dry period is an important time for udder health in the next lactation.
The approach must be tailored to the udder health of individual animals and the farm’s protocol. Decisions regarding any treatment should be made based on relevant animal data and in consultation with the veterinarian.
Genetic predisposition also plays a role. When selecting breeding stock, traits related to udder health and somatic cell count can be taken into account.
In the long term, selection can thus contribute to a more robust livestock population.
In addition to udder health management, good digestion is important for the overall performance of dairy cattle.
The rumen plays a central role in the digestive process of cattle. Microorganisms in the rumen break down a large portion of the feed ingested, after which nutrients become available to the cow.
A consistent diet, adequate fiber content, and good feed intake support a healthy rumen.
It is important not to treat udder health and digestion as the same problem. Good digestion supports overall health and nutrient utilization, but an elevated somatic cell count always requires specific attention to udder health.
For dairy cattle, BioAktiv offers BioAktiv Salis-R.
BioAktiv Salis-R can be administered via feed or drinking water and is used to support digestion and feed efficiency in cattle.
A healthy digestive system helps cows make the best possible use of the nutrients in their diet. This is important for the overall health and performance of high-yielding dairy cattle.
BioAktiv Salis-R should be viewed as part of an overall management strategy. When cell counts are high, udder health, milking technique, hygiene, housing, and animal health, among other factors, remain important areas of focus.
Want to learn more about caring for young cattle? Check out our information on young cattle.
A good operating result is achieved by combining various factors. Nutrition, digestion, udder health, cow comfort, hygiene, and management all work together to influence the performance of dairy cattle.
If you have an elevated cell count, it is important to first determine the possible cause and take appropriate measures.
Would you like to know how BioAktiv Salis-R can be incorporated into the feeding regimen and management of your dairy farm? Please contact us. We’d be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
