ANIMAL SCIENCE 435 ASSIGNMENT # 5 ON MILK QUALITY
We have examined some key areas and metrics that relate to different areas and monitors of
milk quality and somatic cell counts in a herd (test day weighted average, linear score average,
% high SCC animals, breakdown of SCC by lactation groups ( and a $ loss value) and current
test day age and stage of lactation profile, including fresh cow performance). We’ve also
examined some key PCDART graphs that focus on new infections and infection dynamics, fresh
cows, and dry cow therapy/ dynamics.
Assignment 5: Examine, report, and forecast the SCC of your case study herd looking and
discussing all the parameters and metrics we mentioned.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How has the herd performed in the past year?
How is the herd currently performing?
Is performance getting better or worse?
What thoughts or recommendations might you have?
Look into your crystal ball and forecast future milk quality (SCC)(what do you think?)
Submit this as a MS Word document that includes:
1. Your name
2. Herd name and any goals related to milk quality / SCC for herd
3. Date of test, # of cows, and breed (for those who have herds with multiple breeds and
DHI 202’s on them, either pick one breed or do the whole herd together. If you are
illustrious, do each of the breeds separate.
4. Look at the milk quality on the DHI 202 herd summary from many metrics. Make
comments on all the metrics and highlight where they are doing well and where you
have concerns.
5. If this herd has problem cows, do you think it is contagious, environmental, or both
types of mastitis? How do you know or how would you confirm?
6. Using PCDART herd graphs, how has this herd done on milk quality over the past 4
years?
7. Attach these 3 cow graphs ( DIM vs SCC score but graph should only contain animals <
35 DIM; PREV SCC v CURRENT SCC; and Prlc LAST SCC v 1st SCC). All graphs should show
data by lactations all on 1 graph(1st, 2nd, and 3 or greater); and define where you put
your crosshairs (what level SCC you believe is a problem). Each graph should state the %
of animals or the herd in each quadrant or different area on the graphs. Finally, make a
comment about the graphs and herd.
Due date: Wednesday Feb 18, 1 pm (in class)