DHIA -enter, Orchard Road, University Park, PA 16802 Question: Several months ago we moved into a new parlor. Our somatic cell rose shortly after and now we cannot make premium. Any comments would be appreci ated. I paid a visit to this farm soon after they called me. I do not pretend to be a milk systems expert and totally anticipated that the new system had a thor ough inspection of operation. The purpose of my visit was to try to match the physical obser vations of factors that could influence SCC with the statisti cal information from PA DHIA. I felt that if a connection could be made then we would stand a chance of resolving the problem. First, let us discuss a few of the statistics involved with the rise in SCC. The following is a chart that was prepared using their test day information. Keep in mind that the bulk tank LSCC is a linear score of the total tank SCC and is the result of milk pounds times somatic cell count. The average LSCC is the linear score of each cow with no influence of milk pounds. This number represents the infection level of the herd and not the total cells in the tank. The total cells in the bulk tank increases by 118% but the average LSCC of each cow increased by 73%. This certainly provides us with a clue that Month Bulk Tank SCC Bulk Tank LSCC Averai 199,000 Feb Mar. 180,000 April 145.000 July 316.000 much of the developing prob lems is with the highest milk producers and more important ly, the early lactation cows. These will be the hardest cows to lower SCC levels in due to greater milk flow and higher levels of stress. I could now focus on factors that would influence the early stages of lactation. Normally, I look for changes in dry cow pro cedures, treatments, and hous ing. I never got that far on this particular visit because it was milking time when I got to the farm. I usually avoid farm visits during this time due to the dairyman’s schedule, but SCC increases can be affected some times by little things done in the parlor. It appeared as though something strange was going on as I stood and observed. I com mented to the milker that things were very quiet. He said he liked things that way and continued with the milking chores. My wife happened to be along on this visit for the first time since my working for PA DHIA. She asked me why each cow kicked 3.99 3.84 3.48 4.84 at the milker unit as it was com ing off. I looked and could see that the teat ends were dam aged. White rings had formed around the sphincter muscle and the teat ends were inverted outward in a star-like appear ance. These were classic signs of overmilking I then watched as units were being attached on the other side of the parlor. The cows had good letdown but the milk hoses hung full of milk from claw to floor. Right then, I knew what was wrong - the vacuum break air inlets were plugged. This explained the quiet nature of the parlor. We proceeded down the line and found that 20 to 24 units had this problem. We left with recommenda tions that the wash system be re-evaluated to insure cleaning of the air holes in the barrel of the milking claw. I also stated that the outside sanitation of the claw was important and rou tine checks should be in place to »eLS 2.18 2.48 2.16 2.89 Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, November 27, 1999-AlB ensure correct system operation. We laughed as we apologized for making the parlor noisier with the psst-psst sound of properly working milking claws It was also suggested that my wife would make a good partner for my farm visits. Needless to say, she has declined. Matching up statistical data from our cows with physical evi dence at the farm is invaluable for problem solving. Although clogged air inlets may not be the only problem here, nothing else could work without fixing that first. Del Val Sets Spring Sale DOYLESTOWN (Bucks Co.) This spring, Delaware Valley College’s Dairy Soc iety has scheduled a consignment sale entitled “The Green and Gold Spring Spectacular.” The first annual consignment sale is sche duled Saturday, April 1, at noon in the Equest rian Center on the campus. The sale will feature approximately 50 head of topnotch Holsteins, 20 Jerseys, and promising embryos. Auctioneer will be col lege alumnus David Rama of The Cattle Exchange. The society is accepting consignments of all ages, but preferably show age animals. Classifiable animals should be at least 80 points. Two-year-old Jerseys should be milk ing at least 13,000 pounds of milk. For mature Jerseys, the society is looking for animals that milk at least 15,000 pounds. For the Holsteins, 2-year-olds should be producing 18,000 pounds of milk. Mature cows should be producing 20,000 pounds of milk. For heifers and calves, the animal should be out of at least an 80-point dam. All animals should be breed average or higher in milk components. General health papers and pedigrees are requited. For more information or to consign ani mals, contact Amanda Shahan at (215) 489-4416, Biyan Champluvier at (215) 489-4497, or Jarrod Burleigh at (215) 489-4470. Dairyman To Dairyman GLORGKCUDOC PA DHIA Consulting Dainman
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