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Cow, farm, and herd management factors in the dry period associated with raised somatic cell counts in early lactation

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Green, M. J., Bradley, Andrew J., Medley, Graham and Browne, W. J.. (2008) Cow, farm, and herd management factors in the dry period associated with raised somatic cell counts in early lactation. Journal of Dairy Science, Vol.91 (No.4). pp. 1403-1415. ISSN 0022-0302

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0621

Abstract

This study investigated cow characteristics, farm facilities, and herd management strategies during the dry period to examine their joint influence on somatic cell counts (SCC) in early lactation. Data from 52 commercial dairy farms throughout England and Wales were collected over a 2-yr period. For the purpose of analysis, cows were separated into those housed for the dry period (6,419 cow-dry periods) and those at pasture (7,425 cow-dry periods). Bayesian multilevel models were specified with 2 response variables: ln SCC (continuous) and SCC >199,000 cells/mL (binary), both within 30 d of calving. Cow factors associated with an increased SCC after calving were parity, an SCC >199,000 cells/mL in the 60 d before drying off, increasing milk yield 0 to 30 d before drying off, and reduced DIM after calving at the time of SCC estimation. Herd management factors associated with an increased SCC after calving included procedures at drying off, aspects of bedding management, stocking density, and method of pasture grazing. Posterior predictions were used for model assessment, and these indicated that model fit was generally good. The research demonstrated that specific dry-period management strategies have an important influence on SCC in early lactation.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) > Biological Sciences ( -2010)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Somatic cells, Milk yield -- Great Britain, Dairy farming -- Great Britain, Lactation
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Dairy Science
Publisher:	American Dairy Science Association
ISSN:	0022-0302
Date:	April 2008
Volume:	Vol.91
Number:	No.4
Page Range:	pp. 1403-1415
Identification Number:	10.3168/jds.2007-0621
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	Wellcome Trust (London, England), Milk Development Council (Great Britain) (MDC)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/670