In Wisconsin, the mean bulk tank SCC was 335,117 and 492,844 for grade A and B milk respectively, from 1995 through 1998. Herds with positive antibiotic residue had a SCC that averaged at least 100,000 more SCC than herds without drug residues. In fact, they observed that the risk of antibiotic residue increased when the bulk tank SCC exceeded 400,000. The Wisconsin scientists concluded that programs directed at reducing the level of subclinical mastitis on dairy farms may have an additional benefit of reducing the risk of antibiotic residue violations. None of these data consider the effect of subclinical mastitis on milk secreting cells and the cows lost capability to produce milk, nor do they consider the smaller milk check because the herd does not qualify for a quality premium.
Milk cows with clean, dry teats and teat ends.
Provide an environment that allows cows to remain clean between milkings. Prevent transfer of pathogens from cow to cow during milking. Use proper milking procedures. Prevent injury to teats during milking. Use a properly designed and maintained milking system.