Click on the individual areas for detailed information
Block B
Raw somatic cell scores are converted to linear scores on the left side of the block. The reasons for this are:
- linear scores can be directly related to a production loss as shown in the RELATIONSHIP OF LINEAR SCORE AND ESTIMATED MILK LOSS box
- linear scores have a high repeatability (less variable) from month to month
- the average linear score gives a better picture of a lactation than average raw somatic cell counts
- linear scores are more manageable.
The second part of this block is the RELATIONSHIP OF LINEAR SCORE AND ESTIMATED MILK LOSS. Utilizing research published by Robert Miller, USDA Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, milk losses at various Linear Scores (LSCR) are provided. These values are derived from Miller's analysis of 1.3 million DHI records of cows completing records from 1995 to 2002. Individual herd responses to lowering LSCR may vary based on a number of factors. For example, a herd may dramatically lower their LSCR and not have a production increase if the biggest limitation to their production is a nutrition issue. In this case, solving the nutrition problem will unlock the gain from reducing subclinical mastitis.
Block D
The High Somatic Cell Cows lists those cows in your herd with sub-clinical mastitis. These cows all have a SCC greater than 200,000 (linear score 4). The R indicates the cow is chronically infected (two or more consecutive test days over 200,000). The N means this is a new infection occurring in the current lactation. These cows are highlighted in red.
Cows with new infections should be cultured in order to identify the causative agent as contagious or environmental and further specify the pathogenic species to most effectively devise a treatment plan for the cow. AgSource offers the means to your objective with individual cow culturingfor suspect Staphylococcus aureus infected cows.
The %OF TOTAL CELL indicates the percent contribution each infected cow makes to your bulk tank. These cows have the most effect on the milk quality premiums you receive. Be aware that individual somatic cell counts will vary from day to day. Culling the top three cows on this list will not necessarily mean your herd's SCC will drop by the cumulative contribution of those cows. AgSource's UHM Cow List is a much better tool for identifying chronic subclinically infected cows for treatment or sale.
Block E
This section profiles your herd by average linear score, new and high infections and estimated milk loss.
The average linear score and weighted SCC for your herd may indicate seasonality of infection or highlight extreme outlier test days. Review these numbers for the last 15 tests to determine if you are making progress towards improved udder health and milk quality. Compare the linear score and SCC of your herd (top number) to the top 10% of AgSource herds (bottom number).
The first section in this block is the MONTHLY LINEAR SCORE DISTRIBUTION and shows up to 15 tests completed in the last 365 days. The DISTRIBUTION % of linear scores is a unique tool for monitoring progress in udder health management. Monitoring changes in the distribution of linear scores within the herd can provide short-term assurance that you are making progress toward the long-term goal of lowering the herd average linear score. The percent of cows infected with mastitis is the sum of those with linear scores 4 and 5 and greater.
The second section is the ESTIMATED INFECTION RATE PRODUCTION LOSS and contains information specific to each test day. CURRENT TEST identifies the number and percent of cows on that test with a linear score greater than 4.0. The %NEW is the percent of the entire herd which was previously not infected but is now infected. The HIGH column includes all cows with linear scores greater than 4.0. The %HIGH indicates the percent of the herd infected with mastitis.
FIRST TEST data identifies the cows with a linear score greater than 4.0 on their first test after calving. The FIRST TEST % INFECTED is reported as the percent of all cows, not those just fresh. High numbers of cows infected at the first test indicate a problem in the dry cow or freshening areas.
The number of cows infected and the severity of those infections determines the ESTIMATED MILK LOSS. This is the estimate of milk pounds and associated value lost to poor milk quality each month. The value is determined by using your reported milk price or the average milk price reported by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection and multiplying it by the milk pounds lost.
Improving udder health is a two year process. Reviewing your herd's distribution of linear scores and new and high infections can help determine the progress of your herd.
Block F
The Current Profile allows you to identify potential milk quality problems by stage of lactation and lactation group.
1-45 day new LSCR>4 1st lactation
Approximately 25% of AgSource first lactation cows have infections on their first test. A high incidence of infections among first lactation cows may warrant modifying heifer management practices, particularly among springing heifers. Also, attempt to determine if subclinical infections were present at calving or if the infections occurred between calving and test day.
% new LSCR>4 1st lactation
Less than 10% of this group should have a linear score greater than 4.0.
1-45 day high LSCR>4 later lactation cows
Mastitis in early lactation mature cows may indicate a problem with your dry cow management program. Evaluate your dry cow therapy as well the environment mature cows are in at calving.
% high LSCR>4 later lactation cows
Less than 20% of this group should have a linear score greater than 4.0.
A sudden increase in somatic cell linear score is a prime time to culture your high SCC cows with AgSource's individual cow cultures.
Block G
The PREVIOUS 3 TESTS PROFILE provides detail on how past udder health practices affected the different cow groupings. The breakdown of a herd by lactation group and stage of lactation within each group provides a more precise determination of when mastitis infections occur and allows for appropriate action steps to be taken to improve the udder health of the specific groups. Compare this block with the block above it to see if current udder health practices are having an effect on your herd.
Block H
The Average Linear Score by Lactation Group graph is the starting point for an udder health analysis. It provides a 13-month snapshot of where the herd has been, where it is now and where it is heading. Routine use of the graph can help assess the extent of mastitis infection in your herd and in developing mastitis prevention procedures. Triangles represent the average linear score of 1st lactation cows, squares represent the average linear score of later lactation cows, and diamonds represent the average linear score of all cows.
AgSource offers many products and services to aid in the lowering of your somatic cell count, thus increasing your pounds of milk per cow, and ultimately your bottom line. Among these products are CRI Nitrile gloves and individual cow and bulk tank cultures.
Block I
The % Somatic Cell Linear Score > 4.0 depicts the percent of the herd with a test day linear score greater than or equal to 4.0, the mammary infection threshold. An achievable goal for % Somatic Cell Linear Score greater than 4.0 is less than 15 % of your herd.
AgSource offers many products and services to aid in the lowering of your somatic cell count, thus increasing your pounds of milk per cow, and ultimately your bottom line. Among these products are CRI Nitrile gloves and individual cow and bulk tank cultures.
Block J
The Weighted Average SCCbar graph represents what the bulk tank somatic cell would be for all cows tested on each of the previous thirteen test days. Weighted Average adjusts for volume of milk. Each cow's milk weight is multiplied by her cell count and totalled. This value is divided by the amount of milk recorded on test day to calculate the weighted average. The weighted average SCC allows you to track your monthly changes in overall herd milk quality.
There are a number of reasons the weighted average may not match your bulk tank somatic cell count:
1) The AgSource average may include treated cows with held from your tank. Cows coded as With held (W) are included in the Weighted Average SCC, but not in the % of BULK calculations on the Herd Summary Block D
2) You may use a quarter milker on infected quarters and with hold this milk from the tank, but these quarters are included in the AgSource average
3) Your bulk tank average may include four milkings and the AgSource Weighted Average SCC may only include one milking. Over the period of the other three milkings, additional cows may have been sold, with held, infected or cured making this an apples to oranges comparison.
Block K
The Linear Score Dynamics graph shows a comparison of this month's and last month's linear score on a cow basis.
Zone A: CuresCows in this quadrant had a linear score >4 (>200,000 SCC) on the previous test and dropped below linear score of 4 (uninfected) on this test. These cows no longer have an udder infection.
Zone B: Chronic CasesCows in this quadrant have had a linear score >4 (>200,000 SCC) for both this month's and last month's tests. These infected cows should be closely monitored and cultured in order to most effectively treat and manage their milk quality impact on your herd.
Zone C: UninfectedCows in this quadrant have had a linear score below 4 (<200,000 SCC) for both this month's and last month's tests.
Zone D: New CasesCows in this quadrant went from previously being uninfected (LSCR <4 or < 200,000 SCC), to being infected (LSCR >4 or > 200,000 SCC) on this test. These infected cows should be closely monitored and cultured in order to most effectively treat and manage their milk quality impact on your herd.
Utilize this information to determine the herd udder infection dynamics. If you have a larger proportion of cows in zones B and/or D, AgSource's tools for improving milk quality in your herd are an excellent way to gain control over your overall herd SCC.
AgSource offers many products and services to aid in the lowering of your somatic cell count, thus increasing your pounds of milk per cow, and ultimately your bottom line. Among these products are CRI Nitrile gloves and individual cow and bulk tank cultures.
