Somatic cell counts are beginning to creep up on many farms as milk yield is reducing and cows enter late lactation. There is usually just a small proportion of the herd contributing to most of the problem.

Check the filter sock for signs of clots and then strip all cows to find the culprits. If there are no clots in the sock, you have a sub-clinical infection.

Milk recording will identify the high-SCC cows, but it could take two weeks between booking the test and getting the results back. Some farmers will get in extra help for a milking and will CMT-test the whole herd and treat accordingly.

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