Regularly fluctuating somatic cell count pattern in dairy herds

ABSTRACT Online somatic cell count (SCC) measurement is widely used in dairy herds milked with automatic milking systems (AMS) and gives the opportunity to closely monitor individual cow udder health. Using automated SCC data, we observed cows displaying a remarkably regularly fluctuating (rfSCC) pattern, which described this study. We aimed (1) estimate prevalence of rfSCC by AMS, (2) characterize (3) identify factors potentially associated pattern. analyzed 30-d episodes composite recordings 1,000 from 55 6 countries using an AMS measurement, identified pattern 4.7% (95% CI: 3.5–6.2%) these episodes. The had median 701 × cells/mL (2.5–97.5% quantile: 539–1,162), amplitude 552 409–886), cycle length 4.1 d 3.7–4.9). Bacteriological culture data quarter-milk samples collected every 2 wk 1 Dutch herd were analyzed, yielding no clear association between pathogen species found that herd. Altogether, intriguing phenomenon, present almost 5% during 1-mo study period. Further work needed quantify its importance terms health, but also elucidate mechanism behind remarkable