ID-212: Using DHIA Records for Somatic Cell Count Management

D (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) records are an essential part of dairy herd management for many progressive dairy operations. The old adage “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it” holds true when it comes to dairy farm management, particularly when it comes to somatic cell count (SCC) management. When working with dairy farmers, we often hear the statement “I don’t know how I would be able to manage my somatic cell count without my DHIA records.” Recent market trends increase the need for managing SCC. More producers are now seeing the value of having monthly individual cow SCC; however, for producers new to DHIA, interpreting the meaning of all this information can be a bit overwhelming. Even producers who have been DHIA members for many years may not fully understand all the value that DHIA records can provide for SCC management. What follows is a description and interpretation of SCCrelated information available to dairy producers on DHIA test reports.