Field Study by the University of Milan on Dairy Cows: Comparison Between the Summer Period (April–September 2011) and the Same Period of the Previous Year, Monitoring Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and Maintaining Levels Below 200,000 Cells/ml
Summary: This experimental field study involved 140 dairy cows, monitoring somatic cell counts (SCC) over 5 months during the warm period (April–September) after the introduction of Biohygienizer® SOP integrated into the TMR (Total Mixed Ration) wagon. During the period considered, SCC remained under control, staying below the optimal level of 200,000 cells/ml and reducing the peaks observed in the same period of the previous year.
Somatic cell count (SCC) is a key indicator used in dairy farms to assess mammary health and milk quality. When the udder is affected by infections or inflammatory processes, the animal’s immune response increases SCC. Monitoring SCC allows early detection of udder inflammation, such as mastitis, even without visible clinical signs.
The study, coordinated by Prof. Moroni (University of Milan), evaluated, under real farm conditions, the efficacy of an oral-administered litter biohygienization additive on controlling SCC. SCC data were obtained from official milk controls provided by the Italian Breeders Association (Associazione Italiana Allevatori), which perform monthly checks on all animals and provide official reports on milk quality and quantity, including herd-average SCC.
The observation period was April–September 2011, compared with April–September 2010, covering spring and summer—critical seasons for animal welfare due to temperature fluctuations, heat stress, reduced immune defenses, and increased susceptibility to disease. These months also favor the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in barn environments.
During the monitored period, cows receiving the Biohygienizer® SOP showed average SCC values below 200,000 cells/ml, significantly lower than the 260,000 cells/ml average recorded in the same period of the previous year. Moreover, no sudden SCC peaks were observed under SOP treatment, unlike the previous year, when SCC exceeded 300,000 cells/ml in May and June.
Overall, the results suggest that Biohygienizers® SOP can contribute to controlling milk SCC levels, enhancing animal welfare and barn hygiene, and preventing seasonal SCC spikes.
