Dairy farms strive to achieve optimal health for their livestock. A much-discussed indicator of this is the high cell count in cows, also known as somatic cell count (SCC). This figure provides information about the condition of udder health and can give important clues about possible inflammation such as mastitis. A high cell count in cows is often the result of a disturbance in the udder tissue, with bacterial infections playing a common role. SCC Bolus, part of Groothandel Carton B.V., offers dairy farmers a range of natural products to control cell counts without resorting to antibiotics.
The somatic cell count (SCC) is a measure of the number of white blood cells in milk. A healthy animal has a relatively low SCC, which indicates stable udder health. When this value rises, we refer to it as a high cell count in cows – a sign that the cow may be struggling with an inflammatory response. In many cases, mastitis, an inflammation of the udder, is the cause.
The cause of an excessively high cell count is usually due to an infection in the udder tissue. Bacteria can enter via the teat and cause local inflammation. Factors such as stress, reduced resistance or an unbalanced diet can also contribute to an increased SCC. Early detection of the cause of a high cell count is crucial in order to take appropriate measures and prevent further deterioration of udder health.
While antibiotics have traditionally been used to combat mastitis and SCC, there is growing demand for natural alternatives. The use of antibiotics has disadvantages, such as waiting times for milk and the risk of resistance. SCC Bolus offers a natural approach with products that support the cow’s natural defence mechanisms. This approach is in line with sustainable farm management, where dairy farmers aim for low cell counts without unnecessarily stressing the animals and production.
SCC Bolus has developed a range of products specifically designed to support cows with elevated SCC levels. The boluses are based on natural ingredients and are used on dairy farms both domestically and abroad. One of the most important products is the SCC Bolus, which supports udder health for up to 28 days. This bolus helps to support the animal’s natural processes, which contributes to maintaining stable milk production.
In addition to products for cell count, SCC Bolus also offers complementary care products such as garlic boluses and supplements for dry periods and calves. All these products have been developed with natural animal health in mind and are used in practice by dairy farmers who pursue a balanced and sustainable approach.
Somatic cell count is a measure of the number of white blood cells in milk, which can be an indication of infection in the udder. A low SCC is desirable as it indicates a healthy udder. An elevated SCC may indicate mastitis, an inflammation of the udder often caused by bacterial infections. Controlling SCC is therefore crucial for milk production and the overall health of the herd.
Traditionally, antibiotics have often been used to treat mastitis and reduce SCC. However, the use of antibiotics has various disadvantages, such as the risk of antibiotic resistance and the need to discard milk during the withdrawal period after treatment. SCC Bolus offers an effective alternative with natural products that support udder health without these disadvantages.
SCC Bolus has developed various products specifically designed to combat mastitis and reduce SCC. These products are based on natural ingredients and have been tested on dairy farms. One important product is SCC Bolus, which is effective for up to 28 days and supports udder health. The bolus works by strengthening the cow’s natural defence mechanisms, which helps to combat infections.
In addition to the SCC-Bolus, SCC-Bolus also offers other products that contribute to the general health of dairy cows. These include garlic boluses, which are known for their natural antibacterial properties, as well as supplements for dry periods and calves. These products have all been developed with the aim of promoting cow health in a natural way.
The advantages of using SCC Bolus products are obvious. They offer a natural way to support udder health and combat mastitis without the disadvantages of antibiotics. In addition, the products are user-friendly and offer long-lasting protection, resulting in lower SCC and better milk production. Dairy farms that choose SCC-Bolus products are investing in the health of their herd and the quality of their milk.
Healthy cows are the foundation of a successful dairy farm. By choosing SCC-Bolus’ natural solutions, dairy farmers can effectively support the health of their herd and control SCC without relying on antibiotics. SCC-Bolus products are designed to promote udder health and improve milk production, resulting in a healthy and productive herd.
