Utilizing the PortaCheck SCC Test

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on February 02 2011 14:46

Fresh Cows

♦ Option One ♦ 

1. Test milk three days after calving. 
2. Cows over 600,000 are considered for treatment.
3. Compare the PortaCheck SCC to her dry-off SCC.
4. If she was high SCC at dry-off, culture sample to determine bacteria type.
5. If she was low SCC at dry-off, take sample for culture and either treat with Pirsue once a day for three days or wait for culture results before treatment.

♦ Option Two ♦

1. After monthly DHIA test, PortaCheck test all fresh cows over 400,000.
2. If they are high on the PortaCheck, culture and/or treat to cure infection early in lactation.

Cows with New Infection
(New infection is defined as SCC over 200,000 on DHIA and her SCC was below 200,000 on last DHIA test.)

1. After monthly DHIA test, PortaCheck test all new infection cows over 400,000.
2. If they are high on the PortaCheck, culture and/or treat to cure infection early.

New Chronic Cows
(New chronic cows are defined as cows with the last two DHIA tests over 200,000 and the test three months ago was less than 200,000.)

1. After monthly DHIA test, PortaCheck test all new chronic cows over 400,000 to verify the infection.
2. If they are high on the PortaCheck, culture milk before treatment to identify the bacteria present.
3. Treat based on culture results. 

 Veterinary Medical Center