CellCheck quality initiative aims to control mastitis and boost profits

DAIRY farmers are partnering with vets, advisers, dairy technicians and co-op personnel on a milk quality initiative called CellCheck, which will control mastitis and should boost future profits.

Launched at the Teagasc National Dairy Conferences in Charleville and Mullingar, this drive brings together Animal Health Ireland, Teagasc, DAFF, Veterinary Ireland, UCD, ICBF and industry partners in the co-ops.

Dairy farmers will be supported in their goal to boost quality to maximise profits as part of the sector’s plans to boost production by 50% as part of the goals outlined in the Food Harvest 2020 report.

CellCheck programme leader, Moorepark-based Teagasc expert Finola McCoy, said: “Mastitis is something that all dairy farmers can control. We can’t eradicate it completely, but a long-term quality programme will achieve premium milk quality, ensuring increased profits for dairy farmers.

“All of the partners in CellCheck will contribute to a continual programme of education, ensuring that everyone working in the area has all the correct scientific information. Responses have been very positive to a pilot, team-based programme. There is a huge demand among farmers for accurate information on disease control and quality initiatives.”

CellCheck differs from previous mastitis control programmes in the degree of collaboration between the various partners.

With this drive, farmers will learn best practice to manage Somatic Cell Count (SCC), the leukocytes or white blood cells, which reduce milk quality. These cells often increase naturally after calving, but can be efficiently managed, according to the CellCheck partners.

The programme will be developed on a phased basis. The first year of the CellCheck programme will focus on creating awareness, setting standards, and enhancing the ability of the farmer and their service providers to maximise milk quality.

Teagasc director Prof Gerry Boyle said: “Teagasc is committed to CellCheck, with Finola McCoy dedicated to this project, while Tom Kelly and the Teagasc dairy business and technology advisers around the country will assist milk producers in tackling the issue and make this initiative a success.”

Animal Health Ireland (AHI) chairman Mike Magan said: “I am very excited by this new initiative that brings together all service providers and stakeholders in this collaborative approach in tackling a very important issue for both farmers and the industry. AHI are delighted that Teagasc has released Finola McCoy to be programme manager.”