CallCheck programme will enhance quality of raw milk

ALMOST two million intramammary antibiotic lactation tubes are used annually, indicating a clinical udder infection case rate about three times greater than suggested dairy farm targets, according to Animal Health Ireland.

Somatic cell counts over 400,000 cells/ml on between 11% and 45% of dairy farms also point to the problems which will be tackled by the CellCheck programme commencing this year to enhance the quality of the raw milk supply in Ireland, thereby improving profitability at farm and processor level, as the dairy industry enters an expansionary phase.

This team-based approach to controlling mastitis, reducing cell counts, and improving milk quality, involves farmers, vets, advisers, and dairy technicians.

CellCheck will be managed by Finola McCoy of Teagasc, Moorepark and co-ordinated by Animal Health Ireland.

The focus in its first year will be on creating awareness, setting standards, and enhancing the ability of the farmer and their service providers to maximise milk quality.