Somatic cell counts have averaged about 155,000 cells/ml in trials of automatic milking systems at Teagasc Moorepark, and at seven ‘monitor’ farms with automatic milking.

Dairy farmers have been advised to monitor iodine supplementation of feeds after Teagasc trials showed that iodine in feeds, plus teat disinfection iodine, can increase the levels in milk above target values.

High-quality Irish milk will be in big demand in the coming years, once producers continue to maintain the highest production standards, say Teagasc dairy experts.