Evaluation of Stalosan F on a commercial dairy farm in Turkey
Introduction
Commercial dairy farms in the Trakya region often face a high somatic cell count related to subclinical mastitis. To minimise the problem, it is important to research alternatives solutions under local Turkish conditions. With this regard, keeping bedding area dry and reducing pathogen load seems be an effective method.
In this study, the effects of Stalosan F on somatic cell count was investigated by Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey in Ertan farm (2000 Holstein Friesian cows).
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Figure 1: Flowchart of study plan in Ertan farm
Stalosan F was applied to stalls, manure alley and the area of water supply on day 1, 2, 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 50 g/m2.
Trial results
For determination of somatic cell count (SCC), milk samples were taken from the tank five times at seven-day intervals and analysed using De Laval SCC device.
Figure 2: Somatic cell count
Figure 3: Average milk yield in kg.
Figure 4: Milk pH
Conclusion
At the end of the trial SCC was decreased significantly in the treatment (Stalosan F) group.
It seems, that most of the cows with subclinical mastitis was placed in the Stalosan F group (high somatic cell count initially).
It was observed that cows in the treatment group produced more milk than the control.
Milk pH is a parameter which indicates mastitis incidence. At the end of the four weeks, milk pH value close to ideal limits was seen in the Stalosan group.
The results showed that Stalosan F decreased mastitis problems. Cows were also observed to stay at the feed alley for a longer time.