Component Testing
Component testing of fluid milk is available through Dairy Bacterial Testing, LLC as contracted through the Vermont DHIA laboratory. Tests available are: 1) somatic cell count, 2) %fat and 3) %protein.
Somatic Cell Counts: Also known as SCC, this test is helpful in determining herd health. Testing can be done on bulk tank, milk can or individual cow samples. A somatic cell count of greater than 200,000 per milliliter may indicate subclinical or clinical mastitis. Somatic cell counts can vary in individual cows due to the lactation cycle. Elevated somatic cell counts should be investigated for possible mastitis in an individual animal by following up with a bacterial herd health screen.
Fat and Protein %: These two tests can assist the dairy producer in determining herd nutritional needs and also milk quality.
All component testing is performed by the Vermont DHIA laboratory in White River JCT, VT. They may be contacted for more information or guidance at vtdiah@vtdhia.org or (800) 639-8067.