Associations between udder and skin cleanliness and somatic cell counts, yield and composition of milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White cows in the autumn-winter season

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the cleanliness of the udder and skin of the hind part of the body and somatic cell counts in milk, milk yield, and milk composition in Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White cows in autumn and winter. During test-day milking in the milking parlour a visual inspection of each animal was performed to evaluate the cleanliness of the udder, underbelly, tail base, upper hind limbs, and lower hind limbs. Soiling on the skin with faeces in each analysed part of the cow’s body had a significant effect on the somatic cell count in the milk. The results of the study indicate that among the body parts analysed, the cleanliness status of the hind quarters of the udder had the greatest influence on the SCC in milk. In addition, increased soiling of the skin of the underbelly, tail base, and upper and lower parts of the hind limbs significantly reduced the contents of protein, casein, and dry matter in milk.