Bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) in the SE US have historically, and continue to be greater than the national average. For example, in 2016, the national average was 203,000 cells/mL, and the average SCC for Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee was 242,000 cells/mL, 225,000 cells/mL and 302,000 cells/mL, respectively (Norman et al., 2017). Additionally, the number of dairies and overall milk production in the SE US continues to decline. A specific aim of the Southeast Quality Milk Initiative (SQMI)was to identify the most influential demographic and management factors impacting milk quality on SE US dairies; with the objective of these analyses to evaluate the effects of parlor equipment function and milking procedures.
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