What is the primary reason for culling a cow that has had multiple cases of mastitis?

Culling a cow that has had multiple cases of mastitis is primarily driven by the increased somatic cell count. In dairy cattle, mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland that significantly impacts milk quality. The presence of high somatic cell counts (SCC) is closely associated with mastitis and indicates inflammation or infection in the udder. Elevated SCC can lead to decreased milk quality and is often used as a benchmark to assess udder health. Producers monitor SCC closely because high levels can suggest ongoing health issues that could be detrimental to the herd's overall productivity.

When there is a persistent problem with mastitis leading to elevated SCC, it often signals that the cow may not return to optimum health and productivity, making her less economically viable for the dairy operation. In contrast, while poor milk production, chronic pain, and failure to respond to treatment are important considerations in the management of mastitis, the most quantifiable and direct consequences impacting both health and economic factors revolve around somatic cell counts. Lower SCC is a goal for a healthy herd, making culling based on elevated SCC a primary reason for removing a cow from the herd.