DairyTalk 508: High Somatic Cell Counts in Fresh Heifers: A Costly Issue Often Overlooked - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Jun 25, 2026 · 25m

This podcast episode is based on an article from The Bullvine examining the hidden economic impact of elevated somatic cell counts in fresh heifers. The discussion focuses on why strong bulk tank averages can mask significant udder health challenges within young cow groups. The article explores emerging research suggesting a potential link between feed efficiency during heifer development and future immune resilience in the udder. It also highlights the value of analyzing herd recording data by lactation group to identify subclinical mastitis before major losses occur. The broader insight is…