Which management practice can reduce high somatic cell counts in milk?

Improving hygiene practices is a fundamental management strategy to reduce high somatic cell counts in milk. Somatic cells are primarily white blood cells that increase in response to infection or inflammation, particularly in the udder. High somatic cell counts often indicate that a cow may be experiencing mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland.

By enhancing hygiene practices such as regular cleaning of milking equipment, ensuring the milking environment is clean and dry, and maintaining proper udder sanitation before and after milking, the risk of infections can be significantly minimized. This not only helps in lowering somatic cell counts but also improves overall milk quality. Implementing better hygiene measures creates a healthier environment for the cows, which directly contributes to their well-being and milk production quality.

The other options do not directly address the primary causes of elevated somatic cell counts. For instance, increasing chlorination can help with equipment sanitation but may not target the underlying issues related to udder health. Reducing feed intake and limiting cow movement do not specifically relate to udder hygiene and can adversely affect overall cow health and productivity. Hence, focusing on hygiene is a more effective and direct approach to managing somatic cell counts.