The objectives of this research were (1) to study different factors affecting milk total bacterial count (TBC) and (2) to estimate economic values associated with TBC in Holstein dairy herds in Iran. The relationships between bulk tank TBC and farm management and economic factors were examined on 56 randomly selected intensive dairy farms. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC were determined using mixed linear models. The average natural logarithm of bulk tank TBC was the dependent variable. Also, a quadratic equation was developed for economic analyses (penalties and bonuses) associated with TBC. The median bulk tank TBC for the sample herds was 298,930 cfu/mL ranging from 80,880 to 1,185,350 cfu/mL. The average economic premium opportunity from bulk tank TBC was US$ 1.32 per ton of milk ranging from US$ 0.02 per ton of milk for herds applying wet tissue as teat cleaning material and washing the water troughs three times per day to US$ 5.20 per ton of milk for herds with dirty barns. Results showed that the following management factors were associated with low TBC and high economic bonus: herd size, bedding material, presence of vet, milk delivery to the processor multiple times per day, water quality control, frequency of cleaning water troughs, barn hygiene, udder washing material, teat cleaning material, having a hospital pen, frequency of calving area disinfection, education level of workers and material of milking parlor wall. In conclusion, our findings highlight the need to pay more attention to farm management and economic factors to reduce milk TBC in Iran.
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