How Water Quality Helped Reduce Somatic Cell Count

Author: Guillermo Romero, Senior Technical Sales Manager, Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health

Water is essential in dairy production, comprising 56-81% of body weight and supporting digestion, thermoregulation, and milk synthesis.^1,2 High-producing cows may consume up to 138 L/day, making water a key driver of performance.³ While producers recognize the importance of water, the risks associated with microbial contamination are not always as visible. Microbial contamination often originating in troughs and pipelines can reduce intake, increase pathogen exposure (e.g., Escherichia coli), and negatively impact udder health and efficiency.^4,5

What Research Shows

Recognizing the impact of microbial contamination on herd health and productivity, Kemin took a closer look at the role water disinfection can play on dairy operations. Researchers evaluated a chlorine dioxide program using OXINE® AH (2% chlorine dioxide) at application rates comparable to those used with PRO-OXINE® AH (5% chlorine dioxide) technology to determine its effectiveness in controlling microbial contamination.6 The results highlighted a compelling opportunity:

• Improved udder health: Reduced somatic cell count (SCC) by 72%, indicating lower infection pressure and better milk quality.

• Enhanced feed efficiency: Maintained milk yield while decreasing dry matter intake (DMI), improving milk-to-feed efficiency.

• No negative impact on performance: Milk yield, water intake, and overall health remained unaffected.

• Strong antimicrobial action: Reduced total aerobic bacteria in water by 27% and significantly lowered microbial load, including coliforms.

• Cleaner water systems: Decreased bacterial contamination and showed a trend toward reduced E. coli in water troughs.

Figure 1. Effect of water treatments on milk somatic cell counts and serum haptoglobin concentrations in dairy cows (n = 8 per treatment). CTL = clean tap water, MAN = clean water contaminated with feces (3 g/L of water), MANOX = manure contaminated water treated with chlorine dioxide (10 mg/L).⁶

Why It Matters for Modern Dairies

As dairy operations push to improve margins and sustainability, the opportunity is to shift from managing individual inputs to optimizing the entire system. Water is central to that effort and proactively addressing microbial contamination within the water system, producers can:

• Help support cow health and overall herd wellbeing

• Help protect the value of feed, labor, and facility investments

• Promote greater consistency in milk production, SCC, and herd performance

Water quality isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about creating a consistent environment that helps cows perform at their full potential.

To learn more about the role water quality can play in dairy performance and to explore the research behind PRO-OXINE® AH visit our website or contact your Kemin representative today!

References

¹ Erickson PS, Kalscheur KF. Nutrition and feeding of dairy cattle. Animal Agriculture. 2020:157–80. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-817052-6.00009-4. Epub 2020 Jan 24. PMCID: PMC7153313.

² Beede, D. K. 2012. What will our ruminants drink? Anim. Front. 2:36-43. https://doi.org/10.2527/af.2012-0040

³ Murphy, M. R., C. L. Davis, and G. C. McCoy. 1983. Factors affecting water consumption by Holstein cows in early lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 66:35-38. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(83)81750-0

⁴ LeJeune, J. T., T. E. Besser, and D. D. Hancock. 2001. Cattle water tubs as reservoirs of Escherichia coli O157. Appl. Environ. Microbial. 67:3053-3057. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.67.7.3053-3057.2001

⁵ Wunderly, M., R. Fitzpatrick, R. Stewart, S. Reynolds, and P. Fontes. 2022. Maintaining a clean water tub for cattle. Circular 1264. Univ. Georgia Coop. Ext., Athens, GA. Accessed October 24, 2023. https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1264/maintaining-a-clean-water-tub-for-cattle/

⁶Kemin Industries. Enhancing Dairy Cow Health and Efficiency with Chlorine Dioxide for Water Treatment. PTP-17944. Internal research report.