From milk to metrics: Monitoring dairy herd health through testing
As a dairy farmer, you know that the health of your herd is reflected not just in how much milk they produce, but in the quality and consistency of every tankful.
Smart, on-farm dairy testing lets you look beyond daily yields.
It offers real insight into how your cows are doing and gives early warning of health issues before they escalate, causing reduced milk yields, increased veterinary costs and the potential need for premature culling.
Understanding subclinical diseases
Not all herd health issues come with obvious signs.
Subclinical diseases are conditions where infections or imbalances are present, but cows appear completely normal.
Because subclinical diseases are asymptomatic, they can easily spread around your herd, affecting fertility and leading to other costly conditions like ketosis or milk fever.
The most common example in dairy herds is subclinical mastitis, where harmful bacteria have entered the udder, but there’s no visible swelling or clots in the milk.
Milk yield and quality can drop, while the risk of more severe health issues rises if left unchecked.
In its subclinical form, mastitis is 15 to 40 times more common that clinical mastitis, resulting in lower yields, increased somatic cell counts (SCC) and a high chance that cows will go on to need veterinary treatment or even be culled.
By routinely testing, farmers can spot trouble well before visible symptoms show, helping to contain issues, cut treatment costs and keep the whole herd on track for optimum productivity.
Key health monitoring tests
At Calibre Control, we offer a comprehensive range of practical and easy-to-use tools that offer powerful herd health insights including:
Somatic cell count (SCC)
SCC monitoring flags cases of mastitis quickly, often before milk changes or cows appear ill. Consistent SCC testing helps to identify problem cows and supports targeted intervention.
Antibiotic residue testing
Ensures that milk remains compliant and safe, reducing the risk of batch rejection and penalties, and supporting responsible antibiotic use to help prevent resistance.
Microbial & enzyme checks
These tests reveal deeper udder health problems and pick up on hygiene issues during milking.
Checking milk’s pH, fat, and protein levels
Let’s farmers keep an eye on cow diet, metabolic status and catch nutritional imbalances early.
Together, these tests work to prevent problems spiralling out of control, while building a clearer picture of what’s happening on the farm in real time.
The importance of preventative measures
Looking after herd health isn’t just about responding to problems.
It’s about catching them early so fewer cows fall sick.
Simple, reliable on-farm tests make it possible to step in before issues grow, keeping antibiotic use to a minimum and helping cows stay productive and content.
Routine monitoring leads to a stronger, more stable herd, boosting yields, supporting animal welfare and keeping the farm on track with sustainability goals.
When everyone from the dairy farm to the kitchen table can count on safe, high-quality milk, it’s a win for all involved.
Modern technology in herd monitoring
Our dairy testing kits are designed for the realities of farm work, combining speed and accuracy with tools that slot easily into your daily routine.
Our portable equipment puts crucial herd health data right in your hands, so you know immediately when something needs your attention.
With clear, fast results and no unnecessary fuss, we make it easy for you to keep on top of herd health, giving you peace of mind and time for the jobs (and cows) that matter most.
Monitor herd health with Calibre Control
Calibre Control’s on-farm dairy testing tools offer rapid, reliable results, making herd health monitoring simple and stress-free.
Take a proactive, evidence-based approach to dairy farming with on-farm testing and spot issues early, boost milk quality, and ensure your cows are thriving.
Smarter herd health starts here.
Discover our range of on-farm dairy testing equipment or speak to our expert team for advice on smarter herd management and healthier cows.