In dairy cattle evaluation, which of the following practices is recommended for monitoring udder health?

Monitoring somatic cell counts is a critical practice in evaluating udder health in dairy cattle. Somatic cell counts (SCC) are a measure of the white blood cells in milk, which increase in response to infections, particularly mastitis. High SCC indicates inflammation or infection in the udder and can signify underlying health issues that could affect both the welfare of the cow and the quality of the milk produced.

Regularly checking somatic cell counts allows dairy producers to identify udder health problems early, enabling them to take timely actions to treat infected animals and implement better management practices to prevent further cases. This practice is essential for maintaining overall herd health, improving milk quality, and meeting regulatory standards for milk production.

Other practices mentioned, while important in their own right, do not directly assess udder health in the same manner. Weight checks can be indicative of general health and nutritional status but do not specifically pertain to udder health. Similarly, assessing feed intake and evaluating pasture quality are important for overall cow management and nutrition but do not provide insights into the health of the udder itself.