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Description
Lifelong learning plays an important role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, particularly in smallholder dairy farming systems where continuous knowledge improvement is essential for enhancing productivity and product quality. This study evaluated the influence of somatic cell count (SCC) on milk yield and milk composition in dairy cows raised on smallholder farms in Thailand. A total of 1,770 morning milk samples were collected from milk collection centers in Nakhon Ratchasima province between January 2022 and May 2025. Somatic cell count was determined using a flow cytometer, while milk composition, including fat, protein, lactose and total solids, was analyzed using mid-infrared spectroscopy. SCC values were classified into five levels and differences among groups were analyzed using analysis of variance. The results showed that SCC significantly affected milk yield and milk composition (P<0.05), with higher SCC levels associated with reductions in milk yield and key milk components. These findings highlight the importance of continuous farmer learning, improved mastitis management and regular monitoring of milk quality to enhance dairy productivity. Strengthening knowledge exchange and lifelong learning among dairy farmers can contribute to sustainable milk production and improved farm performance.
