EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF COOLING PONDS ON BACTERIAL POPULATION IN BULK TANK MILK SAMPLES

摘要

Heat stress is a major impediment to the efficient production of milk throughout the Southern region of the United States. Over the years, various nutritional and environmental modifications have been adopted by dairy producers in an attempt to alleviate heat stress. One controversial cooling method for managing heat stress is the utilization of cooling ponds. A cooling pond is defined as a dynamic, man-made structure managed to preserve its dynamic state by the addition of water to maintain a set water level based on cow movement and environmental conditions. Water must flow into the cooling pond at a rate that ensures maintenance of the water level at or above the 3-foot minimum design depth.