Home > Crops & Livestock > Livestock > Dairy > Milk Quality > Horn Flies & Mastitis Development in Dairy Heifers Preliminary study indicated that horn flies can contaminate the mammary gland of heifers. Evaluating Milk Quality Using Standard Plate Counts and Preliminary Incubation Counts [Image: Standard bacteria growth plate] Monitoring the milking procedures, equipment cleaning and milk cooling should go a long way in producing high quality milk that is low in bacteria. Producing Quality Milk Using a Comprehensive Mastitis Control Program [Image: Producing Quality Milk in Louisiana] Producers can improve milk quality in Louisiana by lowering somatic cell counts, especially during the summer and early fall. Using DHI SCC to Manage Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Counts Electronic measures of somatic cell counts on individual cows can be used to manage somatic cell counts in bulk tank milk.