Analysis of the efficiency of a rapid test for the early diagnosis of mastitis in cows

Abstract

This article describes the results of a study of the content of somatic cells in milk using various methods. Milk samples were tested using a standardized apparatus method using a Somatos-V viscometer, from which 3 groups of 20 samples were selected. The formation of groups was based on the content of somatic cells in the samples (up to 200; 200-400 and over 400 thousand/cm3). Further research was aimed at studying the diagnostic properties of the new test, the action of which is based on the suppression of foaming by mastitis milk. All samples were tested using the foam test and the California mastitis test. The coincidence of the results of the study of the studied test systems with the reference method was revealed in relation to samples containing a small (up to 200 thousand/cm3) and an increased (over 400 thousand/cm3) number of somatic cells. In samples with a cell concentration from 200 to 400 thousand/cm3, there are different results in the study by express testing methods. The foam test showed 90% and the California test showed 75% agreement with the results of viscometry. Given the difficulty in diagnosing latent mastitis, the foam test studied in this work may have promising prospects for use on farms for the early detection of sick cows. This method allows more accurately, qualitatively, to determine the increase in the number of somatic cells in milk, which is important in the diagnosis of latent subclinical mastitis and their timely treatment.