Abstract
Simple SummaryTranscutaneous ultrasonography of the four quarters of the cow’s mammary gland with the 5-MHz ultrasound transducer combined with computer-assisted analysis of the resultant grey-scale images have the makings of an inexpensive and rapid technique to determine certain physicochemical properties of the pooled milk. The latter include crude protein, casein and lactose content. The relative ease and practically unlimited frequency with which this method can be used in farm settings makes it an attractive alternative to laboratory testing of milk samples. More studies are needed to determine the suitability of this approach for detecting changes in milk chemical composition in animals with mastitis.Thirty clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian cows underwent twice daily machine milking and ultrasonographic examinations of the udder just prior to and after milking. Digital ultrasonographic images of each udder quarter were subjected to computer-assisted echotextural analyses to obtain mean numerical pixel values (NPVs) and pixel heterogeneity (PSD) of the mammary gland parenchyma. The average milk yield and pH were higher (p < 0.05) in the morning, whereas crude fat, total solids, solids non-fat and citric acid content were higher (p < 0.05) during the evening milking period. Mean NPVs and PSDs of the mammary gland parenchyma were greater (p < 0.05) after than before milking. There were significant correlations among echotextural characteristics of the udder and protein percentage, lactose content and freezing point depression determined in the milk samples collected in the morning and crude protein, casein, lactose and solids non-fat in the evening. Our results can be interpreted to suggest that computerized analysis of the mammary gland ultrasonograms has the makings of a technique for estimating non-fat milk constituents in cows. However, future validating studies are necessary before this method can be employed in commercial settings and research. Moreover, significant inter-quarter differences in udder echogenicity may necessitate further echotextural studies of separate quarters.
Highlights
Milk and assorted milk products from dairy animals are valuable foods that are rich in fat, high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and metabolizable energy [1]
There was a significant difference in the milk yield, total solids, solids non-fat, freezing point depression, acidity as well as crude fat and citric acid content; the values for those variables were higher in the evening, except for total milk yield and acidity, which were higher in the morning
There were four and six significant correlations among echotextural characteristics of the mammary gland parenchyma and physicochemical properties of the milk obtained in the morning and evening, respectively (Table 5)
Summary
Milk and assorted milk products from dairy animals are valuable foods that are rich in fat, high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and metabolizable energy [1]. Consumers have started making health-conscious decisions and milk products characterized by desirable fat content are marketable to potential buyers willing to pay a premium price for such food items. Lipids in milk contain a diverse range of fatty acids, including large quantities of saturated and moderate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, many of which have well-known health benefits [1]. Dairy farmers responsible for high-quality milk production, most notably organic dairy farmers, and researchers investigating various aspects of lactation, require constant access to technologies that enable frequent, complete and accurate monitoring of milk composition. Ultrasound transducers contain piezoelectric crystals emitting high-frequency sound waves that are modified as they encounter the acoustic interfaces
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