Effect of somatic cell count on the milk yield and chemical composition of Holstein cow milk

Abstract

In the present study, the relationship between somatic cell counts (SCC) and composition of milk (total solids, SNF, urea, fat, protein and lactose content) and milk yield from individual Holstein cows was investigated over different farms of Markazi province of Iran. All collected data were grouped in six categories based on SCC, and average milk yield and chemical compositions were compared among different categories. Results showed that there are various correlation coefficients between level of SCC and milk production as well as milk chemical compositions. Increase in SCC leads to enhance the amount of fat and protein content, whereas it significantly decreases milk yield, lactose and urea content.