Abstract
The aim of paper review is to describe the influence of somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk of ewes on the composition and milk production associated with the presence of mastitis pathogens as well as the assessment of the effects of non-infectious factors such as breed, number of lambs, order and stage of lactation, age, oestrus, livestock management, the impact of the month, the season to change the SCC in the milk of ewes. It also points to the possible physiological value of SCC in sheep milk for udder health assessment as it is generally accepted for dairy cows. The important part of this paper is to show antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens. The more complex results obtained in Slovakia under experimental and practical conditions are discussed. In conclusion, taking into account all mentioned factors and studies, SCC could play important role in management of dairy ewes breeding to get acceptable milk performances and good udder health at comparable physiological levels as in dairy cows. Regular milk recording could significantly contribute to effort of farmers in mastitis control program.
Highlights
Sheep breeding has a rich tradition, history and indispensable position in the structure of animal production in Slovakia
On the basis of available results from the world laboratory the physiological levels of somatic cell count (SCC) for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis of udder of dairy ewes significantly reduced during last years but this question is still open
Our results and obtained experiences coming from the frequency of distribution of milk samples among SCC groups could indicate that most of the samples were in SCC group below 400 × 103 cells/ml
Summary
Sheep breeding has a rich tradition, history and indispensable position in the structure of animal production in Slovakia. An irreplaceable place in mastitis prevention has regular monitoring of the udder's health status (test day, in Slovakia only a few farms measure SCC) and the identification of the risks of breeding systems (milking setting, machine cleaning and milking routine deserve attention in our country) associated with the mentioned disease. The genetics, molecular and immune aspects are involved as well As it was mentioned by Mørk et al (2007) differences in climate, production forms, and management practices may give rise to differences in epidemiology, bacteriology, and manifestations of mastitis. The aim of the review is to summarize the knowledge and results of the health status of the mammary gland of ewes in the breeding conditions of Slovakian farming following by the research in this field in the world. The aim includes prospects and activities for further research aimed at improving the health status of the mammary gland of dairy ewes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
