Somatic Cell Count and Milk Yield Losses in Goats

Abstract

This work is aimed at prediction and quantification of goat milk yield (MY, kg) losses by the somatic cell count (SCC, 103.ml−1) in milk recording. The goal is to support the prevention of milk secretion disorders, milk yield and quality. During two years there were evaluated composition and properties of individual milk samples (n = 1 173). There were included animals of brown short‑haired (BSH) breed and BSH × white short‑haired in one flock. The linear and nonlinear regression, interpolation, extrapolation, approximation and qualified estimation were used for milk losses prediction along the SCC. The relevant values of the SCC arithmetic and geometric mean and median and MY arithmetic mean were: 1,400 103.ml−1 (with high variability of 128 %), 745 and 747 103.ml−1; 2.94 kg/ day. The relationship between fat and crude protein had a correlation coefficient of 0.395, P < 0.001. There were stated the correlations between SCC and: lactose −0.416, P < 0.001; solids non fat −0.25, P < 0.001; MY −0.135, P < 0.01. The relationship between SCC and MY was negative along months, 6 cases out of 7 and significant in March and May (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). For instance predicted MY for SCC intervals 1–1.999, 2–2.999, 3–3.999, 4–4.999, 5–5.999, 6–6.999 and ≥ 7 thousands 103.ml−1 may be 3.99, 3.77, 3.6 , 3.46, 3.33, 3.23 and 3.13 kg in 3rd month etc. The corresponding MY losses by SCC are evident from this trend. The result use is focused on the original dairy goat farm and use elsewhere is possible in farms with similar SCC, goat milk yield and rearing system.