Number Of Somatic Cells Research Articles

Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Performance and Mastitis in Dairy Cows.

Mastitis is an important factor affecting the health of cows that leads to elevated somatic cell counts in milk, which can seriously affect milk quality and result in huge economic losses for the livestock industry. Therefore, the aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of melatonin on performance and mastitis in dairy cows. Forty-eight Holstein cows with a similar body weight (470 ± 10 kg), parity (2.75 ± 1.23), number of lactation days (143 ± 43 days), BCS (3.0-3.5), milk yield (36.80 ± 4.18 kg), and somatic cell count (300,000-500,000 cells/mL) were selected and randomly divided into four groups: control (CON group), trial Ⅰ (T80 group), trial Ⅱ (T120 group), and trial Ⅲ (T160 group). Twelve cows in trial groups I, II, and III were pre-dispensed 80, 120, and 160 mg of melatonin in edible glutinous rice capsules along with the basal ration, respectively, while the control group was fed an empty glutinous rice capsule along with the ration. The trial period was 37 days, which included a 7-day adaptive phase followed by a 30-day experimental period. At the end of the trial period, feeding was ended and the cows were observed for 7 days. Milk samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 37 to determine the somatic cell number and milk composition. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, and 37 of the trial to determine the serum biochemical indicators, antioxidant and immune indicators, and the amount of melatonin in the blood. The results showed that the somatic cell counts of lactating cows in the CON group were lower than those in the T120 group on days 14 (p < 0.05) and 28 (p < 0.01) at 1 week after melatonin cessation. The milk protein percentage and milk fat percentage of cows in the T120 group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.01). The total protein and globulin content in the T120 group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.01). In terms of antioxidant capacity and immunity, the cows 1 week after melatonin cessation showed higher superoxide dismutase activity and interleukin-10 contents (p < 0.01) compared with the CON group and lower malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-alpha contents (p < 0.01) compared with the T120 group. The melatonin content in the T120 group was increased relative to that in the other groups. In conclusion, exogenous melatonin can increase the content of milk components, reduce the somatic cell count, and improve the antioxidant capacity and immune responses to a certain extent. Under the experimental conditions, 120 mg/day melatonin is recommended for mid- to late-lactation cows.

The Use of Flow Cytometry in the Analysis of Sows’ Colostrum and Milk

Abstract The flow cytometry method is used in many fields, not only scientific, but also clinical. In science, flow cytometry is used in immunology, molecular biology, microbiology or plant biology. In medicine, has its use, in the diagnosis of tumours, in reproductive and prenatal diagnosis, in transplants or in haematology. In our experimental work, we used this method to analyse colostrum and milk of sows. The aim of this study was to determine the number of somatic cells, the number of leukocytes and the number of T-lymphocytes. Colostrum samples were collected within 24 hours of delivery and then milk samples were collected at weekly intervals during 3 weeks. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the number of leukocytes (CD45+) in colostrum and milk. The most significant difference was noted between colostrum and milk in weeks 2 and 3 of the experiment (P &lt; 0.0001), with the highest values found in colostrum. On the other hand, we found that the levels of helper T-cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+) gradually increased over time (P &gt; 0.05), with the highest values observed in the third week after farrowing. We can conclude that flow cytometry can be successfully used for the examination of somatic cells in sows’ milk.

Automated cell lineage reconstruction using label-free 4D microscopy.

Patterns of lineal descent play a critical role in the development of metazoan embryos. In eutelic organisms that generate a fixed number of somatic cells, invariance in the topology of their cell lineage provides a powerful opportunity to interrogate developmental events with empirical repeatability across individuals. Studies of embryonic development using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have been drivers of discovery. These studies have depended heavily on high-throughput lineage tracing enabled by 4D fluorescence microscopy and robust computer vision pipelines. For a range of applications, computer-aided yet manual lineage tracing using 4D label-free microscopy remains an essential tool. Deep learning approaches to cell detection and tracking in fluorescence microscopy have advanced significantly in recent years, yet solutions for automating cell detection and tracking in 3D label-free imaging of dense tissues and embryos remain inaccessible. Here, we describe embGAN, a deep learning pipeline that addresses the challenge of automated cell detection and tracking in label-free 3D time-lapse imaging. embGAN requires no manual data annotation for training, learns robust detections that exhibits a high degree of scale invariance, and generalizes well to images acquired in multiple labs on multiple instruments. We characterize embGAN's performance using lineage tracing in the C. elegans embryo as a benchmark. embGAN achieves near-state-of-the-art performance in cell detection and tracking, enabling high-throughput studies of cell lineage without the need for fluorescent reporters or transgenics.

The Influence of Selected Environmental Factors on the Number of Somatic Cells in Cistern and Alveolar Milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the milking phase on somatic cell count (SCC) in milk obtained from the cisternal and alveolar parts of udders of selected Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The study also assessed the impact of other genetic and environmental factors on SCC variability in cisternal and alveolar milk, including: the individual cow, lactation stage, age of cow, production level, milking speed, fat-to-protein ratio, and milking type. The research included 15 cows of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed at different ages, lactation stages, and with varying daily milk yield. A total of 210 milk observations were conducted, including 105 for 1 min milking and 105 for 8 min milking. The results obtained in the study indicated that milk obtained during two different milking phases exhibited similar SCC levels (F for LOGSCC = 0.79). The average actual SCC in milk produced by 15 cows in 105 observations for 1 min milking was 219,000 cells/mL, while for 8 min milking it was 229,000 cells/mL. The results were inconclusive, suggesting that SCC in cisternal and alveolar milk must be influenced by factors other than the milking phase. The analysis of variance conducted for this purpose provided the basis for stating a highly statistically significant effect of the individual cow (F for LOGSCC = 147.9), lactation stage (F for LOGSCC = 54.64), age of cow (F for LOGSCC = 12.39), daily production level (F for LOGSCC = 34.49), milking speed (F for LOGSCC = 17.56), and fat-to-protein ratio (F for LOGSCC = 22.99) on the variability of characteristics defining SCC in milk. In summary, SCC is characterized by high variability, influenced by a range of environmental and genetic factors such as the individual cow, lactation stage, age of cow, milking speed, and dietary fat-to-protein ratio. The influence of milking phase (1 min or 8 min) and milking type (morning or evening) should be considered inconclusive based on the entire population studied. For half of the cows, SCC in cisternal milk was higher than in alveolar milk, while for the other half, the situation was reversed. Further observations are required to confirm the hypothesis regarding the extent to which cows' immunological response to bacterial infections is concentrated in the cisternal or alveolar part of the udder under national environmental conditions.

Quality of cow’s milk as a raw material in the dairy industry from the Pelagonian region in North Macedonia

This scientific work provides a comparison and analysis of the quality and hygiene requirements of raw cow’s milk obtained from individual producers of large and small farms in three regions of Pelagonia in accordance with the Rulebook on requirements for quality, safety and hygiene of milk. The examinations include analysis of the parameters of the chemical composition, determination of the number of somatic cells and total number of bacteria from milk samples taken throughout the year from small and large farms. The best results (p&lt;0.05) for the protein content are observed in the milk coming from small and large farms from the Southern part of the Pelagonia region, compared to the Northern part of the Pelagonia region and Prilep region. The amount of dry fat-free matter in the milk from small farms in all three regions did not show a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05). The results for the lactose content of milk from all three examined regions are within the limits of the Rulebook for raw milk. A significant difference (p&lt;0.01) was found for the content of somatic cells in small farms. It is noteworthy that small farms deviate significantly from the safety and hygiene requirements outlined in the Rulebook, primarily due to the hygiene practices concerning dairy cows. The results obtained will be valuable for the dairy industry, as they will identify weaknesses among domestic producers. Professional services will implement measures and activities to help farmers meet EU standards in milk production. Additionally, these findings will provide a significant basis for establishing strategies in this agricultural sector.

SKŁAD MLEKA KRÓW W ZALEŻNOŚCI OD WIEKU, FAZY LAKTACJI I PASZY GENETYCZNIE MODYFIKOWANEJ

The aim of the presented study was to analyze changes in milk composition depending on presence of genetically modified (GM) components in feed and according to cows’ age and lactation phase. The research was carried out with Polish Holstein-Friesian black and white cows (n = 50) housed in tie stall system at one farm. The genetically modified feed was a supplementary feed mixture. Data reports from milking trials with milk chemical composition, number of somatic cells and urea content were collected. The collected data concerned groups: primiparous (P) cows and multiparous (M) cows during 2nd and 3rd lactation. In each age group, two subgroups were distinguished: cows from 1st to 4th month of lactation (I) and cows from 5th to 8th month of lactation (II). The above subgroups were divided according to feed with GM components (G) and feed with non-GM components (N). It was found that use of feed with the addition of GM plants contributes to lowering the level of casein and an increase of lactose in milk. Presence of GM components in feed did not affect the level of fat, total protein, fat to protein content, urea levels, somatic cell counts in milk and cow yield. It can be concluded that the withdrawal of feed additives based on GM components does not adversely affect the technological quality of milk.

Pyriproxyfen enhances germline stem cell proliferation and reduces reproduction in Drosophila by up-regulating juvenile hormone signaling.

Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that is effective against various types of insect pests. However, the molecular mechanism underlying pyriproxyfen effects on insect reproduction remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we attempted to uncover the mechanisms underlying the impact of pyriproxyfen on the reproductive system of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. A significant decrease in Drosophila reproduction was observed after pyriproxyfen treatment. The juvenile hormone (JH) titer was significantly increased (120.4%) in the ovary samples of pyriproxyfen-treated flies. Likewise, the concentrations of key enzymes and the expression of key genes related to the JH signaling pathway were also increased in the pyriproxyfen-treated group compared with the control group. Furthermore, pyriproxyfen treatment significantly increased (15.6%) the number of germline stem cells (GSCs) and significantly decreased (17%) the number of cystoblasts (CBs). However, no significant differences were observed in the number of somatic cells. We performed RNA interference (RNAi) on five key genes (Met, Tai, gce, ftz-f1, and hairy) related to the JH signaling pathway in germ cells using the germ cell-specific Gal4 driver. Interestingly, RNAi of the selected genes significantly decreased the number of both GSCs and CBs in pyriproxyfen-treated transgenic flies. These results further validate that pyriproxyfen enhances GSC proliferation by up-regulating JH signaling. Our results indicate that pyriproxyfen significantly decreases reproduction by affecting germ cells in female adult ovaries. The effect of pyriproxyfen on germ cell proliferation and differentiation is mediated by an increase in JH signaling. This study has significant implications for optimizing pest control strategies, developing sustainable agriculture practices, and understanding the mechanism of insecticide action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative assessment of modern methods of diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cows

Diseases of the mammary gland, among which mastitis is the most common, cause significant damage to dairy farming. On different farms, from 3 to 50% of lactating cows are sick, and only in 30% of cases the disease manifests itself clinically, and in most cases it has a subclinical course. Early diagnosis of the subclinical stage of mastitis is of great economic, sanitary and technological importance. The effectiveness of timely treatment of sick animals and prevention of the clinical stage of mastitis and ensuring normal milk quality largely depends on it. The study was conducted at the National Research Center of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences on 92 lactating cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted breed. Each animal was diagnosed with clinical and subclinical mastitis. Research on subclinical mastitis was carried out using the German milk test and determining the electrical resistance of milk. The diagnostic value of these methods of settling breakdown was monitored. According to the results of the standing test, subclinical mastitis was detected in 30 (32.6%) of 92 lactating cows during the study (49 quarters were affected). Indirect determination of the number of somatic cells using the German milk test allows rapid diagnosis of subclinical mastitis with an accuracy of 84.8%. The use of the "Electronic determinant of mastitis in cows" with the interpretation of the obtained results according to the value of electrical resistance or the difference between the indicators of individual quarters according to the instructions ensures the accuracy of the result in 82.6 and 91.3% of cases, respectively. It is advisable to interpret the indicators of electrical resistance of milk taking into account both indicators. At the same time, cows with indicators of the numerical value of the electrical resistance of milk of 340 (u).o. should be considered healthy. and more and with a difference between the indicators of the quarters of 50 (u).o. and less; for sick animals, the electrical resistance of the secretion of the mammary gland in the range of 260 (u).o. is characteristic. And less with a difference between the largest and smallest indicators of individual quarters of 100 (u).o. and more. A diagnosis of subclinical mastitis can be considered doubtful if the electrical resistance of milk is between 270 and 330 (u).o. and differences between indicators of quarters 60 - 90 (u).o. Key words: cows, subclinical mastitis, electronic mastitis detector, EIMU.

Эффективность препарата «МАСТИБЛОК® гель» при лечении мастита у коров в период лактации

The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of a new medicinal product for veterinary use «MASTIBLOCK gel» in the treatment of mastitis in cows during lactation. 5 groups (10 animals each) of lactating cattle with various forms of mastitis were formed: group 1 – subclinical mastitis; group 2 – acute serous mastitis; group 3 – chronic serous mastitis; group 4 – acute catarrhal mastitis; group 5 – chronic catarrhal mastitis. For the 1st, 2nd and 4th groups, therapy was carried out for 7 days, for the 3rd and 5th – for 14 days. The drug was used externally for all animals, by applying a uniform layer of 50 g 2 times a day to the surface of the udder. At the beginning and end of treatment, blood was taken in each group for general blood test; milk was taken to assess bacterial contamination and assess the number of somatic cells. The clinical assessment of the condition of the animals was carried out daily. All the animals were kept in the same conditions. The diet of cows of all groups corresponded to the norms for this type and technological use of animals. The presence of pathology and the effectiveness of the drug were evaluated based on the results of a clinical examination of animals, the results of bacteriological analysis, a general blood test and a milk test for the number of somatic cells. As a result of the work carried out, based on the results of the study, it was found that the drug showed high therapeutic efficacy in various forms of mastitis caused by opportunistic microflora in lactating cows, and also helps to restore the qualitative characteristics of milk and reduce somatic cells in them.

Intensification of reproduction of a highly productive dairy cattle herd

The research work was carried out in a breeding facility for dairy cattle breeding with a milk yield per cow of 10,564 kg and a reproduction level of 96.6 %. Semen of Holstein bulls was used for reproduction. At dry-off pregnant cows were immunized against a range of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases. After birth, the calves were injected with vitamin E and selenium, dectomax and gradually immunized against common infections. Data on 922 heifers were included in the analysis, including 192 obtained through inseminating cows with sexed semen. Heifers were inseminated at 13–15 months of age. Fertility rate after the first insemination was 67.4 %, calving at the age of (710 ± 2) days. Early calving and balanced feeding ensured high milk yields in full lactation and standard period – on average 9401 and 8854 kg of milk with the fat mass fraction of 4.32 %, protein of 3.38 % and the number of somatic cells of 73 thousand/ml. After calving, the first insemination was carried out on average in 82.6 days, the efficiency was 61.8 %, the insemination index was 1.60, the service period averaged to 107.5 days. When using sexed semen, the fertility rate after the 1st insemination was the same – 67.7 %. The age at calving in animals of the Vis Ideal line was 20 days more compared to their peers of the R. Sovereign line (722 versus 702 days, P &lt; 0.05). Milk yield in full lactation and its standard period were higher in animals of the R. Sovereign line – 9304 and 8890 kg versus 8753 and 8461 kg, which indicates the positive effect of early calving on animal productivity. Early calving of heifers is a necessary condition for a highly productive herd. The results of the research are recommended to be used not only at dairy farms of the Republic of Belarus, but also in other countries with developing dairy cattle breeding.

Study of the possibility of producing brine-ripened cheeses from frozen sheep’s milk

The article presents the results of a study of the quality indicators of brine-ripened cheeses produced from defrosted sheep’s milk. The objects of the study were natural and defrosted sheep’s milk, brine-ripened cheeses from this milk. The study of defrosted sheep’s milk (experiment) was carried out after 10 days of its storage at a temperature of –18 °C followed by defrostation at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °C. The composition of natural sheep’s milk (control) was examined after storage for 24 ± 12 hours at a temperature of 4 ± 2 °C. It has been found that the freezing of milk and its subsequent defrostation did not have a significant effect on the milk solids content, the mass fraction of protein and fat, titrated acidity; however, the mass fraction of calcium decreased, on average, by 20%. Freezing milk did not significantly affect the total number of micro- organisms, including spore aerobic microorganisms and molds. A decrease in the number of somatic cells (from 3.0 to 4.5 times) was found. There were no differences between the control and experimental milk samples in the renneting ability. The level of syneresis of clots in the control sample was 16 ± 1% higher compared to the experimental sample. The cheeses were produced according to the traditional technological scheme of brine-ripened cheese using a production mesophilic bacterial starter culture. The control and experimental cheeses did not differ significantly in physical and chemical parameters. According to the degree of proteolysis, there were no significant differences between the control and experimental variants. In the experimental sample, a decrease in the buffer capacity of the cheese mass was noted in comparison with the control cheeses. The freezing of milk did not have a significant effect on the taste characteristics of the cheeses: in both variants, the cheeses were characterized by a weakly expressed cheese, fermented milk taste with original taste of sheep’s milk. More noticeable differences were found in the consistency of the cheeses. In the control version, the consistency was characterized as tender, slightly brittle; in the experimental version, it was less tender, but brittle and slightly powdery. The greatest deterioration in consistency was observed in the samples of frozen cheese made from natural milk after defrosting; it was characterized as brittle, powdery, crumbly.

Effect of subclinical mastitis on milk taurine concentration in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether taurine has any role in bovine subclinical mastitis, and the relationship between milk taurine concentration and somatic cell count. Forty milk samples from dairy cows aged 3 to 6 during lactation were used for this research. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) and somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. The subclinical mastitis group consisted of 20 milk specimens positive for CMT and SCC&gt;200.000/ml of milk. The control group consisted of 20 milk specimens negative for CMT and SCC&lt;200.000/ml of milk. A bovine-specific taurine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to determine the taurine concentration in the milk. The milk serum taurine concentrations were determined as 232.1±89.8 pg/ml in the control group and 158.0±55.6 pg/ml in the subclinical mastitis group. These results determined that the taurine concentration in milk with subclinical mastitis decreased approximately 1.5 times compared to healthy milk (P&lt;0.05). A significant negative correlation was determined between the taurine concentration in cow’s milk with subclinical mastitis and the number of somatic cells (r= -0.933; P&lt;0.001). From the findings of this study, it was concluded that both somatic cell counts and the measurement of taurine in cow’s milk could be used to monitor mammary health.

Milk productivity of cows-daughters of different sires of foreign breeding

The widespread use of Holstein sires of different selections in the breeding of dairy cattle and the study of their influence on the productive traits of daughters is relevant and of practical importance. The purpose of the research was to study the milk productivity of cows-daughters of different sires of foreign breeding. The research was carried out in one of the breeding farms in the Sverdlovsk region for breeding Holstein black-and-white cattle. The object of the research was Holstein sires of diff erent breeding and their daughters. A comparison was made of the milk production of daughters of four sires: Alta Bloomberg (country of origin USA), Bourbon (Denmark), Norton (Germany) and Lisborn (Canada). It was found as a result of the research that the diff erence in milk yield between herdmates daughters of diff erent sires was statistically insignificant, but there was a tendency for higher milk yields in the daughters of the sires Alta Bloomberg, Norton and Lisborn, compare to the daughters of the sire Bourbon. In the milk of the daughters of sires Alta Blumberg and Norton, the mass fraction of fat in milk was higher (p ≤ 0,05–0,01), and in the daughters of the sire Bourbon, the mass fraction of protein was higher (p ≤ 0,01). Signifi cant differences were also revealed in the chemical composition of milk from cows-daughters of different sires. The results of the assessment on sanitary and hygienic indicators confirmed the high quality of milk. Indicators of bacterial contamination of milk and the presence of somatic cells in milk were low and met the requirements for premium milk. A significant difference was established in the increase in the number of bacterial and somatic cells in milk with the age of cows in daughters of the sires Alta Blumberg and Bourbon (p ≤ 0,05–0,01). In the milk of the daughters of the sires Norton and Lisborn, a statistically significant difference was obtained only for somatic cells (p ≤ 0,01 and p ≤ 0,001).

Veterinary-sanitary assessment of milk production

Biologically valuable, good-quality milk–raw materials can be obtained only from healthy animals kept in comfortable conditions and with the provision of rights and freedoms following the principles of animal welfare and the concept of “One Health.” Timely detection through observations and diagnostic studies of the hidden form of mastitis will prevent the spread of the disease. Studies have proven that the milk of animals, according to the organoleptic assessment, generally met the sanitary and hygienic standards. Monitoring of the physical and chemical parameters of milk showed that the fat content in the milk of cows of samples 1 and 3 was within the normal range; in sample 3, it was lower by 0.14 %, SZMZ was below the minimum levels of the norm by 2.78, 2.76 and 2.72 %, respectively, the density of milk was higher than the normative indicator (1027 kg/m3) and ranged from 1030.13 to 1028.14 kg/m3. Research has established that the lactose content in milk samples was less than the established norm by 0.27, 0.24 and 0.26 %, respectively. The conductivity of milk in samples 1 and 3 was higher than the norm by 4.44 %. The studies proved that the milk of samples 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 met the requirements of DSTU 3662 2018 “Raw cow's milk”, according to the content of somatic cells was classified as extra grade. The number of somatic cells in samples 5 and 6 indicated clinical and subclinical form mastitis in studied cows.

Value chains of selected products as elements of sustainability of agricultural production

The value chain concept is often used in the analysis of agricultural competitiveness. Its application seeks ways and activities that add value to products. The focus is on finding opportunities for efficient monitoring of modern trends, challenges and business risk assessment in order to sustainably produce processing and marketing of agri-food products. The production of fruits and vegetables by small producers is characterized by short chains from production to product placement, without adding value. There are numerous critical points in the analyzed chains, such as quality of input, processing, drying and storage of products, lack of training and financial resources for storage and preservation of products after harvest. The link between primary production and the processing industry should ensure stability for primary producers in terms of the market, and entities in the processing industry for continuity in the supply of raw materials of domestic origin. In order to improve product value chains, and thus the competitiveness of the national agri-food sector, it is necessary to improve productivity in primary production, horizontal and vertical integration, as well as additional investments in processing capacities. The key areas in the legislation and its implementation in order to improve the value chain of livestock products are: animal husbandry, hygiene on farms and in meat processing plants, as well as environmental protection. These are some of the priorities that should create the conditions for the possibility of exporting live animals, meat and meat products to the EU. Improving the milk value chain would contribute to better efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability of production, milk quality, especially in microbiological terms (reduction of the number of bacteria and somatic cells). Conditions should be created for the adoption of good agricultural practice, adaptation to market requirements, reaching standards in the field of animal welfare and health, improving the genetic potential of animals for milk production, hygiene and environmental protection. Quality is an important factor in competitiveness and sustainable agricultural production. As the main elements of the quality management system and adding value to products, the appropriate standards are applied: ISO 9000, HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, ISO 14000, HALAL standard, Kosher standard, BRC standard, GOST-R standard, Demeter, GLOBAL GAP, IFS standard . In order to overcome and solve environmental problems of agricultural development, more and more importance is attached to the application of animal protection policy measures. Domestic and international standards and regulations for environmental management ISO 14001 are applied, including the EU Environmental Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Genetic potentials and biological diversification are important for the development and sustainability of agricultural production. The richness of flora and fauna, genetic resources and great biological diversity constitute natural comparative advantages in every respect, especially for sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection.

Seasonal changes in milk quality indicators jersey cows

The article presents the results of studies of milk quality indicators: the mass fraction of fat, the mass fraction of protein and the number of somatic cells in the Jersey breed in the Stavropol Territory in 2022-2023. In the autumn period, the indicators of the mass fraction of fat and protein were higher compared to other seasons and equal to 6.08% and 4.66%, respectively. The number of somatic cells was also increased in the autumn and spring periods of 140 and 146 thousand units/ml, respectively. A significant negative correlation of the mass fraction of protein and average daily productivity to the number of somatic cells r = -0.21 and -0.12 was established. And a significant positive correlation between the mass fraction of fat and the level of somatic cells r = 0.52.

MAIN TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COW’S MILK IN ACCORDANCE WITH EU REQUIREMENTS

The study is focused on considering the issues of harmonization of domestic standards in accordance with EU requirements, the importance of studies of the quality of cow’s milk in relation to microbial contamination, and the informational capabilities of the indicator of the number of somatic cells in milk. It is outlined that the production of milk in Ukraine has decreased over the last decade, nevertheless, an increase in the average annual milk yield per cow is being monitored, which indicates improvement in the genetic material. The normative documents establishing requirements for the quality of milk and dairy products in accordance with European standards, in particular, for indicators of total bacterial insemination, number of somatic cells, freezing point, fat and protein percentage, were considered. The mentioned indicators in the leading countries for the production of dairy products and the peculiarities of determining its quality were analyzed, in particular, in relation to psychrotrophic microflora. In this sense, the temperature range of contamination of milk by bacteria of various types is given. The main sources and the share of their impact on milk contamination, which spreads through the internal and external environment, are established in the study, as well as the means of their avoidance are indicated. The sanitary condition of milking equipment, the speed and quality of milk cooling after milking (in general, about 70%) have the greatest influence on the contamination of dairy products. Important influencing factors are proper care of the udder, the condition of the floor, the sanitary and hygienic condition of the location of the animals, feed, water, air in the premises, as well as the labour hygiene of the workers on the dairy farm. The important indicator of milk quality is the content of somatic cells, which is the main indicator of infection in the animal’s body and makes it possible to identify cows with mastitis in time. Regular control of the content of somatic cells in milk is especially important during the subclinical course of mastitis. In this sense, it is promising to use express methods of mastitis diagnosis, to establish relationships between the synthesis of milk components and the physiological state of the cow, to determine the genetic determinant of the sensitivity of cows to mastitis pathogens, and therefore to prevent mastitis by targeted selection of animals.

EFFECTIVENESS OF USING PREMIX IN HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE DIET COWS DURING THE PERIOD OF STRIPPING

Vitamins and mineral elements play an important role in the prevention of metabolic disorders during strife. The MuMix premium premix for highly productive cows during the strife has been developed. It has been established that it is not toxic and belongs to hazard class IV (low-hazard substances DL50 over 5000.0 mg/kg). The effectiveness of using the premix in the diet of highly productive cows during stripping in the amount of 100 g per head per day was proved, which resulted in an increase in the average daily yield by 4.8%, milk production in the reference weight by 4.6%, an increase in the mass share of fat in milk by 0.22 p.p. (Р &lt; 0.001), mass fraction of protein in milk - 0.06 p.p. (Р &lt; 0.05), mass fraction of COMO - by 0.12, mass fraction of lactose - by 0.11 p.p. and decrease in the number of somatic cells by 7.9%.

РОЛЬ АЛИМЕНТАРНОГО ФАКТОРА В ФЕРТИЛЬНОСТИ МОЛОЧНЫХ КОРОВ

Studies of the feed rations of cows during the stall period at «Olzha Agro» LLP showed deviations from the established norms. The content of protein feed is overestimated by 4%. Deviations in the content of macro-microelements in the diet were noted: calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, which is manifested by a decrease in sex hormones. The excessive content of phosphorus and iron (in the range of 39.88-95.7%) is due to deterioration in the absorption of manganese. The concentration of magnesium in the blood serum of the studied cows is 43% lower than normal. This affects the digestibility of calcium and phosphorus. The concentration of total protein in the blood serum is 30.71% higher than normal. The albumin content does not exceed 75 g/L. Urea and glucose concentrations are normal. ASat and ALat indicators indicate liver tension. This is clinically confirmed by the presence of ketosis in 3.4% and acidosis in 76.3% of cows. The number of somatic cells in 95% of cows indicates the absence of mastitis. The ratio of protein and fat in milk is diagnostic in nature. An increase in the ratio to 1 indicates acidosis, with a ratio close to 0.6 indicating ketosis. Deviations from established standards have been identified in feed rations, which are the direct cause of decreased fertility of dairy cows and their reproductive health.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЕЙ РОБОТИЗИРОВАННОЙ ДОИЛЬНОЙ УСТАНОВКИ ДЛЯ ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ ОТБОРА КОРОВ

Milk production industrial development has led to automated milking technologies. By using of the robot-milker it targeted cows’ selection in the herd according to the morphological contributing and functional characteristics of the udder, that ultimately stimulates milk production increasing. At the same time, robotic equipment use cows’ selection in accordance to stricter selection parameters requires for cows in terms of udder shape and nipple length on dairy farms. The purpose of the research is cows suitability parameters’ study for robot milking and the influence of selection parameters for milking suitability for robotic milking machines for milk production determining. The research was conducted on the basis of data obtained due to 2017-2022 on Kaluga region’s farm by robotic milking machines from Lely (Netherlands) using, the number of cows in average is 126 heads. Studied indicators: milk yield for 305 days of lactation, udder shape, nipples’ shape and size, udder attachment, udder capacity, of udder rear development uniformity, milk flow intensity. As a result of the study, it was found that cows’ milking on a robotic installation contributed to the cows’ selection of with a tubshaped udder (up to 52,3% of the total livestock), with evenly developed udder shares, with a milk yield rate of more than as 2,34 kg/min, as well as milk quality in terms of bacterial contamination and the number of somatic cells improving. On average, the milk yield increase in over 305 days of lactation during the study period was 18,7%. At the same time, the cows selection for milk production, taking into account the indicators determinating on a robotic installation, can be carried out at a higher level with a more cows’ rigid arrangement that do not meet the requirements of robotic milking.