Somatic Cell Content Research Articles

ВЕТЕРИНАРНО-САНИТАРНАЯ ОЦЕНКА КАЧЕСТВА И БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ МОЛОКА И МОЛОЧНЫХ ПРОДУКТОВ, ИЗГОТОВЛЯЕМЫХ В ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНОМ ФЕРМЕРСКОМ ХОЗЯЙСТВЕ ТВЕРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The article presents the results of a study of the quality and safety of raw cow's milk, sour cream and cottage cheese, produced in a private farm in the Tver region. In the course of the work, regulatory documents were studied and organoleptic and physico-chemical researches were performed. In order to determine the food safety of dairy products, microbiological studies were conducted: QMAFAnM, the content of somatic cells and inhibitory substances, the number of Salmonella, coliforms, lactic acid microorganisms and S. aureus were determined). On the basis of the obtained results, it was established that the investigated milk can be allowed for sale and is quality raw material for the production of dairy products. Sour cream and cottage cheese from private production are benign, microbiologically pure and safe food.

МЕРОПРИЯТИЯ ПО УЛУЧШЕНИЮ МИКРОБИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ МОЛОКА КОРОВ

Safety of milk on microbiological indicators is an important condition for acceptance on the milk processing enterprise. High microbial contamination of milk and increased content of somatic cells in milk are often the cause of discrepancy to modern requirements of national and international regulatory documents. The development and implementation of measures aimed at improving the condition of the udder of cows, the use of modern means of processing is one of the most important tasks to improve the sanitary and hygienic conditions of milk production. Prevention of mastitis is one of the effective ways to improve the safety and quality of cows' milk. It is known that the most affordable way to prevent mastitis is strict hygiene during milking. In our article the results of research work received in the conditions of a dairy farm are presented. Researches on use of modern domestic means of processing of an udder before and after milking are carried out. For this, two experimental and one control groups were created. In summer and autumn, the udder of cows in the experimental groups were treated with special detergents and disinfectants. In the control group, the udders were not treated with special means. Udder hygiene was maintained by washing the nipples with warm water, as is customary in the household. It was established that the treatment of the udder of cows with disinfectants decreased the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultatively anaerobic microorganisms and somatic cells in the milk of cows.

Influence of feeding with live yeast on cow productivity and milk quality

Influence of feeding with live yeast on cow productivity and milk quality

Does the dry cow treatment with monensin controlled release capsule affect Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production?

We investigated the effects of monensin controlled-release capsule (CRC; Kexxtone, Eli Lilly and Company Ltd., Indianapolis, IN) preventative ketosis treatment on the traditional cheesemaking process as well as the final characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheese. The use of this prevention product to reduce the incidence of ketosis in transition dairy cows was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2013. No previous studies are available concerning the effects of this treatment on prolonged-ripening cheese production such as PR. In PR cheese production, feed, feed additives, and cow treatments are strictly regulated to avoid any possible interference with traditional manufacturing processes. For these reasons, on 1 farm where all milk was used for PR cheese production, monensin CRC was administered to 33 cows, 21 d before calving in the monensin-treated group (TRT), whereas untreated cows with similar breed and parity characteristics constituted the control group (CTR). For 20 wk, milk obtained from each group and whey starter were separately managed and transported in the cheese factory, where 2 cheese wheels per group were produced daily, making 552 PR cheese wheels in total. Morning bulk tank milk composition, cheesemaking properties, and whey starter fermentation activities were analyzed twice a week. Every aspect of the cheesemaking process was recorded and the resulting cheese was evaluated after 36 h and 6, 12, and 18 mo from production for yield, texture defects, composition, and fatty acids profile. Milk from the 2 groups differed for somatic cell content (TRT = 3.04 vs. CTR = 4.06, somatic cell score), total bacterial count (TRT = 4.08 vs. CTR = 6.08 × 1,000 cfu/mL), titratable acidity (TRT = 3.66 vs. CTR = 3.72 Soxhlet-Henkel degrees/50 mL), and casein content percentage (TRT = 2.4 vs. CTR = 2.5%). Whey starter parameters were comparable between the 2 groups. Final cheese composition and organoleptic profile were not influenced by the treatment, except for C18:1 content being enhanced (TRT = 22.8 vs. CTR = 20.8% of fatty acids). Percentage of defected ripened cheese was significantly lower in the treated group, both at x-ray evaluation performed at 6 mo (TRT = 6.2 vs. CTR = 12.3%) and at the consortium inspection, performed at 12 mo of ripening (TRT = 1.5 vs. CTR = 6.5%). On the other hand, average cheese yield at 18 mo of ripening was partially reduced (TRT = 7.5 vs. CTR = 7.7%). Overall, the use of monensin CRC had no negative effect on the cheesemaking process, prolonged ripening cheese characteristics, milk composition, or whey starter quality.

Influence of selected factors on the content of somatic cells in the milk of Carpathian goats

The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the content of somatic cells (SCC) in the milk of Carpathian goats with regards to the month of lactation, milk yield and goat age. The research was carried out on a farm in the Podkarpacie region in which Carpathian goats are kept. They are a native goat breed, covered by the genetic resources conservation program. Somatic cells were determined in goat milk samples once a month during routine milk control. The lowest value was recorded at the beginning of lactation in April (719 × 103 · cm–3); it grew in subsequent months, gradually reaching the highest level in October (7311 × 103 · cm–3). There was no effect of goat age and milk yield on the size of the tested parameter. In conclusion, it should be stated that the milk of the Carpathian goats was characterized by a high content of somatic cells and high variability during lactation..

Quality Analysis of Raw Cow Milk from the Cojocna Farm, UASVM Cluj Napoca in Correlation with the Feeding Technique and Mammary Gland Health Status

Quality analysis of 576 milk samples, obtained from the eight controls was performed in 2015 at the didactics UASVM farm from Cojocna. The biological material was represented by a 107 cows of Romanian spotted breed. On this population, individual and overall, were analized more aspects: productive performances and the main milk quality indicators such as fat, protein, lactose, pH, with particular reference to somatic cell counts as the main indicator of subclinical mastitis and the content of urea as the main indicator of nutritional aspects of the dairy cows. Following the official control of milk production, it was found that the milk production was on average 14.76 kg/day with a quite high values of coefficient of variability, between 31.05% and 40.47%, depending on the controls, which indicating a strong heterogeneity of this trait. The chemical characteristics of 576 samples showed considerable variations from one control to another. The amount of total fat and protein was found to be on average of 3.92% and 3.37% respectively. Regarding the content of urea and somatic cells, in all tested milk samples, the lowest value was found in the fifth control, with an average of 8.04±0.6 mg/dl and 69.20±23.3 cell/mlx103, while the highest was in the first control 19.37±0.7 mg/dl for urea, and 263.17±31.7 cell/mlx103 for the somatic cells.

Longitudinal Study of Two Irish Dairy Herds: Low Numbers of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 and O26 Super-Shedders Identified.

A 12-month longitudinal study was undertaken on two dairy herds to ascertain the Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and O26 shedding status of the animals and its impact (if any) on raw milk. Cattle are a recognized reservoir for these organisms with associated public health and environmental implications. Animals shedding E. coli O157 at >10,000 CFU/g of feces have been deemed super-shedders. There is a gap in the knowledge regarding super-shedding of other STEC serogroups. A cohort of 40 lactating cows from herds previously identified as positive for STEC in a national surveillance project were sampled every second month between August, 2013 and July, 2014. Metadata on any potential super-shedders was documented including, e.g., age of the animal, number of lactations and days in lactation, nutritional condition, somatic cell count and content of protein in milk to assess if any were associated with risk factors for super-shedding. Recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMS), raw milk, milk filters, and water samples were procured for each herd. The swabs were examined for E. coli O157 and O26 using a quantitative real time PCR method. Counts (CFU swab-1) were obtained from a standard calibration curve that related real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values against the initial concentration of O157 or O26 in the samples. Results from Farm A: 305 animals were analyzed; 15 E. coli O157 (5%) were recovered, 13 were denoted STEC encoding either stx1 and/or stx2 virulence genes and 5 (2%) STEC O26 were recovered. One super-shedder was identified shedding STEC O26 (stx1&2). Farm B: 224 animals were analyzed; eight E. coli O157 (3.5%) were recovered (seven were STEC) and 9 (4%) STEC O26 were recovered. Three super-shedders were identified, one was shedding STEC O157 (stx2) and two STEC O26 (stx2). Three encoded the adhering and effacement gene (eae) and one isolate additionally encoded the haemolysin gene (hlyA). All four super-shedders were only super-shedding once during the 1-year sampling period. The results of this study show, low numbers of super-shedders in the herds examined, with high numbers of low and medium shedding. Although four super-shedding animals were identified, no STEC O157 or O26 were recovered from any of the raw milk, milk filter, or water samples. The authors conclude that this study highlights the need for further surveillance to assess the potential for environmental contamination and food chain security.

Взаимосвязь среднесуточного надоя и содержания соматических клеток в молоке помесных коров

В статье рассмотрена взаимосвязь среднесуточного надоя молока коров и содержания соматических клеток в молоке коров черно-пестрой породы с разной долей кровности до 50 и 51 – 75 % по голштинской породе и по линиям В. Б. Айдиал, Р. Соверинг и П. Говернер в ЗАО «Агрофирма «Дороничи», отделение Пасегово (г. Киров) Кировской области, в период с 2012 по 2014 г. Установлено, что с повышением кровности количество соматических клеток в молоке у коров линии П. Говернер значительно увеличивается, а именно у коров с кровностью 51 – 75 %, принадлежавших линии П. Говернер, уровень содержания соматических клеток выше, чем у коров с долей кровности до 50 %, на 69 тыс./см3 при увеличении продуктивности на 6 %. У коров, принадлежавших линии В. Б. Айдиал, наоборот, при увеличении доли кровности 51 – 75 % уровень содержания соматических клеток снизился на 8 тыс./см3 при увеличении продуктивности на 8 % по сравнению с показателями у коров этой же линии с долей кровности до 50 %. Таким образом, помесные животные, принадлежавшие линии В. Б. Айдиал, даже при увеличении доли кровности превосходят по качеству молока и содержанию соматических клеток коров линии Р. Соверинг и П. Говернер при средней продуктивности по стаду даже при равных условиях содержания и кормления. Такие животные более устойчивы к возникновению мастита. Большее содержание уровня соматических клеток наблюдается у коров линии П. Говернер независимо от уровня кровности и от года исследования.

Effect of selenium on its content in milk and performance of dairy cows in ecological farming

Currently, the ecological farming is increasingly spread in the European Union. The aim of this relatively young farming method is a friendly approach to agricultural production with an emphasis to deliver healthy raw materials and food to final consumer. Selenium is included in an essential trace micronutrients which are necessary for the proper process of physiological reactions. It is a part of glutathione peroxidase, which is a powerful antioxidant. At present, selenium-deficiency can occur in feed and food in central Europe. Selenium deficiency is one cause of the higher occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the experiment was to study whether the addition of selenium to the diet of dairy cows in ecological farming can increase its concentration in milk and affect quantitative (milk yield) and quality (content of protein, fat, lactose, somatic cells and urea) milk indicators. The experiment included twenty cows of Holstein breed. The first experimental group of cows (n = 10) was fed with selenium in an amount of 0.3 mg.kg-1 (as selenomethionine) in the feed dose. The control group (n = 10) was not fed with the increased selenium in the feed dose. The basic feed dose contained 0.17 mg of Se/kg in the diet. For dairy cows, daily intake was of 20.5 kg of dry matter feed. The duration of the experiment was set at 45 days. The selenium concentration in milk was measured from 0.13 to 0.15 µg.mL-1 in the experimental group of cows during the evaluation. The control group of cows without the addition of selenium to the diet showed a selenium concentration below the detection limit. During the experiment, milk yield, lactose, fat and protein were not affected. A significant decrease (p <0.05) of somatic cells by 58% occurred in milk in the experimental group. The amount of urea was significantly lower in both groups in the experimental (by 52%; p <0.05) and control (50%; p <0.05). These results show that the addition of selenium may increase the selenium concentration in milk (the production of functional food). The addition of selenium reduces the amount of somatic cells, which are the indicators of inflammatory diseases of the mammary gland.

Influence of milk somatic cell content on Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese yield.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the somatic cell content (SCC) of milk on Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese yield, produced in commercial cheese factories under field conditions. The study was carried out following the production of 56 batches of Parmigiano-Reggiano in 13 commercial cheese factories by processing milk collected from Italian Friesian cattle herds. The vat-milk (V-milk) used for making each cheese batch was obtained by mixing evening milk (partially skimmed following spontaneous separation of fat overnight, natural creaming) and morning milk. The batches of cheese produced were divided into 5 classes according to the SCC value of the evening milk determined prior to natural creaming (class 1, from 0 to 200,000; 2, 201,000-300,000; 3, 301,000-400,000; 4, 401,000-500,000; 5, over 501,000 cells/ml). The cheese yield was calculated as the amount of 24-h cheese, expressed in kilograms, obtained from 100 kg of V-milk (24 h ACY). The values of fat, crude protein, true protein, casein and 24 h ACY of V-milk were negatively correlated with the somatic cell score (SCS) of the evening milk. Conversely, a positive correlation was observed between chloride and SCS. Fat, protein fractions (crude protein, casein and whey proteins), P and titratable acidity of V-milk were positively correlated with its 24 h ACY, while chloride, pH and SCS showed a negative correlation. A significant drop in 24 h ACY was observed in classes 3, 4 and 5, therefore when the SCC of the evening milk exceeded 300,000 cells/ml. Finally a lower recovery of milk fat in cheese was observed as SCC of evening milk increase.

Effects of intramammary antibiotic therapy during the dry period on the performance of Lacaune dairy sheep under intensive management.

Often the only way to ensure profitability of Lacaune dairy sheep is intensive management, which requires appropriate dry-period treatment to ensure animal productivity and health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intramammary antibiotic dry therapy on the performance and health of Lacaune sheep under intensive management. We recorded data for 5981 complete lactation periods that followed a dry period. A total of 2402 lactation periods were preceded by a dry period involving intramammary administration of 300mg of cephapirin benzathine (antibiotic group) and 3579 lactation periods were preceded by dry periods with no treatment (control group). The following on-farm yield data were collected for individual lactation periods: length of the subsequent lactation period; total milk yield per lactation period; daily milk yield and length of the subsequent dry period. Data on confounding factors that might affect productivity were also recorded, including the individual ewe, number of lactation periods and length of the previous dry period. Milk quality was assessed using data on somatic cell count (SCC) and content of protein and fat taken from the Spanish National Official Milk Yield Recording System. Antibiotic dry therapy significantly improved total yield per lactation period, which was 429±151·1l in the antibiotic group and 412±165·5l in the control group, as well as the daily milk yield, which was 1986±497·0 and 1851±543·2ml/d, respectively (both P<0·0001). The initial dry period was significantly longer in the antibiotic group than in the control group, and dry period length correlated inversely with yield variables such us total yield per lactation period (r=-0·055; P<0·0001) and yield per day in milk (r=-0·039; P<0·0001). As a result, milk yield records systematically underestimated the positive effects of antibiotic dry therapy. Antibiotic dry therapy also significantly improved milk quality. Milk from the antibiotic group showed 50% lower SCC (573±1326 vs. 1022±2126cells/ml; P<0·0001) and slightly higher content in fat (7·33±0·91 vs. 7·15±0·87%) and protein (5·63±0·44 vs. 5·44±0·4%). The results of this study suggest that cephalosporin dry therapy of Lacaune dairy sheep increases milk production and improves milk quality during subsequent lactation periods.

Effect of Total Proteosepeptone Content on the Variability of Bovine Milk Foaming Property

Several authors demonstrated a strong linkage between proteose-peptones content and foaming properties of cow milk; this is of great interest for Italian dairy industries to create a new line of fresh milk characterized by a particular foaming property and, hence, particularly appreciate in catering industry. The aim of this trial was to quantify the relation between total concentration of proteose-peptones and the entity of foaming attitude in cow fresh milk. Ninety samples of raw bulk milk were analysed for proteose-peptones content, plasmin activity, fatty acid profile and foaming attitude. A negative relation was found among proteose-peptones percentage and foaming attitude which decreased with the increase of plasmin activity and somatic cell content in milk.

Short-Wave near Infrared Spectrometry of Back Scattering and Transmission of Light by Milk for Multi-Component Analysis

Quality and authenticity of milk are usually defined by the content and composition of fat, proteins, total solids, somatic cells and other established indicators. Along with traditional reference methods for quantitative analysis, the use of near infrared (NIR) spectrometers and multivariate modelling is becoming more widely utilised. It would be useful to apply a spectrometer with a linear silicon CCD array as a rapid, portable and rather cheap supervising device. However, milk is a multiphase disperse system which includes a rough disperse phase of somatic cells and fatty globules, a thin phase of casein and whey proteins particles and the molecular solutions of lactose, salts, vitamins etc. in water. The scattering of incident light by particles of milk affect the signal of an NIR spectrometer significantly. The calibration of a spectrometer can be improved by considering the distinction between scattering by fatty globules and casein micelles. For this purpose, it is attractive to use the anisotropy of scattering by rough particles, in particular, by fatty globules. The comparative results for calibration models constructed with transmission and back scattering spectra of milk are presented in this paper. The spectra were acquired with a new two-channel short wave NIR spectrometer. Restored drinking milk has been modelled with a set of calibration samples, since the difference in the optical properties due to the globules and the micelles is significant and also because the reliable quality control of drinking milk using a simple spectrometer is a relevant practical problem. PLS models were constructed for the prediction of fat and protein and also of the fat-free total solids which serve as an indicator of authenticity for drinking milk. The results obtained demonstrate that a large reductions in errors is possible. The SEP value of not more than 0.08% wt was achieved when predicting the fat content of milk using a calibration based on the difference spectra of transmission and backscattering compared with a SEP of 0.21% wt for the model using transmission spectra only. For protein determination, the SEP was reduced from 0.25% wt to 0.12% wt if the calibration was based on the spectra of backscattering rather than on transmission.

Content of free fatty acids, lipolytic bacteria and somatic cells in relation to milking technology

Content of free fatty acids, lipolytic bacteria and somatic cells in relation to milking technologyThe contents of free fatty acids (FFA) and counts of total bacteria, psychrotrophic lipolytic bacteria (PLiBC) and somatic cells were determined in 150 samples of cow's bulk raw milk on 20 farms with three different milking technologies in South Bohemia during 2008-10. FFA were determined using an extraction-titration method. Within the compared technologies, the highest mean values of FFA (3.88 mmol 100 g-1; P&lt;0.001) and PLiBC (696 CFU ml-1) were observed on farms with pipeline milking in stalls. The lowest mean FFA level (1.54 mmol 100 g-1) was determined on farms with an automatic milking system. Medium values were determined on farms with parlour milking.

Effects of the full cream milk somatic cell content on the characteristics of vat milk in the manufacture of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Effects of the full cream milk somatic cell content on the characteristics of vat milk in the manufacture of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese P. Franceschi & A. Summer & S. Sandri & P. Formaggioni & M. Malacarne & P. Mariani Published online: 17 July 2009 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009

Economic weights of production and functional traits in dairy cattle under a direct subsidy regime

: Economic weights (EW) for the Slovak dairy production system were calculated in Holstein, Slovak Simmental, and Slovak Pinzgau breeds under a direct support regime using a bio-economic approach. EW were calculated for three scenarios (A: without agricultural subsidies; B: agricultural subsidies included in revenues and C: agricultural subsidies included in feeding costs). Quota-free milk production was assumed in all scenarios. The base price of milk was corrected according to real fat, protein and somatic cell content. Under the given economic and production conditions, only the Holstein system in scenario A was economically profitable. All simulated systems were profit-making when agricultural subsidies were taken into account (B and C). No influence of subsidies on EW of traits in scenario B was found. Most of the evaluated traits (especially milk and functional traits) showed higher marginal economic weights when subsidies were considered in feeding costs (C). Regardless of the scenarios, milk components were of higher relative economic importance for Holstein cattle than for Slovak Simmental and Slovak Pinzgau cattle. The relative EW of mature weight of cows and daily gain of calves mostly declined in scenario C. A meaningful effect of direct subsidy and milk production level on the economic efficiency of Slovak Simmental and Slovak Pinzgau cattle was found. Handling direct subsidy in scenario C seems to be suitable methodology to avoid the underestimation of EW for milk and functional traits.

Yield and quality of milk and udder health in Martina Franca ass: effects of daily interval and time of machine milking

Twenty asses of Martina Franca breed, machine milked twice a day, were used to assess the influence of milking interval (3-h, 5-h, and 8-h; N=5) and time (700, 1200 and 1900) on milk yield and udder health. Individual milk samples were taken to determine fat, protein and lactose content. Sensory analysis profile was also assessed. Milk’s total bacterial count (TBC), somatic cell content (SCC) and udder’s skin temperature were considered to assess udder health. Milk yield increases by 28.4% (P<0.01) with a milking interval from 3-h to 8-h and is higher (P<0.01) at morning milking. The maximum milk yield per milking corresponds to 700 milking (1416.9 mL) thus indicating a circadian rhythm in milk secretion processes. Milking intervals of 5 and 8 hours cause a decrease (P<0.01) in milk fat and lactose content. The 8-h interval leads to an increase (P<0.01) in SCC but without any significance for the health udder. No alterations about CBT, clinical evaluation and temperature of udder were observed. Milk organoleptic characteristics were better in the 3-h interval milking.

Epidemiological Studies on Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy cows in Assiut Governorate

In this investigation, some epidemiological studies were run on subclinical mastitis for totally 350 dairy cows of different breeds, ages and distributed in different villages in Assiut governorate, Assiut, Egypt, along a whole year (during the period from June 2006 till July 2007) through field screening surveys by using of the California mastitis test (CMT) for each quarter milk sample followed by bacteriological examination to identify the major causative agents of intramammary infection (IMI). The dairy cows were differed from the breed point of view as 230 Holstein Friesian breed and 120 native breed. Also, they were differed from the age point of view as a group of 95 cows aged from 2 to 4 years old and another group of 255 cow aged from 5 to 8 years old. All dairy cows were apparently healthy with clinically sound udder secreting apparently normal milk. All the cows lived nearly under the same conditions of breeding from the habitat, hygiene and feeding systems. The obtained results revealed that 67 cows (19.14%) had 80 infected quarters (5.71%). It was found that the most frequently major causative agents isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli from the positive CMT samples with prevalence 52.5, 31.25 and 16.25%, respectively. With studying the breed factor, it was found Friesian breed was sensitive towards infection (20.43% at the cow level and 6.09% at the quarter level) than of native breed (16.67% at the cow level and 5% at the quarter level). It was also noticed that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in hot weather as during summer (9.14% at the cow level and 2.64% at the quarter level) and during spring (4.86% at the cow level and 1.36% at the quarter level) was higher than in cold weather as during winter (2% at the cow level and 0.64% at the quarter level) and during autumn (3.14% at the cow level and 1.07% at the quarter level). In relation to age susceptibility, 5-8 years old cows (15.43% at the cow level and 4.36% at the quarter level) were susceptible than those of 2-4 years (3.71% at the cow level and 1.36% at the quarter level). The degree of quarter attack according to positive CMT was varied from 35 quarters (2.50%) showed degree (+++), to 45 ones (3.22%) showed degree (++), to 120 ones (8.57%) showed degree (+) and the rest (85.71%) showed degree (-). The obtained results threw the light on the epidemiology of subclinical mastitis in Assiut villages and provided an importance of the CMT for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis due to it is a reliable, easy, rapid and cheap tool helping in diagnosis and controlling the disease because it directs attention to individual mammary quarter that is secreting milk of high somatic cell content (SCC). Programs for control of subclinical mastitis may be planned around the routine examination of all lactating cows, and consequently early treatment can be applied towards positive cases rapidly for preventing their conversion towards clinical form among dairy cows and for protecting the herd health, milk hygiene and consequently the consumer health.

EFFECT OF THE COW AGE GROUP AND LACTATION STAGE ON THE COUNT OF SOMATIC CELLS IN COW MILK

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the effect of the cow age group and lactation stage on the count of somatic cells in cow milk. The analysis was made based on the breeding documentation of 11359 test yields from cows representing twelve herds in the Kujawy and Pomorze Province. All the animals researched calved for the first time in 2001. The numerical data were verified statistically with the analysis of variance following GLM procedure, considering the effect of the herd, father, sampling month, cow groups (primiparas, multiparas), lactation stage at which the sample was taken. The effect of these factors on basic milking yield and the content of somatic cells were mostly highly significant. It was observed that depending on the milk use length in cows during lactation, the content of somatic cells in milk increased, and the yield of milk, fat and protein decreased.

Effect of water restriction on productive performance and blood parameters in comisana sheep reared under intensive condition

The effect of water restriction on milk yield and composition, feed intake, body weight and blood parameters was evaluated in Comisana sheep reared under intensive condition. The experiment, lasted 40 days, was performed on 26 lactating ewes subdivided into three treatment groups; the control T group received water ad libitum (W-100) and Group 1 (W-80) and Group 2 (W-60) were watered, respectively, with 80 and 60% of the water consumed by the control T group. Water was supplied in the morning once a day while feed twice. Milk quality analysis was performed every 10 days for pH, fat, total protein, lactose and somatic cell content. Serum samples, performed at days 0, 13, 26 and 40, were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. Compared to W-100, W-60 was significantly different ( P < 0.05) for body weight and serum potassium levels and showed an increase ( P < 0.01) in serum concentrations of triglycerides, albumin, total proteins and cholesterol ( P < 0.05). Total proteins, triglycerides and sodium levels increased ( P < 0.05) in W-80. Body weight showed a significant difference ( P < 0.05) only in W-60 if compared to W-100. No significant differences were observed in milk yield, milk composition and feed intake across the treatment groups.