Influence of the Lactation Number on the Somatic Cell Count and Morphological Characterization of Cell Population in Cow Milk
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of somatic cell count in cow’s milk according to stage of lactation and season and to morphologically characterize the cell population in order to correlate it with the automated somatic cell count exam performed. Of the total milk samples, 26,66% were non-compliant milk samples with the EU standards. The dynamic evolution of the parameter for the survey period of 6 lactations in somatic cell count (SCC), showed a uniform increase, the milk being classified in the acceptable category only in the first five lactations. During the productive life it was found that the percentage of the milk samples classified as Class I (<200000 cells / ml) and II (200001-400000 cells / ml) revealed a downward trend in quality associated with a significant increase of those classified as quality class III (under the 1000000 cells / ml) and IV (1000000 cells / ml). The highest influence on the milk cell population belongs to the milk coming from cows with chronic mastitis, due to the fact that it does not show sensorial alterations. Another influence is the number of lactation, cows found in advanced stages (>5) showed the SCC higher than the maximum limit allowed. The morphological study of the cells has revealed the possibility to identify with an accurate precision the health state (hygiene quality) of the product destined for consumption.
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