Somatic cell count and biochemical components of milk related to udder health in buffaloes

Abstract

The 399 clinically healthy quarters from 101 Murrah buffaloes were analyzed for somatic cell count (SCC; DCC and microscope methods) and biochemical composition of milk in relation to udder health. The udder health revealed specific subclinical mastitis (SSM) in 7% and non-specific mastitis (NSM) in 49% of quarters. Latent infections comprised 1%. Staphylococci (43%), streptococci (39%) and corynebacteria (18%) constituted chief etiological agents in SSM. Electrical conductivity increased significantly both in SSM and NSM compared to healthy quarters. Significant effects for SNF and density were seen in SSM only. DCC and microscope depicted similar cell counts with a correlation coefficient of 0.89. The correlations of DCC with CMT and EC were 0.85 and 0.51, respectively. Quarters with negative CMT reactions had DCC values of < 3 × 105 cells/ml. The DCC means for negative, trace, and +1 to 2 CMT scores were 122, 238, and 593 (× 103) cells/ml, respectively. Lactose with discrimination ability of 83.76% was found better indicator of udder inflammation in buffaloes. Buffaloes unlike cows have low numbers of quarter infections, respond similarly as cows to udder inflammation but at different levels, and DCC may be effectively employed for expressing milk cell count in this species.

Keywords

• Somatic cell count, Biochemical components, Udder health, Buffaloes