Animals (Mar 2023)
Associations between Somatic Cell Count and Milk Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profile in Alpine and Saanen Goat Breeds
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to evaluate the relation of different SCC levels in goat milk with goat milk yield, milk composition, FA, and AA profiles. Whereas the investigated herd was composed of Alpine and Saanen goats, the influence of breed on milk parameters and milk yield was also assessed. The research was carried out in 2022 at a Lithuanian dairy goat farm with 135 goats (Saanen = 66 and Alpine = 69) without evidence of clinical mastitis. The current research revealed a relationship between SCC with goat milk yield and composition. Goats with a high SCC had significantly lower milk yield (p p p p p p p p p p > 0.05). The research revealed a statistically significant relationship between SCC, AA, and FA, suggesting that these traits may be used as a biomarker in the goat selection process.
Keywords