Somatic cell counts in raw ewes’ milk in dairy practice: frequency of distribution and possible effect on milk yield and composition

Abstract

© 2017, Hrvatska Mljekarska Udruga. All rights reserved. The aim of the work was to analyse the somatic cell counts (SCC) of the individual sheep milk samples under practical conditions. Totally 2159 samples were collected from four farms in April, May, June and July. Ewes were divided into five SCC groups on the basis of individual SCC: Low = < 200000 cells.mL -1 , Middle = between 200000-400000 cells.mL 1 , Higher = between 400000-600000 cells.mL-1, High = between 600000-1000000 cells.mL-1, Mastitis = > 1000000 cells.mL-1). The percentage of distribution of individual milk samples in SCC groups was as followed: 71.79 %, 10.24 %, 5.05 %, 4.03 % and 8.89 % respectively. Thus 82.03 % of samples of whole data set were below 400000 cells.mL -1 and only 8.89 % over 1000000 cells.mL -1 . Lacaune had a higher percentage of milk samples in the group Mastitis as compared to the other breeds or crossbreds. Factor SCC group reduced the milk yield, while a significant difference was observed in ewes of Mastitis SCC group as compared with ewes in Low SCC group (419±13 mL, 503±6 mL, resp.). The high percentage of ewes in the first two SCC groups significantly contributes to the possible development of limits for sheep milk quality.