Somatic Cell Count: A Biomarker for Early Diagnosis and Therapeutic Evaluation in Bovine Mastitis

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of somatic cell count in prompt diagnosis of bovine mastitis as well as to ascertain the effectivenes s of the therapeutic regimen. Out of the 1040 selected animals, 273 no of milk samples were having a SCC of < 2 X 10 4 cells / ml and considered as normal animals. 485 no. of milk samples were having SCC of > 2 X 10 4 cells / ml but no visible clinical sig ns of mastitis. Rest 282 no. of cows were having the characteristic lesions and clinical symptoms of mastitis. Among the cases of clinical mastitis, 80 no. of milk samples were examined for SCC. Twenty normal milk samples were examined and considered as co ntrol group samples for comparative analysis. The SCC value was significantly higher (P< 0.05) in clinical mastitis animals as compared to subclinical and control group of animals. Out of the collected samples, 100 mastitis milk samples were subjected for culture examination and antibiotic sensitivity test followed by recommendation of treatment with suitable antibiotics and other supportive therapy. Post treatment assessment was carried out after 7 days. The recovery rate was found to be 64 per cent. There was complete remission of clinical signs with normal milk colour, negative reaction to CMT and significant reduction (P< 0.05) in somatic cell count. Hence it was concluded that SCC can be used as a biomarker for early detection as well as evaluation of t herapeutic effectiveness in both clinical and subclinical mastitis