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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:38
Milk Collection in the Rat Using Capillary Tubes and Estimation of Milk Fat Content by Creamatocrit
Published on: December 16, 2015
[The cell count in sheep and goat milk]
A Pernthaner1, A Deutz, G Schlerka
1II. Medizinischen Universitätsklinik für Klauentiere, Veterinärmedizinischen Universität Wien.
Tierarztliche Praxis
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Somatic cell counts in sheep and goat milk were assessed using the Schalm Test and Fossomatic. Milking technique and age (in sheep) significantly impacted cell levels, with cocci being the main mastitis pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Dairy Production
Context:
- Udder health is crucial for dairy animal welfare and productivity.
- Mastitis, an inflammation of the udder, significantly impacts milk quality and yield.
- Limited data exists on udder health parameters in sheep and goats in Lower Austria.
Purpose:
- To assess the udder health of sheep and goats in Lower Austria.
- To establish physiological median levels of somatic cell content in sheep and goat milk.
- To identify factors influencing somatic cell counts and common mastitis pathogens.
Summary:
- Examined 404 sheep and 397 goats using the Schalm Test and Fossomatic cell counts.
- Established median somatic cell counts: 71,000 cells/ml (sheep) and 415,000 cells/ml (goats).
- Milking technique affected both species; age influenced sheep. Coagulase-positive/negative cocci were frequent mastitis causes.
Impact:
- Provides baseline udder health data for sheep and goats in the region.
- Highlights the importance of proper milking techniques for maintaining udder health.
- Informs strategies for mastitis prevention and control in small ruminants.
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