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Preparation and Use of Somatic Cell Count Samples (SCCS) for Comparison of Milk Somatic Cell Counting Methods
T J Lintner1, A L Lange1, C W Heald1
1The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Veterinary Science and Dairy Science Extension, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802.
Journal of Food Protection
|April 11, 2019
Summary
Standardized somatic cell count samples (SCCS) were used to compare milk testing methods. Bovine milk somatic cell counting methods showed similar results, with minor variations at higher cell concentrations and after shipping.
Area of Science:
- Dairy Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Veterinary Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate somatic cell counts are crucial for assessing bovine milk quality and udder health.
- Standardized samples are needed to compare different milk somatic cell counting methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and distribute standardized somatic cell count samples (SCCS) for method comparison.
- To evaluate the performance of direct microscopic somatic cell count (DMSCC), Fossomatic, and Coulter counters.
- To assess the stability of SCCS during shipping.
Main Methods:
- Somatic cells were isolated from creamery separator sediment and diluted in preserved milk diluent.
- Monthly SCCS sets were sent to international laboratories for analysis.
- Three counting methods (DMSCC, Fossomatic, Coulter) were employed and compared.
- Cell counts were normalized, and shipping effects on sample stability were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Counts from DMSCC, Fossomatic, and Coulter counters were generally similar.
- Coulter counter results were significantly lower for SCCS > 700,000 cells/ml.
- SCCS counts > 1,000,000 cells/ml were significantly higher after shipping and return.
Conclusions:
- The three milk somatic cell counting methods demonstrate comparable performance.
- Potential biases exist for the Coulter counter at high cell concentrations.
- Shipping may affect the stability of high-concentration SCCS, requiring careful handling protocols.
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