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[Cell count of the milk from sheep in machine milking]
Abstract:
A number of microbiological and parallel direct and indirect cytological studies were carried out on sheep milk, obtained by machine-milking. It was established that the sheep milk containing up to 183,000 somatic cells per cm3 showed a negative reaction if Bernburg's mastite test was applied. Samples of cellular elements from 200,000 up to 400,000 per cm3 showed a weak positive reaction of the test, and above 420,000 per cm3 proved to be strongly positive. Polynuclear heterophils and a high percentage of infected samples were found in a quantity of cells above 500,000 per cm3. The data obtained showed good correlation between the bacterial find and the cell contents and are a reliable prerequisite for the application of Bernburg's test in studying sheep milk.
Insights
Bernburg's mastitis test effectively assesses sheep milk quality. Higher somatic cell counts correlate with increased bacterial presence, indicating infection and guiding milk safety assessments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cytology
- Veterinary Science
Context:
- Machine-milked sheep milk requires reliable quality assessment methods.
- Somatic cell count (SCC) is a key indicator of udder health and milk quality.
- Bernburg's mastitis test offers a potential diagnostic tool for sheep milk.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Bernburg's mastitis test in detecting bacterial contamination in sheep milk.
- To establish correlations between somatic cell counts and the test's reaction levels.
- To determine the threshold for positive test results indicative of infection.
Summary:
- Microbiological and cytological analyses were performed on sheep milk samples.
- Bernburg's mastitis test showed negative results below 183,000 SCC/cm³.
- Positive reactions correlated with SCCs above 200,000/cm³, with strong positives above 420,000/cm³.
- High SCCs (>500,000/cm³) indicated polynuclear heterophils and a higher infection rate.
- A strong correlation was observed between bacterial findings and SCC, validating the test's utility.
Impact:
- Bernburg's mastitis test can be reliably used for assessing sheep milk quality.
- The test aids in identifying infected milk, contributing to improved dairy hygiene and animal health.
- Establishes SCC thresholds for interpreting Bernburg's test results in sheep milk.