Influence of Somatic Cell Count on the Sheep Milk Yield, Composition and Some Properties

N. PETROVA

Research Institute of Animal Science, Department of Dairy Science, BG-2232 Kostinbrod, Bulgaria

Abstract

PETROVA, N., 2000. Influence of Somatic Cell Count on the sheep milk yield, composition and some properties. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 6: 355-361

A study was carried out to establish the influence of different somatic cell count (less than 400 000; from 400 001 to 700 000; from 700 001 to 1 000 000 and over 1 000 000/ml) on daily milk production, composition and some properties of sheep milk. 41 lactating sheep from dairy breed (East Friesian x 1/4 East Friesian x Awassi) were investigated during the lactation period (February – August, 1999).
There were founded statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) as 6.5% fat standardised daily milk production when the number of SCC was less than 400 000/ml (average 212 000/ml) and over 1 000 000/ml (average 4 447 000/ml). The SCC from 400 001 to 700 000 (average 544 000/ml), from 700 001 to 1 000 000 /ml (average 829 000/ml) and over 1 000 000/ml (average 4 447 000/ml) did not effect as 5.5 % protein standardised daily milk production comparison with SCC less that 400 000 /ml (average 212 000/ml).
The milk samples with SCC less than 400 000 (average 212 000/ml) and from 400 001 to 700 000 cells/ml (average 544 000/ml) were 35.2% and 16.4% of total samples respectively, which means normal health status of sheep and good raw milk quality. The milk samples with SCC from 700 001 to 1 000 000 (average 829 000/ml) and over 1 000 000 /ml (average 4 447 000/ml) were – 9.1% and 39.31% of total samples respectively.

Key words: sheep milk, somatic cell count, milk production, fat, protein

Abbreviations: SCC – Somatic Cell Count