scholarly journals Mastitis pathogens and somatic cell count in ewes milk

10.5219/1338 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 164-169
Author(s):  
Kristí­na Tvarožková ◽  
Vladimí­r Tančin ◽  
Michal Uhrinčať ◽  
Lukáš Hleba ◽  
Lucia Mačuhová

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of pathogens in selected group of ewes and the relationship between somatic cell count (SCC) and the presence of pathogens. The experiment was carried out on a dairy farm, where predominantly breed was a Tsigai. Sampling was carried out in monthly intervals as part of the milk recording test day from February to July 2019. A total of 303 ewes were included in the survey, during the milk recording test day. The ewes with SCC ≥1000 × 103 cells.mL-1 were selected for further sampling at half udder level. Based on SCC the ewes were divided into five groups: <200 ×103; ≥200 <400 × 103; ≥400 <600 × 103; ≥600 <1000 × 103; ≥1000 × 103 cells.mL-1. The first group of SCC contained 33.9% of milk samples, the second 14.1% of samples, the third 5.7% of samples, the fourth 6.2% and the fifth 40.1% of samples. The most common pathogens were coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS). The most frequent CNS was Staphylococcus (S.) simulans (24.4%). S. aureus was identified in 5.3% of bacteriological positive samples. Almost 70% of ewes with bacteriological positive samples were repeated identified the presence of pathogens during tested period. SCC ≥500 × 103 cells.mL-1  were detected in 92.5% bacteriological positive milk samples. The presence of pathogens increased SCC in milk (p <0.001) as compared to samples free of pathogens. In conclusion, the SCC ≥500 × 103 cells.mL-1 could be important for detection of subclinical mastitis at half udder level in dairy ewes.

Author(s):  
Tvarožková ◽  
Vašíček ◽  
Uhrinčať ◽  
Mačuhová ◽  
Hleba ◽  
...  

Mastitis is a major health problem of the udder in dairy sheep breeds. For diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, somatic cell count (SCC) is commonly used. The presence of pathogens in the udder causes the increase of leukocytes and thus SCC in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pathogens in the milk of ewes and the possible relationship with SCC. The changes of leukocytes subpopulation in milk samples with high SCC were evaluated as well. The experiment was carried out on a dairy farm with the Lacaune breed. This study was conducted on 45 ewes (98 milk samples) without signs of clinical mastitis. Based on somatic cell count, samples were divided to five SCC groups: SCC1 &lt; 200 000 cells/ml (45 milk samples); 200 000 ≤ SCC2 &lt; 400 000 cells/ml (10 milk samples); 400 000 ≤ SCC3 &lt; 600 000 cells/ml (six milk samples); 600 000 ≤ SCC4 &lt; 1 000 000 cells/ml (six milk samples); SCC5 ≥ 1 000 000 cells/ml (31 milk samples). No pathogens were observed in the majority of milk samples (60.20%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most commonly isolated pathogens from the milk of ewes (86.11%). Staphylococcus epidermidis had the highest incidence from CNS (35.48%). In the SCC5 group, up to 79.31% of bacteriological samples were positive. The percentage of leukocytes significantly increased (P &lt; 0.001) in the samples with higher SCC (≥ 200 × 10<sup>3</sup> cells/ml) in comparison to the group SCC1. Also, the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was significantly higher with increasing SCC (P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the presented results showed that the high SCC was caused by the presence of the pathogen in milk. Thus SCC &lt; 200 000 cells/ml and leukocyte subpopulation, especially PMNs, could be considered as important tools in udder health programs applied in dairy ewes.


2010 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otlis Sampimon ◽  
Bart HP van den Borne ◽  
Inge Santman-Berends ◽  
Herman W Barkema ◽  
Theo Lam

The effect was quantified of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) intramammary infections on quarter- and cow-level somatic cell count (SCC) and on bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) in different BMSCC cohorts in Dutch dairy herds. Two datasets were used for this purpose. In the first dataset, on 49 randomly selected dairy farms a total of 4220 quarter milk samples of 1072 cows were collected of all cows and heifers with a test-day SCC ⩾250 000 and ⩾150 000 cells/ml, respectively, and of 25% of cows and heifers below these thresholds. In the second dataset, on 39 selected dairy farms a total of 8329 quarter milk samples of 2115 cows were collected of all cows with a test-day SCC ⩾250 000 cells/ml following two consecutive SCC <250 000 cells/ml, and of heifers using the same SCC criteria but with a threshold of 150 000 cells/ml. These cows and heifers were defined as new high SCC. In both datasets, CNS was the most frequently isolated pathogen, 11% in the first dataset and 12% in the second dataset. In both datasets, quarters with CNS IMI had a lower SCC than quarters infected with major pathogens, and a higher SCC than culture-negative quarters. The same was found for SCC at cow level. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were more often found in quarters with SCC ⩾200 000 cells/ml in dairy farms with a BMSCC <150 000 cells/ml compared with dairy farms with a higher BMSCC. Prevalence of CNS in cows and heifers with a high SCC was higher in dairy farms with a BMSCC <150 000 cells/ml compared with dairy farms with a medium or high BMSCC: 30, 19 and 18%, respectively. This indicates that CNS IMI as a cause of subclinical mastitis is relatively more important in dairy farms with a low BMSCC and may become a point of attention in udder health management on that type of farm.


1995 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Stefanakis ◽  
C. Boscos ◽  
C. Alexopoulos ◽  
F. Samartzi

AbstractSomatic cell counting by the Coulter Counter method, California mastitis test and bacteriological examination were performed on milk samples taken at fortnightly intervals throughout lactation from healthy primiparous and iniiltiparous ewes of the Chios and Karagouniki breeds and from healthy ewes in five grazing flocks in northern Greece.The proportion of the bacteriologically positive milk samples was 0·22. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis ranged, between the flocks, from 29 to 43% of the ewes. Subclinical mastitis occurred more frequently in Karagouniki than in Chios eives and in multiparous than in primiparous ewes of both breeds. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and S. aureus were isolated in 44 and 33% of the bacteriologically postive samples, respectively. No parity, breed or flock differences in normal somatic cell count were noticed, but stage of lactation influenced normal somatic cell count both in primiparous and multiparous ewes. The results of this investigation also suggest that (a) ovine milk samples with somatic cell count more than 1000 × 103 cells per ml, should be tested bacteriologically, (b) somatic cell count values between 1000 and 2000 × 103 cells per ml should cause suspicion about the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci in the milk, and (c) the presence of S. aureus in ewe's milk results in a significant increase in somatic cell count, but the wide range of the values does not permit us to suggest any threshold value. The significant correlation between the results of the Coulter Counter somatic cell count method and the Califortiia mastitis test, indicates that the latter can be used for the determination of somatic cell count in ewe's milk.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 1555
Author(s):  
Luiz Francisco Zafalon ◽  
Raul Costa Mascarenhas Santana ◽  
Sérgio Novita Esteves ◽  
Guilherme Aparecido Fim Júnior

The aims of this study were to determine the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in sheep of different breeds and the values for somatic cell count (SCC) in milk for the diagnosis of the disease at lactation and weaning, a fundamental prerequisite for identifying animals in need of control measures. Milk samples were obtained from 1,457 mammary halves of Santa Inês, Texel, Ile de France, and Dorper sheep at two different periods, during the second week of lactation and at weaning. After teats antisepsis, the samples were collected, and identification of the infectious etiology of mastitis and determination of SCC were performed. Microorganisms were identified in 117/762 (15.3%) mammary halves in the second week of lactation and in 86/694 (12.4%) at weaning. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the etiological agents with the highest incidence alone and in association with other microorganisms, with percentages of 58.1% and 60.6%, respectively. The Santa Inês presented a higher incidence of subclinical mastitis when compared to the other breeds. The cut-off values of SCC for subclinical mastitis were determined at both sampling periods and varied according to stage of lactation, as well breed. These results illustrate the lack of a universal value that can be used for the diagnosis of mastitis and suggests the need for permanent follow-up in herds in order to control the disease.


1986 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL R. SAMPLES ◽  
SUSAN L. DILL ◽  
RONALD L. RICHTER ◽  
CHARLES W. DILL

Individual milk samples from 32 cows were analyzed to determine the relationship between somatic cell concentration and total sulfhydryl concentration (cysteine plus reduced cystine). A significant relationship was detected between somatic cell count, which ranged from 1.7 × 104 to 1.0 × 107 cells/ml, and total sulfhydryls per gram of milk protein. The regression equation, total sulfhydryls/g of milk protein = 31.96 + 7.99 (log10 somatic cell count) with r2 = 0.19, was calculated. The mean total sulfhydryl concentration was 73.1 μmol/g of protein. The minimal effect of somatic cell concentration on total sulfhydryl concentration indicates that somatic cell concentration should have little influence on chemical parameters of milk protein determined by sulfhydryl analysis when proper experimental controls are used.


1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. BATRA ◽  
A. J. McALLISTER

The potential value of electrical conductivity, somatic cell count, and California Mastitis Test (CMT) Score in composite milk samples as a screening test for subclinical mastitis was evaluated. The effect of genetic group was significant (P < 0.05) for conductivity and somatic cell count while the effects of parity and month of lactation were significant (P < 0.01) for all the three traits studied. Somatic cell count and CMT score increased from first to fourth parity while there was general trend for increasing conductivity from second to fourth parity. All the three methods identified healthy cows with a good accuracy but failed to recognize a considerable proportion of infected cows. The error rate for misclassification was lowest for CMT score (9.1%), followed by somatic cell count (13.9%) and conductivity (29.4%). Composite strict foremilk samples from cows infected with primary pathogens had significantly (P < 0.01) higher conductivity than those from uninfected cows. Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in 60% of the milk samples and appeared to be in the major organism causing mastitis in this herd. Key words: Dairy cattle, mastitis detection methods


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-117
Author(s):  
Nazik Mahmood Ilyas

A total of 50 sheep milk samples during lactations were used to investigate the impact of subclinical mastitis induced Somatic Cell Count (SCC) increase on changes in chemical composition in milk. Samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, solids non-fat (SNF) and total solids (TS) and SCC. Within three stages of lactation, all milk samples were analyzed for three times. The highest average of SCC was recorded in ewes aged 4 years (46.67) while lowest average was recorded at the age of 3-3.5 years (34.24%). Protein content was highest at ewes aged 1-1.5, whereas highest lactose percentage recorded at ewes aged 3-3.5. In conclusion, in high SCC milk, lactose content may be more indicative of SCC level than milk fat, protein, SNF and TS during lactation. Age of ewes is an important factor affecting milk composition, thus is a necessary parameter in optimizing sheep milk quality in conditions of subclinical mastitis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-110
Author(s):  
Dino Haracic ◽  
Sabina Seric-Haracic ◽  
Ermin Saljic ◽  
Nihad Fejzic

Mastitis is one of the most important diseases in dairy cow farms and one of the most common cause for antibiotic treatment. Aims of this study were: to investigate frequency and trends of clinical mastitis in cows on a large dairy farm, describe clinical characteristics of mastitis and investigate causative infectious agents in selected cases alongside antimicrobial resistance. In our study we used farm records for clinical mastitis recorded for period 2016 and 2017. We also used results of the regular on farm testing of the somatic cell count for 2017. Samples of milk from all clinical mastitis cases were taken during November and December 2017 in order to investigate causative agents and their antimicrobial resistance. Occurrence of clinical mastitis was 205 cases (47.7%) in 2017 compared to 93 cases (29.7%) recorded in 2016. In 2017 reoccurrence of clinical mastitis in same animal was recorded for 93 cows (45.4%). In 2016 reoccurrence of clinical mastitis in same animal was recoded for 49 cows (29.7%). Average course of clinical mastitis in 2016 was 3 days, while in 2017 4.5 days (continuous days of recording a case in farm records). Somatic cell count in more than half of tested animals was higher than 200.000 SC/ml according to the measurements from February and July 2017 (number of cows tested 236 and 169, respectively). Out of 23 milk samples, 20 had bacteriological growth. In 9 samples we identified S.aureus, in 6 streptococcus spp., in 4 coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) and one sample contained E.coli. Most common resistance was found for lincomycin-spectinomycin (100%) gentamicin (92%), followed by cefquinome (65%), linkomycin (53%) and erythromycin (47%). Isolates of S.aureus were resistant on the largest number of investigated antibiotics.


2011 ◽  
Vol 393-395 ◽  
pp. 692-695
Author(s):  
Hui Ping Liu ◽  
Feng Ru Wei ◽  
Yong Hua Wei ◽  
Jin Dong ◽  
Chun Ling Cao

Milk samples with low (L-SCC, 130,000/ml), medium (M-SCC, 1,040,000/ml) and high(H-SCC, 3,120,000/ml) Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) were obtained from a dairy farm. In order to evaluate the quality’s changes of Low-fat mozzarella cheese with different SCC during ripening period, the change of texture properties, microstructure were measured. With the increase of somatic cells in milk, the structure of the cheese became worse.


1998 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
MURRAY W. WOOLFORD ◽  
JOHN H. WILLIAMSON ◽  
HAROLD V. HENDERSON

Cows with subclinical intramammary infections were identified by milk bacteriology. The mastitis pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus (n=9), Streptococcus uberis (n=10) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=10). Samples of first fore milk, main flow milk and strippings milk fractions were collected from each quarter and laboratory measurements were made of electrical conductivity, milk fat concentration and somatic cell count. Conductivity measurements were corrected for milk fat concentration and within-cow inter-quarter conductivity ratios calculated. Repeatability estimates of all measurements between days were calculated. In the case of infected quarters, all conductivity values decreased markedly (P<0·05) from first fore milk to main flow milk fractions. Conductivity differences between quarters of infected cows were substantially lower during the main milk flow phase. For quarters infected with Staph. aureus an increase in conductivity was observed (P<0·05) from main flow to strippings fractions. For uninfected quarters, conductivity declined as milk fat concentration increased with successive milk fractions. Variation, both within and between milk fractions, was greater for somatic cell count than for conductivity. Differences in conductivity between milk fractions from individual infected quarters were not accounted for by changes in fat concentration and may result from the mixing of milk from infected and uninfected regions of the gland. Localized infection may produce a decrease in conductivity between fore milk and mid-flow fractions while differential drainage from an infection site in the secretory tissue may additionally produce an increase in conductivity from mid-flow to strippings fractions. Such changes may thus provide information on the location and magnitude of an infection. The results clearly demonstrate the importance of the milk fraction when using conductivity as a diagnostic of intramammary infection, the highest diagnostic sensitivity being achieved by using first fore milk samples.


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