Evaluation of Somatic Cell Count in Raw Milk Samples Collected from Dairy Farms in Kahramanmaras Province for EU Norms and Subclinical Mastitis

In this study, raw milk quality on dairy cattle farms of Kahramanmaras province was evaluated for EU norms and subclinical mastitis. For this purpose, in order to determine bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) total of 130 milk sample from 10 dairy farms were taken, in addition to milk samples from 515 heads of cows raised on 6 dairy farms to determine mastitis prevalence and 374 milk samples from Holstein cows raised in three dairy herds were analyzed to determine the association between milk yield and SCC. The arithmetic and geometric means and standard errors of BTSCC were 506.9 +/- 184.4x10(3) cells/ml and 382.0 +/- 160.6x10(3) cells/ml, respectively. Results indicate that 65% the SCC of cows' milk sample are in accordance with the limits indicated in the related regulations of the Turkish Food Codex and of the European Union Commission. The weighted average milk yield loss was estimated to be 0.73 kg/day/cow. Daily milk yield, SCC and logaritmic SCC (Log(10)SCC) means were found to be 18.77 +/- 0.29 kg, 303.50 +/- 36.017 cells/ml ve 5.015 +/- 0.030 cells/ml, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis determined from 515 head of cows was 36%, but the mean SCC in the herds was found to be lower than the legal maximum. However, individual cow SCC values showed that intramammary infection was present in a certain part of the herd (in cows with SCC > 200.000 cells/ml).