Original scientific paper
OSCILLATION OF SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN MILK OF RECORDED COWS IN SLOVENIA IN YEARS 1997-2007
M. Klopčić
; University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Zootechnical Department, Groblje 3, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia
J. Osterc
; University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Zootechnical Department, Groblje 3, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia
M. Klinkon
; University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract
Oscillation of somatic cell count (SCC) in milk of recorded cows was studied in Slovenia for the period 1997 to 2007. Measurements of 5,267,264 test days were taken predominantly of Simmental (42.4 %), followed by Black and White (37.7 %) and Brown breed (19.9 %). The analysis showed substantial seasonal differences in milk yield and in milk composition. Breeders are faced with problems of low milk quality and frequent mastitis in summer months. It has been concluded that the average SCC was the highest in Black and White cows (404x103/ml milk) and the lowest in Simmental cows (288x103/ml milk). Since 1996 SCC has been considered one of the criteria for milk price determination, therefore it has been reduced and health status of udder improved in recent years. Both are the result of better herd management and wider knowledge that breeders achieved. The average SCC dropped from 431 thousand in 1996 to 331 thousand cells/ml milk in 2007. Lower SCC was noticed also on family farms compared to the former large scale farming enterprises. Monthly recording analysis proved that 10.1 % cows had more than 400 thousand SCC/ml milk, and 84.9% cows up to 250 thousand SCC/ml milk at recording. During the trial period milk yield/milking day increased and fat, as well as protein content improved.
Keywords
dairy cows; milk yield; milk recording; somatic cell count
Hrčak ID:
26702
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2008.
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