ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BLOOD VARIABLES AND MILK SOMATIC CELLS COUNT IN DAIRY COWS

Novi Mayasari

Abstract
    This study evaluated the association between blood variables and milk somatic cells count in dairy cows. Other possible effects of breed and age at calving on blood profiles were also investigated. It is known that greater concentrations of both non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) have been associated with impaired immune functions and mastitis in dairy cows. Somatic cell count were considered as effective tools for mastitis control in dairy. Farmer get big losses were found due to mastitis, therefore the control of mastitis is needed. Many factors including health variables were investigated whether those health variables (plasma or serum) were associated with occurrence of high SCC or mastitis. The results showed that not only BHBA and NEFA, but also glucose, urea, insulin, protein, globulin, α-tocopherol direct and indirectly were associated with SCC and mastitis. Moreover, the concentration of antibodies (IgG) were associated with increasing levels of SCC. It seems that cows with improved energy balance indicated with high plasma glucose levels, low NEFA concentration had better immune profiles. This study suggest, immune profiles not only affected with SCC levels in milk but also energy status of the cows in early lactation.