Abstract

The number of somatic cells in milk is a useful indicator for the presence of an inflammatory process in mammary glands. Besides, it acts as a key factor in the evaluation of udder health, milk hygiene and milk quality. Recent advances in technology have led to the development of numerous easy to use, automatic on farm methods with acceptable repeatability and accuracy for measuring somatic cell count (SCC) in large dairies as well as in small holder systems. However, studies regarding their acceptability, accuracy and reproducibility are scarce. Hence, we assessed the direct microscopic approach using Broadhurst Paley stain and an automated commercial somatic cell counter (DeLaval cell counter DCC, Sweden) in estimating the somatic cell count of bovine milk. The study revealed that out of 381 quarters examined using Broadhurst Paley stain, 254 (66.66 per cent) were found to have a SCC above 2 lakh cells per millilitre whereas only 245 (64.3 per cent) quarters had a SCC above two lakhs when examined using Delaval cell counter.

Keywords : Broadhurst Paley stain, Delaval DCC, Mastitis, Somatic cell count