Correlation of udder thermogram and somatic cell counts as a tool for detection of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes

This study aimed to monitor the mammary health of 37 multiparous Murrah buffaloes through infrared thermography (IRT). Based on the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and milk somatic cell counts (SCC), buffaloes were grouped into healthy (H, n = 16), subclinical mastitis (SCM, n = 10), and clinical mastitis (CM, n = 11). Buffaloes were milked twice daily in the morning (5:00-6:00 AM) and evening (5:00-6:00 PM). Rectal temperature and respiratory rates were recorded, CMT was performed and thermal images of the mammary gland of all the buffaloes were taken before and after each milking. Milk samples were analysed after each milking for SCC, fat, Solids-Not-Fat (SNF), density, protein, lactose, salts, conductivity, and pH immediately in the laboratory from fresh milk samples. The surface temperature of the periocular region of both the eyes, muzzle, flank, and vagina were also taken. Thermal images were used to assess the surface temperature of the udder (USST), teat apex (TAT), teat barrel (TB1T), teat base (TB2T), and teat skin surface (TSST). Eye and USST showed significantly higher temperatures (p < 0.05), whereas skin surface temperatures (SST) of different body parts were non-significant in both SCM and CM animals than buffaloes in the H group. Milk SCC showed a positive correlation with conductivity (r > 0.7), salts, and pH (r < 0.6) and a negative correlation with fat, SNF, density, protein, and lactose. TAT, TB1T, TB2T, TSST, and USST were positively correlated wi...
Source: Cell Research - Category: Cytology Authors: Source Type: research