EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PHYSIOLOGICAL STAGES AND MANAGEMENTAL PRACTICES ON MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNTS OF MURRAH BUFFALOES

Abstract

To see the effect of different physiological stages and mangemental practices on the amount of milk somatic cells secreted from the udders of Murrah buffaloes, milk was collected from 64 Murrah buffaloes, which were divided into various groups according to their stage of lactation, parity, colostrums collected, body weight, body condition score (BCS), season, milking practices and fractionated. There were non-signifi cant changes in milk somatic cell counts (SCC) in early, mid and late lactation. Milk SCC increased non-signifi cantly from the 1st to 4th parity. Milk SCC were signifi cantly higher (P<0.01) in day-1 colostrum samples and then decreased when colostrums transformed into milk. No relationship was found between milk SCC and body weight and body condition score. Milk SCC was signifi cantly higher (P<0.01) in the summer season vis-a vis winter season. SCC was higher in machine milking than hand milking. Our results indicate that milk SCC is greates in buffaloes of higher parity and during the months of summer. Therefore, proper care of these animals should be undertaken to maintain their milk quality.