Milk Somatic Cells: Indian Scenario in Global Context

摘要

Mastitis is recognized as a major complex disease of predominant economic importance. It impedes herd performance by reducing milk output. Mastitis is defined as an inflammatory reaction of the parenchyma of the mammary glands to bacterial, chemical,thermal or mechanical injury (International Diary Federation, 1987). It is characterized by a range of physical, chemical as well as bacteriological changes in the milk and also a major reduction in milk yield. Inflammatory response results due to the existence of blood proteins and inflammatory enzymes in milk (Pyorala, 2003). During the host-pathogen interaction there is also increased activity of heat-stable proteases and lipases resulting in breakdown of casein and milk fat (Santos et al, 2003). Themajor compositional changes in milk due to mastitis have been reviewed by Pyorala. (2003). Herds with mastitis problems are also at increasing risk of antibiotic residue violation, as a result of increased antibiotic usage (Ruegg and Tabone, 2000).