Effect of blood betahydroxybutyrate concentration on somatic cell concentration in cow's milk

The aim of this study was to find out how betahydroksibutyrates concentration in blood could affect somatic cell count in the milk. Cows were selected with following the criteria: second or more parity, same breed, similar body condition (2,5-3), similar milk yield, early lactation. Two groups of animals were formed: one – healthy group of cows with BHB concentration lower than 1,2 mmol/l, and second – group of cow that had BHB concentrations in blood greater than 1,2 mmol/l. SLS and BHB was measured for both groups at the 14 and 28 d.. BHB was measured using gliuko/ ketometer. Information about SCC was taken from herd management program. It was noticed that greater BHB concentrations mean greater concentrations of somatic cell count in milk. There was strong positive correlation between BHB and SCC. When BHB was larger than normal (≥ 1,2 mmol/l < 3 mmol/l), 32,5 times more cases of mastitis was noticed and 2,11-2,04 times higher SLS average was, compared to group of cow with normal levels of BHB in blood (