Variation in somatic cell count, California mastitis test, and electrical conductivity among various fractions of ewe's milk.

Variation of three estimates of udder inflammation (SCC, California mastitis test, and electrical conductivity) among the foremilk, machine milk, and hand stripping samples were studied. Foremilk and hand stripping milks were taken from each individual teat; machine milk was taken from the entire udder. For this experiment a total of 30 Manchega ewes were subjected to machine milking during the 9th wk of lactation. Samples were taken in duplicate during two milkings on consecutive mornings. Significant differences were observed in the SCC and electrical conductivity, but not in California mastitis test, between foremilk and stripping milk. The stripping fraction had higher SCC (70 +/- 12%) and lower electrical conductivity (difference = .52 +/- .03 mS/cm) than did the foremilk fraction in both healthy and mastitic udders. Machine milk, foremilk, and stripping milk fractions in udders where both halves were healthy were compared. The electrical conductivity values for the machine milk were intermediate and significantly different from conductivity of foremilk and stripping fractions. The log SCC of the machine milk did not differ from that of the foremilk fraction but was significantly less than the stripping milk.