Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #76454
Title: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE EVOLUTION OF THE MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNT

Author
item Paape, Max
item CONTRERAS, ANTONION - UNIV OF MURCIA

Submitted to: Flemish Veterinary Journal
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/20/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Direct Microscopic Somatic Cell Count (DMSCC) was developed to meet the need for a closely standardized reference method in abnormal milk control programs that were being implemented in the United States and Europe in the late 60's. A concentration of 1.5 X 10 6 cells/ml was established in the United States and 10 6 cells/ml in the European Union as the control limit for normal milk. In the 1970's, these control limits were challenged by producers who felt that physiological and environmental stress and not just infection increased the cell count of milk. Subsequent investigations in the 1970's showed that stresses did not elevate the somatic cell content of milk. In the 1980's control limits were lowered to 10 6 cells/ml in the United States and .75 X 10 6 cells/ml in the European Union. The need for a more rapid, accurate and economical method for large scale counting of somatic cells in both bulk tank milk and milk from individual cows was recognized. During the 1970's and 80's, procedures were developed in Germany, Canada, and Denmark for electronic counting of somatic cells in milk. Coulter and Foss electronic cell counters were developed to fill this need. Because counting with the Coulter required the dispersal of fat in the milk, and because it failed to fit well into laboratories that also evaluated milk composition, its use soon decreased. The 1990's witnessed a further lowering of the somatic cell count limit to .75 X 10 6 cells/ml in the United States and .5 X 10 6 cells/ml in the European Union.