This document discusses somatic cells and methods for diagnosing subclinical mastitis on farms. It defines somatic cells as white blood cells that normally exist in milk and increase during mastitis infections to fight infection. Several methods for indirect somatic cell counting are described, including the California Mastitis Test (CMT), PortaSCC, and Delaval Direct Cell Counter. The CMT detects subclinical mastitis by measuring the thickness of milk after adding an alkaline solution, with thicker viscosity indicating higher somatic cell counts and mastitis. Guidelines for using the CMT on-farm are provided. The PortaSCC and Delaval Direct Cell Counter are also rapid tests to measure somatic cell counts.

1. Mastitis
CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF
SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS

2. What Are The Somatic Cells?!
 Somatic cells are cells from the cow (mostly white blood cells,
otherwise known as leukocytes) that are normally present in milk.
During most mastitis infections, the number of somatic cells
present in the udder increases to help the cow fight the infection.
There are several types of somatic cells that have different
functions in fighting infection. Somatic cells can contain lipolytic
and proteolytic enzymes, which degrade fats and proteins,
respectively. An increase in somatic cells count during a mastitis
infection increases the amount of destructive enzymes present in
the milk, which increases the rate of deterioration of the milk
fat and protein.

3. On-farm Mastitis Diagnosis
 Numerous methods are used to identify mastitis infections. Those
requiring the submission of milk samples to a laboratory have been
criticized as too slow for on-farm decision making. To overcome
this hurdle, indirect measures of the somatic cell counts (SCC) such
as:-
 The California Mastitis Test (CMT).
 PortaSCC
 Delaval Direct Cell Counter

4. The California Mastitis Test (CMT).
 Principle:-The test is based upon the amount of cellular nuclear
protein present in the milk sample and reaction between sodium
hydroxide and milk that resulted in the thickening of mastitic milk
 Use:- detection subclinical mastitis in a quarter
 Not used for detetction of the macteria but only for the degree of the
subclincal mastitis acc. To the degree of gel ppt.

5. Protocol of CMT:-
1.Discard the first two squirts of milk (foremilk)
2.Milk approximately 1-2 squirts into each well of the paddle
corresponding to each quarter
3.Tilt the paddle so equal amounts of milk are in each well
4.Add equal volumes of the test solution
5.Shake the paddle to ensure mixing of the milk and test solution
6.Interpret viscosity and colour changes

7. Guidelines Include:-
1-Use the CMT on the first or second day after calving to catch any new infections
assoon as possible.
2-Compare the status of each quarter with CMT scores recorded at dry off to
distinguish new infections from old ones.
3-Culture, but do not treat, old,chronic quarters that did not clear during the dry
period
4-Based upon culture results and veterinarian recommendations, treat appropriate
quarters with an approved lactating antibiotic

8. PortaSCC
 This test is adapted from a product used by human cancer patients to monitor white blood
counts. The test measures only white blood cells and has an up- per limit of detection of
3,500,000 cells/ml.
 Device

9. Delaval Direct Cell Counter
• The Delaval Direct Cell Counter (DCC) is
a new device that is designed to be used
on farms for rapid SCC evaluation.
• Small cassettes are filled with
approximately 1 microlitre of fresh milk,
stained automatically in the cassette and
inserted into a small battery operated
optical cell counter.
• The DCC produces a somatic cell count in
less than 1 minute within the range of
10,000 to 4,000,000 cells/ml.

10. Thank You
PRESNTED BY:- MUHANNAD OMRAN