African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, Vol. 7. pp. 545-550 Printed in Uganda.

All rights reserved ISSN 1023-070X/2005 $ 4.00 2005, African Crop Science Society

Effect of subclinical mastitis on milk composition in the kenyan smallholder dairy herds
ANAKALO SHITANDI, H. OGOLLAH & J.N. NANUA Department of Dairy Science & Technology, Egerton University, Njoro 20107, Kenya Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Food Science, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 Njoro 20107, Kenya Abstract The impact of mastitis infection on milk compositional quality and the technological implications is not well documented in small-scale farms in Kenya. A total of 72 quarter milk samples from 18 lactating cross-bred (Holstein & Zebu) small-scale dairy cows were analyzed to assess composition variation according to presence of subclinical mastitis, parity and lactation stage. Intramammary infection was recorded in 68.1% of the quarters analyzed. Somatic cell count levels were higher (P < 0.001) in quarters infected by major pathogens (mean 715,625 14,167 cells/ml) than in quarters infected by minor pathogens (MIP) and uninfected quarters (NI) (mean 563,672 27,979 and 376,223 18,448 cells/ml respectively). The concentrations of non-casein (NCN) fractions, sodium, chloride, free fatty acid (FFA) and pH were higher (P < 0.01), while that of casein (CN) content, lactose, caseinto-total protein (CN/TP), potassium and calcium were lower in infected than healthy quarters. Sodium content was positively correlated with Chloride content (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001), while CN/TP (proteolysis index) was positively correlated to CN (r = 0.35, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated to NCN (r = -0.81, P < 0.0001). Parity had significant influence (P < 0.05) on SCC levels, lactose, calcium, and chloride concentrations. It was concluded that elevated SCC levels influenced adversely quarter milk compositional quality and appears to be a major constraint to production of high quality milk in small-scale farms. Key words: Kenya, milk quality, small-scale farms, sub clinical mastitis, somatic cell counts Rsum Limpact de linfection de mastitis sur la qualit de la composition du lait et les implications technologiques ne sont pas bien documents pour les fermes petites chelles au Kenya. Un total de 72 quarts dchantillons de lait de 18 croisements dlevage laitier (Holstein & zbu) des vaches des petits fermiers tait analys pour valuer la composition de la variation selon la prsence de sous clinique de Mastitis, la parit et le stade de lactation. Les infections intra mamelles taient enregistres dans 68,1% du quart analys. Les niveaux somatiques des cellules comptes taient suprieurs (P<0,001) dans les quarts infects par le pathognes majeurs (moyen 715.625 14.167 cellules/ml) que dans les quarts infects de pathognes mineurs (MIP) et les quarts non infects (NI) (moyen 563.672 27.979 et 376.223 18.448 cellules/ml, respectivement) Les fractions de concentration de non-casien (NCN) de sodium, de chloride, de lacide gras libre (FFA) et pH, taient suprieurs (P<0,01), tandis que celui du contenu du casien (CN), lactose, casien en protine totale (CN/TP), potassium et calcium taient infrieurs aux quarts en bonne sant. Le contenu du sodium tait positivement en corrlation avec le contenu de chloride (r = 0,77. P<0,0001), tandis que CN/TP (lindex de proteolysis) tait positivement en corrlation avec CN (r = 0,35. P<0,05), et ngativement en corrlation avec NCN (r = 0,81. P<0,0001). La parit avait une influence significative (P<0,05) sur les niveaux SCC, les concentrations de lactose, calcium et chloride. Il a t conclu que les niveaux levs du SCC influenc ngativement la qualit de la production du quart du lait et apparat tre la contrainte majeure de la production de la haute qualit du lait pour les petits fermiers. Mots cls: Kenya, qualit du lait, petits fermiers, mastitis clinique, compte des cellules somatiques

Introduction
The dairy production is a dynamic sub-sector in the livestock industry contributing to almost one-third of the national agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Kenya (CBS, 2002). The dairy industry is dominated by small-scale dairy farmers who are estimated to contribute between 60% and 90% of total milk production (Omore et al., 1999). Although it presents increasing opportunities for income generation and agricultural development in Kenya, small-scale dairying is characterized by problems related to milk quality and public safety, high prevalence of mastitis infection and other livestock diseases (Omore, 1997; Shitandi, 2003). Mastitis is one of the persistent and widely spread disease conditions of importance to milk hygiene and quality among dairy cattle worldwide (Schalm et al., 1971;

Blood et al., 1983). In cows, somatic cell count (SCC) is a useful predictor of subclinical mastitis, and therefore, an important component of milk quality, hygiene and mastitis control. Mastitis is the primary cause of elevated SCC levels, and it affects both the quality and quantity of milk. Elevated milk SCC is associated with altered protein quality, change in fatty acid composition, lactose, ion and mineral concentration, increased enzymatic activity and pH of raw milk (Harmon, 1994; Auldist et al., 1996; Coulon et al., 2003). Various studies have demonstrated that subclinical mastitis is a prevalent disease in small-scale dairy herds in Kenya (Omore et al., 1996; Omore, 1997; Shitandi, 2004; Shitandi et al., 2004; Shitandi and Kihumbu, 2004). Omore (1997) reported very high background levels (between 600,000 and 850,000 cells ml-1) of SCC in Kenyan smallscale dairy herds, which may be attributed to poor hygienic

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practises and high prevalence and rate of mastitis infection. It is hypothesised that the very high background SCC levels may have a negative impact on the composition and quality of raw milk produced. Some studies (Omore et al., 1996; Omore, 1997), have concentrated mainly on epidemiology, diagnosis and control, public safety (Shitandi and Sternesjo, 2001), mastitis risk factors (Omore et al., 1999; Shitandi, 2004), but the impact of subclinical mastitis on raw milk composition and quality have been less comprehensively studied in small-scale dairy herds. This present study, as a part of a wider programme on mastitis dynamics and milk quality, was aimed at evaluating the effect of subclinical mastitis on raw milk compositional quality in small-scale dairy herds.

Materials and methods

Study animal selection. A cross sectional study was conducted between August and December 2004 in Nakuru District of Rift Valley province, a major milk production area of Kenya. In the study, farm selection was based on herd size, availability of crosses of Holstein Friesian and Bos indicus cattle (local zebu, Boran and Sahiwal) and willingness of farmers to participate. Grazing system were zero grazing, a cut-and-carry stall-feeding system where Napier grass and crop residues are the main feeds with concentrate supplementation restricted to milking cows. From 106 cows in 16 herds meeting the breed selection criteria and available for sampling, 72 quarter milk samples from 18 lactating cows were obtained by stratified random sampling. The study herds were initially screened for clinical mastitis using the California Mastitis test (CMT), udder palpation and examination of milk for abnormalities. Sampling. Quarter milk samples were collected, after discarding the first few milliliters of milk, while the cows were strained in standing position. Udder and teats were cleaned with warm water and left to dry and then were wiped thoroughly with cotton buds soaked in 70% alcohol. A 5ml milk sample for bacteriological culture was aseptically collected in sterile tubes. Another aliquot was collected in 100 ml sample bottles and kept refrigerated at 4oC for SCC and chemical analysis. The samples were transported to the Chemical and Microbiological Laboratory, Egerton University on ice and tested within 6 h of collection. Bacteriological analysis. Bacteriological isolation and identification followed the procedures of National Mastitis Council (NMC, 1999). Using sterile disposable culturing loop, 0.01ml of milk was streaked onto half a plate blood agar (Becton Dickinson and Company, USA) supplemented with 5% ovine blood and incubated aerobically at 37oC. Plates were examined for bacterial growth at 24 and 48 h. Pure cultures were further examined for morphological, staining and cultural characteristics, and for biochemical reactions. In cases where no growth was detected, plates were reincubated at 37oC for further 24 h, while for mixed growth a new quarter sample was taken and reexamined.

Bacteria were identified using standardised procedures. Where catalase-positive cocci were identified according to colonial morphology, haemolysis production, Gram stain and coagulase tube test; catalase-negative cocci were identified according to colonial morphology, Gram stain, aesculin hydrolysis, CAMP factor test and carbohydrate fermentation tests. Gram-negative bacteria were identified according to colonial morphology, Gram stain, oxidase test, and their reactions in triple sugar iron agar (TSIA), Simmons citrate agar and Methyl Red Voges Proskauer agar (MRVPA). Corynebacterium spp. and Bacillus spp. were identified based on colony appearance, and the results of catalase test and Gram stain (NMC, 1999). Quarters were classified as not infected (NI) if no organisms were isolated, infected with major pathogens (MAP) if Streptococcus agalactiae, other Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia Coli were isolated, and infected with minor pathogens (MIP) if coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) and Corynebacterium spp. were isolated. Milk chemical analysis. On each quarter milk samples the all-analytical assessments were carried out in duplicate; pH (potentiometric method, Contort C830), SCC (IDF, 1991a), Chloride (IDF, 1988). The FFA content, expressed as acid degree value (ADV) (meqFFA/100g fat), was determined by BDI method (IDF, 1991). The TN, NPN and NCN contents were determined according to Rowland (1938) using a Kjeldahl block digester apparatus (FossElectric, Denmark). The Na and K content were measured by Flame photometry, while Ca content was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to method described by NMKL (1996). Lactose content was determined by a method described by Ling (1963). Statistical analysis. SCC values were transformed to log10 prior to statistical analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression were used to investigate the relationship between SCC levels and various milk components. The effect of SCC levels, infectious status, lactation stage and lactation number on milk components were evaluated with ordinary least square means analysis of variance in PROC GLM procedure, type SS III, of SAS statistical software (SAS, 1995). In model I, log10SCC was treated as covariate or continuous variable. The models were fitted to the data as follows. Yikl = m + Ai + Bj + Ck + (A x B)ij + (A x C)ik + (B x C)jk + (A x B x C)ijk + eijk where m = overall mean, Ai = SCC level (i = <250 x -, 250500 x -, 500-750 x -, or >750 x 1000/ml) for model I or Ai = quarter health status (i = uninfected (NI), minor pathogens (MIP) or major pathogens (MAP)) for model II, Bj = stage of lactation (j = early, mid or late i.e. <100, 100-200 and >200 d in lactation), Ck = parity number (k = 1-2, 3-4, or >5), (A x B)ij , (A x C)ik, (B x C)jk and (A x B x C)ij = interactions, and eijk = residual error.

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Results
Bacteriological analyses. In the 18 cows used for the study, 6, 5 and 7 cows had parity numbers of 1-2, 3-4, and >5 respectively. In the same study herd, 6 cows each were in their early-, mid-, and late lactation stage (<100 d, between 100 and 200 d, and >200 d respectively). Out of 72 quarter analysed 68.1% of the quarters had intramammary infection (Table 1). Staphylococcus aureas was the most present major pathogen, representing 46.9% of isolates, followed by E. coli (14.3%), Streptococci (14.3%), and Klebsiella spp. and Bacillus spp. (4.1%). CNS was the most frequently isolated minor pathogens (18.4% of the isolates). The SCC response in quarters by the different mastitis status is presented in Table 4. SCC level of quarter milk samples were greatly affected by the infection status indicative of inflammatory response in quarters due infection. The mean SCC level of quarters infected by MAP (715,625 14,167 cells/ml) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of quarters infected by MIP and uninfected quarters (mean 563,672 27,979 and 376,223 18,448 cells/ml respectively). Among the major pathogens, E. coli exhibited stronger response in somatic cells, which increased to 1.02 x 106 cells/ml, followed by S. aureas and Streptococci with 6.3 x 105 and 5.6 x 105 cells/ml respectively (Table 1). Uninfected quarters showed mean background SCC level of 3.6 x 105 cells/ml. The parity number (1-2, 3-4 and >5) had significant influence on the quarter SCC with the greater the parity the higher the SCC response (Table 2). The lactation stage did not have any significant effect on SCC response in the study herd. SCC and milk composition. Table 4, shows separately the mean values of the milk components at several SCC threshold levels and different parity numbers. From the statistical model, increasing SCC levels was accompanied with very significant changes in milk composition. Mean pH values, though in the normal range, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for quarter milk samples with higher SCC levels. The ADV value increased by 0.16-0.37 meq FFA/

100 g (P < 0.0001) in higher SCC quarters (>500 x 103cell/ ml). Concentrations TN, TP, and NPN fractions were not significantly affected by SCC responses in the quarters (Table 2). However, the percentage NCN fraction were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in milk from quarters with >500 x 103 SCC/ml, while CN content was lower resulting in the 1.8-4.5% decrease in CN/TP ratio in high SCC quarters (>500 x 103cell/ml). Also, lactose content was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in quarters with higher SCC. Mineral compositions (Na, K, Ca and Cl) varied in the study herd and were significantly affected by the SCC responses in quarters (Table 2). The effects of SCC responses on these minerals were significant (P < 0.0001). Mean Na and Cl concentrations were higher in quarters with higher SCC levels, whereas K and Ca were lower in the same samples. Pearson correlation coefficients calculated between log10SCC and various milk components are displayed in Table 3. Na content was positively correlated with Cl content (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001), but negatively with K content (r = -0.61, P < 0.0001). The CN/ TP (proteolysis index) was positively correlated to CN (r = 0.35, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated to NCN (r = -0.81, P < 0.0001). Mastitis status and milk composition. The results relating to the quarter milk physicochemical characteristics as affected by subclinical mastitis infection status, lactation stage and parity is reported in Table 4. The pH and ADV values were higher (P < 0.01) in infected quarters than uninfected quarters. However, the same parameters were numerically but not significantly different (P < 0.01) between MIP (6.74 and 0.43 0.03 respectively) and MAP (6.76 and 0.45 0.01 respectively) infected quarters. The mean ADV values of MIP and MAP infected quarters were 1.3 and 1.4 times respectively higher than NI quarters reflecting higher lipolytic activity in the infected quarters. The concentration of TN, TP, and NPN fractions (Table 4), were not significantly different (P < 0.05) between uninfected and MIP and MAP infected quarters. Na

Table 1. Intramammary infection status and log10SCC observed in 72 quarters milk samples analysed. Pathogen isolateda Not Infected (NI) Major pathogens (MAP) Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus ssp. Escherichia coli Others2 Minor Pathogens (MIP)CNS Corynebacterium spp.Total infected quarters Totals
a

Number of quarters (N) 23

% of total quarters 31.9

% of infected quarters

Log10 SCCSEM 5.55 0.03

23 7 7 2 9 149 72

31.9 9.7 9.7 2.8 12.5 1.468.1 100

46.9 14.3 14.3 4.1 18.4 2.0 100

5.80 0.03 5.75 0.05 6.01 0.05 5.62 5.708 0.04 5.73

Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci NI - no infected quarters (no bacterial growth on blood-agar and MacConkey plates), MAP - infection with major pathogens, and MIP infection with minor pathogens. 2Klebsiella spp. and Bacillus spp.

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content was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in infected, both MIP and MAP, than NI quarters (62.9 3.46, 67.6 3.08 and 54.2 2.88 mg/100 g respectively). However, no significant difference was observed between quarters infected by MIP and MAP. Mean CN/TP ratio, K and Ca content were lower in uninfected quarters than in infected ones at P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively. Uninfected quarters had 1.19 and 2.17% higher CN/TP ratio than MIP and MAP infected quarters respectively. The lactation stage did not affect significantly any of these parameters, whereas parity effect was significant for SCC, Ca and K (Table 4).

Discussion
Unlike clinical mastitis, which is responsible for high economic losses but easier to eliminate, subclinical mastitis is quite problematic due to its chronicity and relative incurabilty in dairy herds. The results from the present study suggest that subclinical mastitis is highly prevalent in small-scale dairy herds. This is in agreement with various studies on small-scale herds in Kenya (Omore, 1997; Shitandi et al., 2004; Shitandi and Kihumbu, 2004) and elsewhere (Shem et al., 2003; Bonfoh et al., 2005). The pattern of the bacteria isolated in this study was also similar to earlier studies (Shitandi et al., 2004; Shitandi and Kihumbu, 2004). In Kenya, mastitis control depends mostly on treatment of clinical cases, in addition to lack of efficient treatment schemes, diagnostic services due to cost involved and limited laboratories, leads to undetection of subclinical cases which spread to other quarters unchecked. In one study, Shitandi and Sternesjo (2001) attributed the high prevalence of S. aureas to possible developed resistance due to prolonged and indiscriminate

use of beta-lactams antibiotics by small-scale farmers. The results suggests that preventive methods such as hygienic milking, improved management, environmental management, in addition to efficient treatment schemes should be instituted to prevent high prevalence of subclinical mastitis in small-scale dairy herds, especially S. aureas mastitis. The high SCC content in infected quarters as compared with uninfected quarters was in accordance with other investigators in Kenya (Omore, 1997; Shitandi and Kihumbu, 2004), in Africa (Bonfoh et al., 2005; Shem et al., 2003) and elsewhere (Bruckmaier et al., 2004). Similar to findings by Omore (1997), SCC levels in uninfected quarter reported was unexpectedly high than those in
Table 3. Correlation coefficients (r) between log10SCC and other milk components in quarter milk samples. Milk Component PH ADV TN, % NPN, % TP, % NCN, % CN, % CN/TP, % Na, mg/100 g K, mg/100 g Ca, mg/100 g Cl, g/L Lactose **P < 0.0001, * P < 0.05. Coefficients (r) .28 .75 -.70 -.24 -.83 .87 -.64 -.87 .85 -.78 Significance * **

** * ** ** ** ** ** **

Table 2. Least square means variation of quarter milk components according to SCC levels and parity1. Milk component <250 N SSC2, cell/ml pH ADV8 TN, % NPN, % TP, % NCN, % CN, % CN/TP, % Na, mg/100g K, mg/100 g Ca, mg/100g Lactose, g/l Cl, mg/100 g
a,b,c 1

SCC (x 103/ml) 250 - 500 29 374,030b 6.70 0.29b 3.38 0.12 3.12 0.65 2.59 83.0a 53.6b 139.5ab 114.0b 47.9 116.3b 500 750 24 630,111c 6.69 0.45 3.29 0.11 3.18 0.70a 2.59 81.2 66.2c 128.6b 105.2c 45.1a 142.7c >750 15 1,025,781d 6.81 0.60 3.42 0.13 3.25 0.81b 2.57 78.9 78.4d 108.9c 97.8d 43.8b 183.5c 1 -2 24 498,503 6.70 0.34 3.21 0.10 3.11 0.64a 2.60 82.3a 58.2a 140.3a 112.7a 46.6 118.5a

Parity (number) 3-4 20 524,063 6.72 0.42 3.34 0.12 3.22 0.72 2.62 81.2 62.5 126.3 107.7b 45.7 140.0 >5 28 705,497a 6.73 0.45 3.34 0.13 3.22 0.73 2.61 81.1 66.4c 123.5 104.1c 45.1 147.7

4 210,742a 6.63 0.23a 3.34 0.10 3.32 0.64 2.77a 83.6a 46.5a 146.3a 119.5a 48.8 100.5a

Means in the same row with different superscripts differ significantly (P < .05). Least square means corrected for influence of lactation stage. 2 Arithmetic SCC means. TN (total nitrogen) = N x 6.38, NPN (non-protein nitrogen) = N x 6.38, TP (total protein) = TN - NPN, NCN (non-casein nitrogen) = N x 6.34. 8 Acid degree value (meq KOH/100 g fat) measured using BDI method.

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temperate countries, which may be attributed to breed differences, low production levels, poor management systems, and high prevalence and rate of infection in smallscale dairy herds. Due to high prevalence rate of infection in small-scale dairy herds, most quarters classified as uninfected are likely to have been subjected to several infections before and hence higher SCC. Somatic cells have been shown to maintain higher levels than before, even after the infection have been eliminated (Schalm et al., 1971; Djabri et al. 2002). This is reflected in the elevated SCC levels with increasing parity irrespective of mastitis status observed in this study. Quarters infected by major pathogens had a greater SCC response than that infected by minor pathogens which is in line with other studies (Coulon et al., 2003). The mean value of milk components in the small-scale dairy herds irrespective of intramammary infection were found to be in agreement with published data in Europe (Lindmark-Mansson et al., 2003) and Africa (Bonfoh et al., 2005). However, most of the milk parameter showed strong mastitis-related changes depending on mastitis status. The increase in somatic cell count and change in milk composition were more marked in quarters affected by major pathogens (MAP) than minor pathogens (MIP) indicative of severity of udder inflammation associated with these pathogens. The content of TN, TP, and NPN fractions were not significantly different between in both healthy and infected quarters. In contrast, NCN fraction was elevated while CN content was decreased partly due to increased proteolysis leading to decrease in the CN/TP ratio in infected quarters. This may linked to two phenomena: increased endogenous proteolysis due elevated plasmin or other proteases derived from somatic cell leading to casein breakdown, and influx of blood proteins (immunoglobulins, IgG and bovine serum albumin, BSA) into milk due to increased permeability of mammary epithelium resulting to elevated NCN content (Le Roux et al. 1995; Urech et al. 1999; Coulon et al. 2003). High concentrations of Na and Cl, pH values and lower lactose, Ca, and K in high SCC and infected quarters were in agreement with earlier studies (Coulon et al., 2003; Bruckmaier et al., 2004). The changes were linked to

reduced secretory activity of the mammary cells and increased permeability of the mammary epithelium, (Harmon, 1994). Blood-borne electrolytes Na and Cl were higher in infected quarters regardless of SCC levels and seem to pass into milk at low level of udder disturbance. However, lower Ca level in infected quarters as compared with healthy quarters in the present study did not agree with findings of others (Coulon et al., 2003). Furthermore, Ca level was significantly lowered with increasing parity. As most milk Ca is associated with casein, reduced casein concentrations reported in the study could explain the lowered calcium level in infected quarters. But the marked change in Ca concentrations with no significant change in casein levels between quarters infected with minor and major pathogens in the present were not obvious and further study is warranted. Increased FFA during intramammary infections attributable to increased lipolytic activity due to increased lipase enzymes in the present study, have been reported elsewhere (Azzara and Dimick, 1985; Ma et al., 2000). Due to high prevalence of intramammary infection in dairy herds coupled with poor milk handling, processing procedures and high temperatures, higher FFA is expected in the raw and pasteurised milk produced in Kenya, that may affect flavour quality and shelf life. In the case of Kenyan dairy industry where the bulk of milk produced is processed into pasteurised and ultra heattreated milk (UHT), changes in FFA, casein fractions and mineral composition is of great importance. Ma et al. (2000) reported lowered raw and pasteurised milk quality with reduced shelf life while Auldist et al. (1996) observed reduced shelf life and organoleptic properties in UHT milk from high SCC milk. Although there is increased use of SCC as milk quality control and udder health tool in the industrialised countries, in Kenya and many countries in the tropics it has not been adopted. As high prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the dairy herds presents a major constraint to high quality milk production, adoption of SCC as quality control is of great importance. Threshold limits of 350,000 SCC/ml have been fixed for milk quality control and udder health monitoring in the tropics (IDF, 1990).

Table 4. Mean SEM of raw milk compositional parameters according to quarter infection status, parity and lactation stage effects. Status SCC NI SEM MIP SEM MAP SEM Effects Infectious status Parity Lactation stage
*

Milk parameter pH 6.63 0.03 6.74 0.04 6.76 0.02 ADV 0.33 0.01 0.43 0.03 0.45 0.01 TN 3.27 0.05 3.32 0.07 3.36 0.04 TP 3.12 0.05 3.01 0.07 3.24 0.04 CN 2.62 0.04 2.62 0.06 2.45 0.03 CN/TP 82.99 0.32 81.08 0.48 80.82 0.25 Na 54.2 2.28 62.9 3.46 67.6 3.08 K 139.9 3.11 123.3 4.71 125.3 2.39 Ca 114.4 1.26 107.1 1.91 104.5 0.97 Lactose 47.5 0.31 45.9 0.47 44.7 0.24 Cl 107.6 5.33 138.5 8.09 151.8 4.10

376,223 18,448 563,672 27,979 715,625 14,167

0.0001 0.0486 ns

0.0044 ns ns

0.0087 ns ns

ns ns ns

ns ns ns

0.04 ns ns

<.0001 ns ns

0.0001 ns Ns

0.0015 0.0007 ns

<.0001 0.0003 ns

<.0001 ns ns

<.0001 0.0016 ns*

Not significant (P>0.05).

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Conclusion
The results provided information on Kenyan crossbred (Holstein & Zebu) milk composition as affected by SCC levels, mastitis status, and parity. The presence of subclinical mastitis had marked influence on milk compositional quality and presents a major constraint to high quality milk production by small-scale dairy farmers in Kenya.

Acknowledgement
This study was conducted with financial support from the Research and Extension (R & E) Division of Egerton University and the International foundation of science (IFS). We acknowledge the input of Mr. Rono (Animal Health Dept., Egerton University) and Mr. Mutumba (Animal Science & Nutrition Dept., Egerton University) in sample collection and laboratory analysis.

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