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The Effect of Machine Milking upon the Leucocyte Count and the Chloride Content of Milk

Division of Market-Milk Investigations, Bureau of Dairy Industry, Agricultural Research Administration, U. S. Department of Agriculture

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

In an earlier paper (2) it was shown that the leucocyte count and the chloride content of milk are not reliable indices of udder infection. Individual differences between cows with respect to these two tests and differences in results caused by factors other than infection frequently are greater than the changes that occur when the udder becomes infected. Any factor that causes udder irritation doubtless will cause a rise in the leucocyte and chloride values.

The extent to which machine milking may influence leucocyte counts and chloride determinations, or other mastitis tests that reflect udder irritation, such as pH and catalase tests, is not clear. Munch-Petersen (4) reviewed the literature on mastitis and found opinion about equally divided with respect to milking machines as a factor contributing to mastitis. Dahlberg (1) found that leaving machines on the cows too long contributed to udder troubles and resulted in a drop in production early in the lactation period.