SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF SOMATIC CELL CONTENT IN MILK OF COWS FROM HOMEHOLD FARM

Abstract

The article presents the results of monitoring the seasonal dynamics of the content of somatic cells in raw cow's milk during 2024-2025. During the research period, samples of raw cow's milk taken at the agri-food markets of Odessa, as well as samples of raw cow's milk taken at the city's spontaneous markets, were examined. The obtained research results showed that for most of the year, samples of raw cow's milk sold at the agri-food markets of Odessa, in terms of somatic cell content, meet the requirements for high-quality raw materials, according to the current Ukrainian standard DSTU 3662:2018 "Raw cow's milk. Technical requirements", which regulates the safety and quality of this product of animal origin. In particular, it was found that the largest number of somatic cells in raw cow's milk from agri-food markets was detected during June, October and November, respectively - 420.0±3.5; 425.5±3.2 and 429.8±3.8 thousand/cm3. All these values, according to the current DSTU 3662:2018, correspond to first-grade raw milk. At the same time, samples of cow's milk from the spontaneous markets of Odessa, in most cases, can be attributed to first-grade and non-grade raw materials. In addition, the study found an increase in the content of somatic cells in both types of raw cow's milk samples in the fall (October-November) and in the spring (April-May). Thus, the average content of somatic cells in raw cow's milk sold at the spontaneous markets of Odessa exceeds the average annual indicators in samples taken at agri-food markets by 21%. The increase in the content of somatic cells in raw cow's milk is in most cases associated with the presence of subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle, which often does not have pronounced clinical manifestations, however, milk from such animals is dangerous for consumption by humans and animals, as it contains an increased number of microorganisms. The presented research results also proved the feasibility of combating spontaneous markets, because the products sold in them are not subject to veterinary and sanitary inspection and in most cases pose a threat to the health of consumers, causing outbreaks of food infections and toxicosis.