Method Comparison for Diagnose of Subclinical Mastitis and Milk Quality Determination in Raw Milk

Mastitis is a serious problem for milk cattle farming and one of the worst worries for farmers. Somatic cell count (SCC) is both a diagnostic tool and a cause of concern by itself as milk quality and yield are affected by somatic cell activity. This work examines the tools available for the estimation of somatic cell counts in raw milk, including methods based on rheology, ionic properties, presence of energetic molecules, cell counting, and dielectric permittivity. We conclude that the last of these methods offers an optimal combination of ease of implementation and low cost that permits its use for on-line, parlor-side measurement devices