Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ondokuz Mayis, 55139-Kurupelit, Samsun, Turkey.
*For correspondance: Tel: 90-362-3121919-1360; Fax: 90-362-4576034; E-mail: hserdem@omu.edu.tr
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To determine the relationships between some udder traits and somatic cell count (SCC), 107 Jersey cows raised at Karakoy State Farm, Samsun, Turkey, were used. Milk samples and udder measures were taken from cows at 70±14, 140±14 and 210±14 days in milk. SCC was determined by direct microscopic somatic cell counting (DMSCC). SCC values increased with advancing lactation. Significant correlations (P<0.05, P<0.01) were estimated between udder traits, udder scores with SCC, overall or at different lactation stages. Thus, it was concluded that front udder attachment and udder depth can be effectively used for reducing SCC.
Somatic cell count, udder traits, Jersey
