Fat and protein contents, acidity and somatic cell counts in bulk milk of Holstein cows in the Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

Relationships between total bulk milk somatic cell score (SCS) and milk fat and protein contents and acidity were investigated in the Khorasan Razavi Province, a region that contributes 6.83% of total milk production in Iran. A total of 1476 samples were analysed. Data were obtained by randomly collecting 123 samples of bulk tank milk from 41 dairy farms during April 2006 to March 2007, every month. Milk was analysed for titratable acidity, protein and fat contents and somatic cell counts (direct microscopic cell count and with Somatos, Russia). Microscopic and Somatos somatic cell counts were comparable. Results showed that the season of raw milk production did not have a significant effect on acidity. Milk fat content increased gradually from spring to winter and there were significant differences ( P <  0.05) between spring and other seasons. Higher levels of milk protein fractions were observed during the autumn and winter than in other seasons. The highest total bulk milk somatic cell counts were observed in July. Total bulk milk SCS had significant effects ( P <  0.05) on acidity and fat and protein contents. Moreover, the level of acidity and fat in milk decreased with increasing SCS. A significant positive relationship was observed between total bulk milk SCS and the protein content of milk. Elevated SCS were associated with lowered milk quality in Holsteins in the Khorasan Razavi Province.