Total and differential somatic cell counts in secretions from noninfected bovine mammary glands: the early nonlactating period
McDonald, J.S.; Anderson, A.J.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 42(8): 1360-1365
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 7294470 Document Number: 169750
[During the nonlactating period, cells in the gland secretions of the bovine mammary were counted to study the incidence of intramammary infection.] Total somatic cells in the secretions remained < 5 .times. 105 cells/ml for the first 3 days after the last milking. Macrophages predominated the 1st day, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils were most common during the 2nd and 3rd day. The total somatic cell count was highest about 10 days after lactation ceased, and counts of 2-3 .times. 106 cells/ml were common. Equal numbers of macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils were observed. Total cell populations gradually decreased during the period from 10 to 25 days of the nonlactating period.