Relación entre las pruebas de recuento de células somáticas y California Mastitis Test para el diagnóstico de mastitis en leche de cabra en apriscos de la región de bosque seco tropical.

Abstract

Goat production systems play a significant role in the economic livelihood of rural areas in the municipality of Cúcuta, providing milk, meat, and leather for the market. Goat milk, known for its high nutritional content, is in high demand due to its profitability in dairy product production. However, the presence of subclinical mastitis poses a major challenge to goat production systems in the region. This condition is primarily caused by poor hygiene practices when confining animals in pens, udder injuries due to blows or bites, and inadequate milking techniques. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship and agreement between somatic cell count and the California Mastitis Test (CMT), which will allow for the improvement of early disease diagnosis and the implementation of more effective prevention and control measures in goat milk production in the region. In this study, a total of 70 goats were selected from four pens located in the Campo Hermoso village of the El Salado sector in the Cúcuta metropolitan area. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was conducted as a field test using a reagent, and milk samples were collected in tubes for further analysis in the laboratory. The somatic cell count (CCS) was performed to diagnose the presence of subclinical mastitis in the udders. The data obtained were analyzed by the statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics, a Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical model Normality test was applied, yielding non-parametric data, followed by the Spearman Rho model conversion. Results revealed a strong connection between California Mastitis Test (CMT) variables and somatic cell count (SCC), with a Spearman's Rho connection coefficient of r = 0.877. This indicates that as the CMT test results show a greater relationship, the CCS values also increase numerically. Based on the comparison of the CCS test results with the CMT under normal conditions, it can be concluded that the California Mastitis Test (CMT) reagent is a reliable method for the diagnosis of mastitis in goat herds. This conclusion is based on the positive match between the CMT and a more reliable test, the CCS test, for detecting the presence of mastitis. In general, it highlights the importance of implementing effective mastitis prevention measures, such as improving hygiene practices, preventing udder injuries, and ensuring proper milking techniques, to improve the productivity and profitability of goat production systems in the region.