Somatic cell count and milk yield in relation to haemoglobin concentration in Finnish dairy goats

Abstract

Using 400 Finnish goats, the relationship between haemoglobin concentration and somatic cell counts and milk yield was studied. On the basis of haemoglobin concentration the goats were divided into two groups (greater than or less than 5.6 mmol .l-1). Goats with high haemoglobin concentrations had a markedly higher milk yield and the milk had a lower somatic cell count. In contrast, goats with low haemoglobin concentration (less than 5.6 mmol . l-1) had lower milk yields but higher cell counts. The results showed a negative correlation between the cell counts and the haemoglobin concentration.