The analysis of variability of pH level and somatic cell count (SCC) in the colostrum and milk of z³otnicka white sows

Abstract

The aim of the research was to analyze the pH level and somatic cell count (SCC) in sowsf colostrum and milk depending on the reproductive cycle, litter size and consecutive pair of teats. The animal specimens were 30 sows of the Zlotnicka White breed. Z.otnicka pigs were subjected to the National Genetic Resources Conservation Programme. The experiment was made on the farm where pigs of native breeds were kept. The research material was collected in 24 h after parturition and on the 7th, 14th and 21st day of lactation. The somatic cell count (SCC) and pH were labelled in the colostrum and milk. The number and body weight of pigletsf and their mortality were checked on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st day of life. As a result of the research, the influence of the consecutive reproductive cycle and litter size on the somatic cell count and pH in sowsf colostrum and milk was proved. The older and more numerous the litters were, the higher the somatic cell count was and it ranged between 2.48 and 3.05 ~ (106). On the other hand, the acidity (pH) of colostrum and milk decreased and assumed the values from 6.90 to 6.22. A positive correlation between the pH of colostrum and the weights of piglets aged one day was observed and a negative correlation between the pH of milk on the 21st day and the weights of piglets aged 7, 14 and 21 days. The research also proved dependence between pigletsf body weight and the somatic cell count at the level of ≤0.01 and ≤0.05.

Key words: Sows, milk, somatic cell count (SCC), pH, native breeds.