A study on the determination of body condition score and somatic cell count in Turkish Saanen goats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate body condition score (BCS) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk in Turkish Saanen goats. Data were obtained from 95 goats during the morning milking. While a 1-5 scale was used to assess BCS, direct microscopy was performed to analyse SCC. Effect of stage of lactation (SL) and number of kids at birth (NK) were evaluated in three subgroups. While SL has not affected the parameters, goats with a single kid had significantly higher BCS (P < 0.05) than goats with twins. Correlation coefficient between evaluated parameters was estimated as weak (r = 0.08). In conclusion, milk SCC and BCS levels of Turkish Saanen goats were assumed to be in acceptable thresholds.