Factors Influencing the Somatic Cell Counts in Goat Milk in Kenya

Abstract

The dairy goat sector in Kenya is young and rapidly growing. There are many breeds being introduced e.g. the Saanen, Toggenburg and Alpine, in varying agro-climatic zones, ranging from Coast, Rift Valley and Western Kenya.    The objective of this study was to look at the impact of breed, location, parity and lactation length on Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) considering the fact that SCC thresholds are often used as parameters to determine quality standards of milk. This study demonstrated significant SCC variations amongst breeds, especially Toggenburg / Saanen, Toggenburg ? Alpine / Saanen, and Saanen / Alpine. The SCC also varied significantly amongst various study sites.  This study also established an increasing SCC with parity and lactation length.  In developing SCC as milk quality standard for Kenya Dairy Board these factors will have to be considered.

Key words: Somatic cell counts, goat breeds, location, parity, lactation length.