Somatic cell counts, chemical composition and coagulation properties of goat and sheep bulk tank milk

This study focused on the need for bulk milk tank somatic cell count (BMTSCC) thresholds and cut-off levels indicating a decrease in milk quality that consequently influences product quantity and quality. First, 226 ewes and 231 goat bulk tank milk samples were collected from different Israeli herds and coagulation properties were determined. Second, soft cheese was produced. No correlation of coagulation properties was found with BMTSCC for sheep milk up to 3264 × 103 and goat milk up to 6452 × 103 cells mL−1. Coagulation properties of goat milk with cell count higher than the latter resulted in a significant decrease in curd firmness. For breeds and management system in Israel, 2500 × 103 cells mL−1 is suggested as the cut-off level for sheep and 3500 × 103 cell mL−1 for goats. The cell count cut-off level and milk price according to BMTSCC should be tested and then determined for every breed and management and final dairy product.