Field Study for Detecting Subclinical Mastitis Risk Levels in Holstein Cows Reared in the Middle Black Sea Region of Türkiye

The objective of this study was to reveal the subclinical mastitis (SM) risk levels present in raw milk samples of cows. Bucket milk samples were collected from Holstein cattle farms in the provinces of Amasya (n = 18), Çorum (n = 26), and Samsun (n = 34) of Türkiye during January-February 2024 according to stratified random sampling. A comparison of analysis methods was conducted by obtaining somatic cell count (SCC), California mastitis test (CMT), and mastitis test card (MTC) data. In order to ascertain the alterations in SM risk levels, it was necessary to convert all test values to risk scores, with a maximum of 100 p. While the study revealed no statistically significant differences in SCC and CMT values across provinces, the lowest mean CMT values were observed in Amasya, while the highest mean CMT values were recorded in Samsun (P<0.05). The mean SM risk level by 100 p (SMRL100) was found to be 35.51 ± 2.383 p. It was concluded that CMT and SCC data were more reliable than MTC in determination of SM in bovine raw milk. In order to achieve a reduction in SMR100 beyond the obtained level, it is recommended that farm owners implement attentive practices with regard to the milking procedure, barn hygiene, and milk storage conditions.