Composition and milk cell characteristics in quarter milk fractions of dairy cows with low cell count

Variation in milk composition and milk polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMN) characteristics and functions among quarter milk fractions were investigated in order to evaluate the optimal fraction for the determination of local immune response. Five fractions were classified during milking: foremilk (I), cisternal milk (II), main milk (III), strippings (IV) and residual milk (V). Somatic cell count (SCC), fat, protein, lactose, sodium, potassium, chloride, polymorphonuclear leukocyte necrosis, apoptosis and oxidative burst were analysed in each fraction. The logSCC and fat concentration were highest in residual milk (P < 0.05), whereas protein and lactose concentration were highest in the earliest fractions (I, II, III) (P < 0.05). Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte necrosis was lowest in strippings and residual milk (P < 0.05), and PMN apoptosis was lowest in residual milk (P < 0.001). The highest percentage of PMN with oxidative burst was found in residual milk (P < 0.05), and was associated with the highest mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, late fractions have more PMN and more active PMN. Nevertheless, it is suggested that each fraction is appropriate in the study of local immune response of the mammary gland, however the fraction used in the study has to be specified.