Composition of milk and mammary gland health in Criollo breed mares during lactation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the components of milk and mammary gland health of Criollo mares. A total of 12 mares coming from a farm in southern Brazil were used. Samples of milk were taken from each mare every two weeks up to 180 days of lactation. The characteristics analyzed were fat, protein, lactose, total solids, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). In relation to the health of the udder and the milk of the mares, the SCC was 24.1 x 103cells / ml and TBC was 44 x 103CFU / ml, while the average of milk components was 0.57% fat, 1.95% protein, 6.71% lactose and 9.24% total solids. Stage of lactation and individual characteristics may influence the level of milk components. The low SCC and TBC found in the Criollo breed mares’ milk ensure the quality of their milk compared to other species.