Optimized flow cytometry for differential somatic cell count in goat milk: Implications for milk quality and udder health
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents the optimization of a flow cytometry protocol for the differential somatic cell count in goat milk. The methodological refinement focused on the effective sample preparation, including cell isolation, followed by fluorescent labeling using a targeted panel of fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies to enable the identification of major somatic cell subpopulations—namely, epithelial cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), macrophages, and lymphocytes by flow cytometric analysis. The optimized method was applied to 39 individual goat milk samples. The results demonstrated that differences in cellular immune activity were detectable even among samples with low microbiological findings. Milk samples with minor but detectable microbial findings exhibited a significantly higher proportion of leukocytes compared to samples without microbial detection, with mean leukocyte proportions of 66.6 % vs. 46.9 %, respectively (P = 0.038). A further analysis revealed that a high PMN proportion (>77 %) was significantly associated with decreased casein content (P = 0.024), reduced total protein (P = 0.030), a shorter rennet clotting time (P = 0.056), and a slight increase in lactose concentration (P = 0.035). These findings suggest a negative impact of elevated PMN levels on the technological quality of goat milk. Optimized flow cytometry is a useful tool for goat milk quality management.
Source: Applied Food Research
Authors: Klára Cejpová, Markéta Borková, Filipp Georgijevič Savvulidi, Barbora Burešová, Zora Kotíková, Nikol Modráčková, Růžena Seydlová, Antonín Kaňa, Martin Ptáček, Hana Nejeschlebová, Ivana Hyršlová, Matyáš Orsák
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,050
Awards: G5373436531, G7368326250
OpenAlex ID: W7115923646