Associations between Somatic Cell Count and Milk Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profile in Alpine and Saanen Goat Breeds

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although somatic cell count is not a sensitive biomarker to identify mastitis in goats, the current study revealed a relationship between this indicator and goat milk composition. While data on goat milk fatty acids and especially on amino acid variations according to somatic cell count influence are very minimal, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the relation of different somatic cell count levels in goat milk with goat milk yield, milk composition, fatty acid, and amino acid profiles of Alpine and Saanen goat breeds. The research revealed some statistically significant relationships between somatic cell count and amino acids and fatty acids, suggesting that improving milk quality by reducing somatic cell count may benefit farmers by improving goat milk’s fatty acid and amino acid composition and may serve as a biomarker for dairy goats. However, future studies with more goats are needed to confirm these results. ABSTRACT: The main goal of this study was to evaluate the relation of different SCC levels in goat milk with goat milk yield, milk composition, FA, and AA profiles. Whereas the investigated herd was composed of Alpine and Saanen goats, the influence of breed on milk parameters and milk yield was also assessed. The research was carried out in 2022 at a Lithuanian dairy goat farm with 135 goats (Saanen = 66 and Alpine = 69) without evidence of clinical mastitis. The current research revealed a relationship between SCC with goat milk yield and composition. Goats with a high SCC had significantly lower milk yield (p < 0.001), lower content of lactose (p < 0.01), fat (p < 0.001) and higher protein content (p < 0.05) in their milk. The increase in most AA was significantly associated with increased SCC. The higher quantity of Asp, Glu, Ala, Met, His, Lys, Arg, EAA, NEAA, and TAA (compared with the low SCC group) (p < 0.05–0.01), Leu, Tyr, and BCAA (compared with the low and medium SCC group) were found in the milk of the high SCC group (p < 0.05–0.01). The distribution of the main FA groups was also related to SCC and showed a significant decrease in SCFA (p < 0.01–0.001) and an increase in LCFA, PUFA, and BCFA in the high SCC group (p < 0.05). All individual AA and their groups (EAA, NEAA, TAA, BCAA) were significantly lower in the milk of the Saanen goat breed (p < 0.001). The most individual FA ranged between goat breeds, while the total amount of SFA, UFA, and MUFA wasn’t affected by breed (p > 0.05). The research revealed a statistically significant relationship between SCC, AA, and FA, suggesting that these traits may be used as a biomarker in the goat selection process.