Concentration of serum amyloid A and ceruloplasmin activity in milk from cows with subclinical mastitis caused by different pathogens.

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentration of serum amyloid A (SAA) and the activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) in milk from cows with subclinical mastitis caused by different pathogens. Eighty-four milk samples from cows with subclinical mastitis and fourteen milk samples from healthy cows were examined. SAA concentration was determined using the commercial ELISA kit (Tridelta Development Ltd., Greystones, Wicklow, Ireland). Cp activity was assessed spectrophotometrically, using the Rice method. The results reveal that the concentration of SAA (with exception of CNS) and activity of Cp in cow milk can be regarded as markers of subclinical mastitis, irrespective of the microorganism inducing the disease. In conclusion, measurement of SAA and Cp in milk samples could be a useful method in diagnosing subclinical mastitis in cows, but the method should be adapted for field use.