Potencial da lactoperoxidase no diagnóstico da mastite subclínica em vacas via processamento de imagens

Abstract

Production losses associated with mastitis can range from 10 to 30% of milk production at each lactation, with 75% of the total loss being related to subclinical mastitis. This is the infectious pathology that most interferes with milk quality, promoting changes in chemical composition and decreased productivity, as well as modifying the concentrations of somatic cells and enzymes. Studies show the mammary gland develops immune responses against invading microorganisms, and it is possible that the enzyme lactoperoxidase is directly related to this defense mechanism. Lactoperoxidase (LP) is part of the lactoperoxidase system (SLP), together with hydrogen peroxide and thiocyanate ion, catalyzing the reaction. From this reaction occurs the formation of antimicrobial substances that have an effective action in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. Research has shown that animals with subclinical mastitis have a higher LP concentration and a positive correlation with somatic cell counts. Thus, the determination of enzymatic activity can be used as a new form of detection of the disease and then serve as a parameter evaluation of the health of the mammary gland.