Aim: Studies on alternative preventive and therapeutic approaches for bovine mastitis have gained momentum in the veterinary field due to bacterial antibiotic resistance. In this study; It was aimed to determine the total bacterial counts and lactic acid bacteria counts in milk taken from lactating cows, clinical/subclinical mastitis and healthy udder lobes, compare them with the results of the California Mastitis Test, used a screening test, and determine the variability of lactic flora load in the cases.

Materials and Methods: The milk samples were collected from lactating cows from fifteen farms. Udder quarters were categorized into three subgroups: non-mastitis (NM; n=35), clinical mastitis (CM; n=30), and subclinical mastitis (SCM; n=31). Total bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were counted by inoculating milk samples onto MRS (De Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar), M17 agar and PCA (Plate Count Agar) media.

Results: No significant difference between the three groups regarding the logarithmic averages of MRS and M17 colony numbers were found. When evaluated using MRS and M17, no significant difference existed among the NM, SCM, and CM groups (P=0.093). Positive correlations (P=0.001) existed between the mean of PCA, CMT, MRS and M17 media.

Conclusion: The total bacterial count in milk, as well as the LAB load, are affected by the growing environment and environmental conditions. The milk microbiota is altered in healthy udder quarters and clinical and subclinical mastitis cases. Further investigation is needed to understand the flora characteristics of milk in cases of bovine mastitis and healthy animals.