FAQ

What do somatic cells in milk indicate?

•  Somatic cells in milk are an important indicator of
  the health status of the mammary gland. The somatic cell count (SCC) represents
  the total number of white blood cells and epithelial cells from the mammary
  gland contained in one milliliter of milk. These cells play a key role in the
  defense mechanisms of the udder by participating in the phagocytosis of
  pathogenic microorganisms and in the processes of repair of damaged tissues.

Does all milk have somatic cells?

• Yes, somatic cells are present in the milk of all dairy cows. In healthy
  animals, their number is usually low and considered normal. However, when cows
  suffer from mammary gland diseases, most commonly mastitis, the number of
  somatic cells increases significantly as a result of the inflammatory process.

What are normal somatic cell count levels in milk?

• The normal somatic cell count in milk typically ranges
  between 200,000 and 300,000 cells per milliliter. In the presence of an
  infection in the mammary gland caused by pathogenic bacteria, the number of
  white blood cells increases sharply, leading to an elevated somatic cell count
  (SCC). Values above 300,000 cells per milliliter are considered an indicator of
  increased risk of disease, most commonly mastitis.

What are the causes of increased somatic cell count in milk?

• A high number of somatic cells in milk is mainly caused by the penetration
  of infectious pathogenic bacteria and environmental pathogens into the cows’
  mammary gland. These microorganisms trigger an inflammatory response, during
  which the body increases the production of somatic cells as a protective
  mechanism. If cows suffering from mastitis are not promptly isolated and
  treated, there is a risk of cross-infection, leading to the spread of the
  disease and an increase in the number of affected animals.

What affects somatic cell count?

• The somatic cell count (SCC) in milk is influenced by several key factors,
  the most significant being mastitis. In addition, hygiene during milking, the
  level of stress in the animals, housing conditions, and the quality of
  nutrition play an important role. An elevated SCC is often a signal of udder
  infection, most commonly mastitis. Proper management of these factors helps
  maintain a low SCC, better milk quality, and good overall health in cows.

How is somatic cell count related to mastitis?

• There is a direct relationship between the number of somatic cells and mastitis.
  When mastitis occurs, the immune system activates the body’s defense mechanisms
  and sends an increased number of somatic cells into the milk to fight the
  infection. As a result, the somatic cell count (SCC) rises significantly.
  Values above 300,000 cells per milliliter are generally considered indicative
  of the presence of mastitis or a high risk of developing it.

Can the number of somatic cells in milk be reduced?

• Reducing the number of somatic cells in milk requires
  comprehensive and proper farm management. Key measures include improving
  hygiene and disease prevention on dairy farms, as well as maintaining
  cleanliness and good order in the barns. It is also important to strictly
  monitor feed hygiene and quality. Enhancing the cows’ immunity through balanced
  nutrition and good housing conditions helps reduce the risk of mastitis and,
  consequently, lowers the somatic cell count in milk.

What can we use to test the number of somatic cells in milk?

• The number of somatic cells in milk can be tested using a somatic cell
  counter such as the SomaticScan or SCC SomaticScan Combo. This device allows
  accurate counting and classification of the cells in a milk sample, providing
  an objective assessment of milk quality. Such equipment is widely used in the
  dairy industry, livestock management, and health monitoring of dairy animals.