Somatic Cell Count and Mastitis FAQ
Answers to common questions about somatic cell count (SCC) in milk, automated testing, and mastitis screening.
What are somatic cells in milk?
Somatic cells include white blood cells and epithelial cells from the mammary gland. SCC describes the number of these cells in one millilitre of milk and is used as an indicator of udder health and milk quality.
Does healthy milk contain somatic cells?
Yes. Their presence is normal; the number and changes over time matter. Inflammation of the udder can increase the count.
What SCC level needs attention?
For individual dairy cows, a result around or above 200,000 cells/ml is commonly used as a screening threshold for possible intramammary infection. It should not be described as a universal normal range. Interpretation depends on the sample, species, lactation stage, and test history. Individual-cow screening thresholds and bulk-tank quality limits serve different purposes.
How does SCC relate to mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland. SCC can help identify inflammation, including subclinical cases without visible signs. A cell count alone does not identify the pathogen or determine treatment; veterinary assessment and additional tests may be needed.
What can affect the result?
Udder inflammation is an important influence. Sampling, sample handling, lactation stage, and other animal and management factors also matter. Follow the instrument instructions and review repeated results rather than relying only on one reading.
How does an automated somatic cell counter work?
A fluorescence-based counter detects cells in a stained milk sample and uses automated image analysis to calculate SCC. See the SomaticScan somatic cell counter or SomaticScan Combo with integrated milk analyzer.
Does a milk analyzer measure SCC?
Milk composition testing and cell counting are different measurements. A composition analyzer should not be assumed to measure SCC unless it includes a dedicated cell-counting system.
How can I improve herd SCC?
Work with your veterinarian and milk quality adviser to investigate elevated results, review milking hygiene and equipment, and monitor trends. Treatment decisions should be based on the animal and the cause of the problem.