Seasonal changes can influence somatic cell count in cow milk, which affects milk quality. Temperature, humidity, and stress levels often shift throughout the year, impacting cow health. Farmers use a somatic cell count tester to track these changes and maintain high standards. Regular monitoring helps identify problems early and supports better herd management.
Regular monitoring of somatic cell counts helps farmers detect issues early and maintain high milk standards.
Implementing cooling systems and proper cow care during hot months can significantly reduce stress and lower somatic cell counts.
Maintaining clean and dry bedding, along with good hygiene practices, is essential for preventing mastitis and keeping somatic cell counts low.
Farmers should adapt management strategies for different seasons to ensure healthy cows and high-quality milk year-round.
Seasonal Changes and Somatic Cell Count
Temperature and Humidity
Seasonal changes bring fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which directly affect cows and their somatic cell counts. High summer temperatures and increased humidity create stressful conditions for dairy cows. These factors raise the risk of mastitis and lead to higher SCC levels. The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) serves as a reliable indicator, showing that higher THI values correlate with increased SCC due to a greater incidence of mastitis. Heat stress reduces productivity and milk quality, causing both fat and protein yields to drop. Cows experience metabolic changes during heat waves, which limit protein synthesis in the mammary gland. The following table summarizes key findings:
Evidence Type
Findings
Temperature-Humidity Index
Higher THI values correlate with increased SCC and mastitis risk
Impact of Heat Stress
Heat stress lowers productivity and increases SCC
Seasonal Variation
SCC peaks in summer, showing a clear link with temperature
During summer, somatic cell counts rise because cows face more udder contamination and producers often spend less time on cow care. Providing fresh water and implementing cow cooling systems, such as automated sprinklers, can lower body temperatures and reduce SCC. Studies show that these cooling systems significantly improve cow health and productivity during hot seasons.
Cow Stress Factors
Stress plays a major role in seasonal changes affecting somatic cell counts. High temperatures and humidity increase stress levels in cows, making them more vulnerable to infections. Timing of calving also influences SCC, with higher counts observed in spring and summer, and around calving in winter. The table below highlights specific stress factors and their effects:
Stress Factor
Effect on SCC
High temperatures
Raises SCC due to animal stress
High humidity
Increases SCC and infection risk
Timing of calving
Leads to higher SCC in spring/summer and around winter calving
Heat stress not only raises SCC but also increases the risk of mastitis. Pathogens such as yeast and Streptococcus uberis thrive in warm conditions, leading to more mammary infections. The immune response in cows weakens during heat waves, making them more susceptible to disease. Research shows a positive correlation between higher THI and increased SCC during summer months. Stress hormones interfere with the immune system, further contributing to high SCC.
Producers devote less time to cows in summer, affecting udder health.
The proportion of healthy cows during lactation drops in summer and fall.
Newly infected and chronically infected cows are more common in summer and fall.
Lactation Stage Impact
The stage of lactation interacts with seasonal changes to influence somatic cell count. Studies on Norwegian goat herds reveal that both season and lactation stage significantly affect SCC levels. During the pasture season, median SCC rises compared to the indoor spring period. This seasonal variation impacts milk quality, including fat and protein content. Goats show increased SCC and decreased bacterial counts during summer grazing, highlighting the complex relationship between lactation stage and seasonal factors.
Elevated SCC levels, especially above 2000 × 10³ cells/mL, affect milk coagulation properties. Mid-lactation periods often show poorer coagulation performance, which can impact cheese production. Seasonal changes, such as mountain grazing and oestrus, also contribute to SCC fluctuations. Research demonstrates that cheese produced in different seasons exhibits distinct sensory attributes, influenced by grazing and lactation stages.
Study Focus
Findings
Implications
Goat milk quality and SCC
Seasonal variations significantly affect SCC
Managing SCC peaks is crucial for milk quality
Sensory characteristics of cheese
Seasonal differences in taste and texture
Seasonal management can optimize cheese quality
Impact of season on cheese
Cheeses from different seasons differ
Grazing and lactation stages influence quality
Seasonal changes, lactation stage, and grazing practices all play a role in SCC fluctuations. Dairy farmers must monitor these factors to maintain high milk quality and reduce the risk of mastitis.
Milk Quality in Dairy Production
Somatic Cell Count Effects
Somatic cell count plays a crucial role in determining milk quality. High count levels often signal udder infections, which trigger the release of enzymes that break down milk components. This process can reduce the overall quality of the milk and affect its taste and shelf life.
Milk quality improvement depends on maintaining a low somatic cell count. When the count rises, lactose content drops, and nonfat solids decrease. This change affects both the nutritional value and the processing quality of dairy products.
High count reduces milk yield and lowers the amount of usable product for dairy processors.
Milk with a high count often has a shorter shelf life due to increased rates of lipolysis and proteolysis, which cause rancidity and bitterness after storage.
Farmers with low count milk receive higher prices and may qualify for quality premiums, while those with high count face penalties and lost revenue.
Many countries set strict limits on acceptable count levels. For example, the European Union allows a maximum of 400,000 cells/mL, while the USA permits up to 750,000 cells/mL.
Accepted as international export standard; higher quality perception.
USA
750,000
Higher limits may affect competitiveness in global markets.
Canada
500,000
Similar to USA; impacts trade dynamics.
Norway
115,000
Significantly lower, indicating high quality standards.
Argentina
Exceeds international standards
Rising quality enhances competitiveness in global trade.
Tip: Consistently monitoring somatic cell count helps dairy farmers maintain high milk quality and meet industry standards for production and trade.
Managing Somatic Cell Count Year-Round
Monitoring Tools
Effective monitoring forms the foundation of SCC control in dairy herds. Farmers rely on a somatic cell count tester to track SCC trends and detect early signs of mastitis. Several types of testers are available for year-round use:
BHBCheck™ Plus uses a single drop of blood to provide rapid, quantitative results.
PortaBHB™ offers a convenient dipstick test for milk ketones, supporting quick management decisions.
Monthly SCC measurement, often part of a Dairy Herd Improvement Association plan, helps identify subclinical mastitis and monitor herd health. Recent advancements include optical sensors, electrical sensors, and biosensors, which provide fast and accurate SCC readings. These technologies integrate with herd management systems, improving milk quality and reducing stress on both cows and farmers.
Tip: Consistent use of a somatic cell counter for milk allows dairy producers to set measurable goals and respond quickly to changes in herd health.
Seasonal Management Tips
Seasonal changes require targeted management strategies to keep SCC low and maintain milk quality. During summer, heat stress increases the risk of mastitis and raises SCC. Farmers can reduce these risks by:
Ensure stalls have adequate, clean bedding and groom them regularly.
Trim udder hair to reduce soil and manure buildup.
Use post-dipping practices with a 30-second contact time, even in cold weather.
Shelter cows from wind and provide balanced rations to minimize stress.
Proactive strategies help maintain low SCC and high milk quality year-round. These include tracking SCC averages, identifying high-SCC cows, reducing infection spread, and using bacteriology testing to guide treatment. Genetic selection for lower SCC also reduces mastitis risk and supports long-term dairy herd health.
Management Practice
Impact on SCC Levels
Adoption Rate
Regular cleaning of milking lines
Reduces SCC
65.9% inefficient use
Strip cup test
Improves milk quality
3.3% fully adopted
Washing teats before milking
Enhances hygiene
N/A
Note: Herd size, bedding practices, and grazing methods all influence SCC control. Regular monitoring and tailored management keep dairy operations productive and cows healthy.
Conclusion
Seasonal changes create challenges for dairy farmers by increasing SCC, especially during hot, humid months. Research shows that high temperatures and poor housing conditions raise infection risks and reduce milk quality. Regular use of a somatic cell count test kit helps farmers track udder health, improve yields, and lower antibiotic use. Farmers should maintain clean, well-ventilated barns, replace bedding often, and use technology for early detection. Staying proactive ensures healthy cows and high-quality milk year-round.
Tip: Consistent monitoring and good management practices protect both herd health and farm profits.
