Somatic cell count (SCC) shifts throughout each lactation stage, with the highest values seen in early lactation and lower counts in mid and late periods. The following chart shows typical SCC averages for dairy cows:
High SCC often signals mastitis, which reduces milk production and negatively affects milk quality. Dairy farmers use a somatic cell count tester to track SCC changes, aiming to protect yield and prevent quality loss. Unlike goat milk, which can show natural SCC variation, cow milk requires stricter control. Goat milk producers also monitor SCC, but their standards differ due to unique milk properties. Goat milk sometimes exhibits higher SCC without disease, unlike cows. Goat milk research helps inform best practices for both species.
Key Takeaways
Somatic cell count (SCC) is highest during early lactation. Monitor closely to prevent mastitis and protect milk quality.
Regular testing of SCC helps detect udder health issues early. Use a somatic cell count tester for accurate results.
Good nutrition, including minerals and vitamins, can lower SCC. Focus on balanced diets during early lactation for better outcomes.
Maintain clean milking environments and proper hygiene to keep SCC low. This supports udder health and improves milk production.
Accurate record keeping of SCC and mastitis cases helps farmers make informed decisions. Track trends to enhance herd management.
Somatic Cell Count Basics
What Is Somatic Cell Count?
Somatic cell count measures the number of somatic cells in a sample. In dairy science, experts use somatic cell count as a key indicator of milk quality parameters. Milk somatic cell counts reflect udder health and signal the presence of harmful bacteria. The main milk somatic cells include white blood cells and epithelial cells from the mammary gland. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, increase when cows experience mastitis or injury. Epithelial cells appear in higher numbers during early and late lactation. Farmers and veterinarians monitor somatic cell counts to assess udder health and prevent disease outbreaks.
Elevated milk somatic cell counts often mean the cow’s immune system is fighting infection. Regular testing of somatic cell count helps maintain milk quality parameters and supports food safety.
Tip: Consistent monitoring of somatic cell counts allows early detection of udder health problems.
Why SCC Matters?
SCC plays a vital role in dairy farming. High somatic cell counts indicate poor udder health and increase the risk of mastitis. Farmers rely on SCC to track milk quality parameters and ensure safe products for consumers. The following table highlights how SCC affects milk quality and safety:
Early lactation marks the period right after calving. Cows produce colostrum for the first 48–72 hours, which supports newborn calves. Milk composition stabilizes as cows transition into regular production. During this stage, SCC unit reaches its highest levels. The immune system faces stress, and cows often experience negative energy balance. High-yielding cows show increased scc and greater vulnerability to intramammary infections. The odds of elevated scc rise by 25% for cows with significant body weight loss. Cows with ketosis have a 44% higher chance of elevated SCC. Parity also plays a role; multiparous cows tend to have higher scc than primiparous cows. Breed differences affect scc, with some breeds showing naturally lower counts. Udder health requires close monitoring during this stage to prevent mastitis.
Note: Early lactation demands careful attention to udder health and scc due to increased infection risk.
Mid lactation follows the initial peak in milk yield. Milk composition remains stable, and cows reach optimal processing properties. During this stage, scc typically decreases and stabilizes. First-lactation cows often produce milk with lower scc compared to older cows. Management practices strongly influence scc levels. Farms with better hygiene and regular mineral supplementation maintain low SCC. Udder health improves as cows recover from early lactation stress. However, SCC can fluctuate, especially in herds with split-calving patterns. Regular cleaning of milking equipment and proper teat sanitation help reduce SCC and support udder health.
Key features of mid lactation:
Stable milk yield
Lower scc compared to early lactation
Improved udder health with good management
Late Lactation
Late lactation begins as milk yield declines. Cows experience less oxidative stress and stronger antioxidant defenses. scc starts to rise again during this stage. Multiparous cows show higher SCC and increased risk of subclinical mastitis. Milking frequency affects SCC; milking three times daily reduces SCC and mastitis risk compared to twice daily. Cows with more than 305 days in milk have higher SCC and double the risk of mastitis. Udder health remains a priority, especially for older cows and those with longer lactation periods.
The dry period is the non-milking phase before the next lactation stage. Nutrient requirements decrease, but maintenance and growth continue. The fetus grows rapidly, and colostrum production begins. Udder health during the dry period influences scc in the next lactation cycle. About 60% of early lactation infections originate during this stage. Increased SCC before drying off correlates with higher scc after calving. Clean environments and proper dry cow management help reduce new infections and support udder health.
Dry period highlights:
Reduced nutrient needs
Fetus growth and colostrum production
Udder health management critical for future SCC control
Characteristic
Value
Lactose
≥4.3% (w/w)
Protein
3.6% (w/w)
Casein
2.8% (w/w)
Curd firmness (A60)
42.1
Tip: Effective management during all stages of lactation supports udder health and keeps SCC within optimal ranges.
SCC Trends by Lactation Stage
SCC In Early Lactation
During the early lactation stage, somatic cell count (SCC) reaches its highest levels. Dairy cows experience significant physiological changes after calving. The mammary gland responds to stress and increased risk of clinical mastitis by recruiting white blood cells, which raises SCC. The udder health of cows is most vulnerable during this period. Negative energy balance and the abrupt start of milk production contribute to elevated SCC. Farmers observe that the highest SCC values occur at the beginning and end of lactation. Abandonment of antimicrobial therapy at dry-off and the length of the dry period also influence SCC. Cows with high SCC after calving often had elevated SCC at the end of the previous lactation stage.
Note: Early lactation is a critical period for udder health. Farmers must monitor SCC closely to prevent clinical mastitis and protect milk production.
SCC In Mid Lactation
Mid lactation marks a period of stability for somatic cell count. SCC typically decreases compared to early lactation. Healthy dairy herds maintain lower SCC during this stage. The trend shows a gradual increase in SCC as days in milk progress, but levels remain lower than in early or late lactation. Parity and days in milk influence SCC, with older cows showing higher counts. Udder health improves as cows recover from the stress of calving and adapt to regular milk production.
Lactation Stage
Somatic Cell Count Trend
Factors Influencing SCC
Mid-Lactation
Gradual Increase
Days in Milk, Parity
Farmers use several interventions to maintain low SCC during mid lactation:
Maintain excellent milking hygiene.
Clean teats before milking.
Apply post-dip solution after milking.
Improve milking techniques.
Establish consistent routines.
Maintain milking machines to prevent teat damage.
Monitor and treat mastitis promptly.
Conduct routine SCC tests for early detection.
Tip: Consistent management practices during mid lactation support udder health and help keep SCC within optimal ranges.
SCC In Late Lactation
Late lactation brings a rise in somatic cell count. SCC increases, especially toward the end of the lactation stage. Several factors contribute to this trend, including parity, lactation stage, high milk electrical conductivity, low milk production, and poor hygiene scores. Older cows and those with longer lactation periods show higher SCC and increased risk of chronic mastitis. Elevated percentages of neutrophils and lymphocytes in milk signal potential udder health issues.
Factors contributing to increased SCC in late lactation:
Parity and age of cow
Lactation stage progression
High milk electrical conductivity
Low milk production
Poor hygiene scores
The mammary gland undergoes involution processes, and cumulative lactational stress affects udder health. These changes lead to a significant increase in SCC. Farmers must manage udder health effectively during late lactation to mitigate the rise in SCC and prevent clinical mastitis.
Callout: Late lactation requires vigilant monitoring of SCC. Effective management helps maintain udder health and supports consistent milk production.
Managing SCC
Monitoring with Somatic Cell Count Tester
Dairy farmers rely on regular monitoring to manage scc and protect udder health. A somatic cell count tester provides fast, accurate results for both individual cows and bulk tank samples. Monthly individual scc readings offer more precise information about infection dynamics in the herd than bulk milk measurements. Farmers can identify cows with elevated scc and take action before mastitis affects milk production or yield.
Year
Percentage of BMSCC > 400,000 cells/mL
Percentage of BMSCC > 500,000 cells/mL
2008
14%
5.7%
2011
13%
2.6%
Tip: Use a threshold of 200,000 cells/mL to define intramammary infection. This helps farmers detect problems early and apply mastitis control measures.
Monthly individual scc testing:
Tracks udder health changes over time.
Detects new infections quickly.
Supports targeted mastitis control measures.
A somatic cell count test kit helps maintain low scc and supports high milk quality. Farmers who monitor scc regularly can improve yield and reduce the risk of mastitis.
SCC Control in Early Lactation
Early lactation presents the greatest challenge for scc management. Cows experience stress after calving, which increases the risk of infection and high somatic cell count. Farmers must focus on udder health and apply mastitis control measures during this period. Good nutrition plays a key role in reducing scc and supporting milk production.
Nutritional interventions, such as supplementing minerals and vitamins, have proven effective. For example, selenium and vitamin E supplementation can lower SCC by over 30% and increase yield by more than 7%. Coriander oil also helps reduce scc and boost milk production. The effects of these interventions depend on the type and combination of nutrients used. Farmers should work with nutritionists to design targeted feeding strategies for early lactation.
Key practices for early lactation scc control:
Provide balanced diets with adequate minerals and vitamins.
Callout: Early intervention and proper nutrition help maintain low scc, protect udder health, and support optimal yield.
SCC Management in Mid and Late Lactation
Mid and late lactation require ongoing attention to scc and udder health. During mid lactation, scc usually stabilizes at lower levels, but farmers must continue monitoring to prevent new infections. Good milking hygiene, regular equipment maintenance, and prompt treatment of mastitis support low SCC and steady milk production.
In late lactation, scc often rises again. Older cows and those with longer lactation periods face higher risks. Farmers should adjust milking routines and maintain strict hygiene to control SCC. Increasing milking frequency from two to three times daily can reduce scc and lower the risk of mastitis. Monitoring SCC with a somatic cell count milk tester helps identify cows needing extra care.
Best practices for mid and late lactation SCC management:
Maintain clean milking environments.
Check equipment for proper function.
Increase milking frequency if possible.
Track scc trends with regular testing.
Remove chronically infected cows from the herd if needed.
Note: Consistent SCC management throughout lactation protects udder health, maintains yield, and ensures high milk quality.
Record Keeping
Accurate record keeping forms the foundation of effective SCC management. Farmers who track individual cow scc, mastitis cases, and treatments can spot trends and make informed decisions. Consistent records allow early detection of mastitis, which leads to timely interventions and better outcomes for udder health and milk production.
Research shows that every 100,000-cell increase in bulk tank scc can cause a loss of 5.5 pounds of milk per cow per day. This loss highlights the importance of keeping SCC low to protect yield and farm profitability.
Benefits of thorough record keeping:
Early detection of mastitis.
Evaluation of mastitis control measures.
Informed decision-making for herd management.
Tip: Use digital tools or herd management software to simplify record keeping and improve SCC tracking.
Conclusion
Dairy farmers observe that somatic cell count fluctuates across lactation stages, with the highest levels at lactation peak and dry-off. Regular monitoring supports early detection and management of udder health issues. The following table highlights key correlations:
Farmers should track somatic cell count, maintain hygiene, and adjust routines to optimize milk quality and yield throughout all lactation stages.
FAQ
What Is Considered a High Somatic Cell Count in Dairy Cows?
A somatic cell count above 200,000 cells per milliliter signals possible mastitis. Farmers use this threshold to identify cows needing attention. Milk processors may reject milk with SCC over 400,000 cells per milliliter.
How Often Should Farmers Test Somatic Cell Count?
Farmers should test individual cow SCC monthly. Regular testing helps detect infections early and supports udder health. Bulk tank SCC testing also provides herd-level insights.
Does Breed Affect Somatic Cell Count Levels?
Breed influences SCC. Holstein cows often show higher SCC than Jersey cows. Some breeds have natural resistance to mastitis, which results in lower SCC.
Can Nutrition Help Lower Somatic Cell Count?
Proper nutrition supports udder health. Supplementing minerals like selenium and vitamins such as vitamin E can reduce SCC. Balanced diets help cows fight infections and maintain milk quality.
Why Does Somatic Cell Count Rise in Late Lactation?
SCC rises in late lactation due to mammary gland changes and cumulative stress. Older cows and those with longer lactation periods show higher SCC. Farmers must monitor udder health closely during this stage.
