Monitoring individual cows helps detect health issues early, protecting milk quality and keeping bulk milk cell count low.
A single cow with a high somatic cell count can raise the entire herd’s bulk milk cell count, leading to lower milk quality and potential financial penalties.
Regular testing with somatic cell count tester allows farmers to identify problems quickly and take action to prevent milk quality loss.
Culling cows with chronic high somatic cell counts improves herd health and lowers the average somatic cell count, enhancing overall milk quality.
Implementing good milking hygiene and prompt mastitis treatment supports low somatic cell counts and ensures high-quality milk production.
Somatic cell count measures the number of somatic cells present in milk. These cells include white blood cells and epithelial cells that enter milk from the udder. Farmers and veterinarians use somatic cell count to evaluate milk quality and udder health. An increase in somatic cell count often signals inflammation or infection in the udder, especially during lactation. High somatic cell count can reduce milk yield and change the composition of milk, which affects its value and processing potential.
Somatic cell count directly impacts milk quality. When somatic cell count rises, the physical and chemical properties of milk change. The protein profile shifts, with more whey proteins and fewer caseins. This happens because infection damages the mammary epithelium, allowing blood proteins to enter milk. These changes can cause poor curding and a bitter taste in dairy products. Milk from cows with high somatic cell count often has lower lactose, which is important for milk yield and osmotic balance.
Parameter
High SCC Yoghurt
Low SCC Yoghurt
Significance
Viscosity
Higher
Lower
P<0.05
Free Fatty Acids
Higher
Lower
P<0.05
pH
No change
No change
P>0.05
Acidity
No change
No change
P>0.05
Fat Content
No change
No change
P>0.05
Proteolysis
No change
No change
P>0.05
Milk quality standards depend on somatic cell count thresholds. Many regions, such as Canada, the EU, Australia, and New Zealand, require somatic cell count to be at or below 400,000 cells per milliliter for premium milk quality. In the United States, most states set the limit at 750,000 cells per milliliter, while some allow up to 1,000,000 cells per milliliter.
Note: Maintaining a low somatic cell count helps farmers achieve higher milk quality and better prices.
SCC and Mastitis Connection
Somatic cell count serves as a reliable tool for detecting mastitis in dairy cows. Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder, often caused by infection. High somatic cell count increases the risk of clinical mastitis. For example, cows with high somatic cell count have a much greater chance of developing mastitis compared to those withlow somatic cell count. First-time calving cows with high somatic cell count face a fourfold higher risk, while older cows have double the risk.
Farmers who monitor somatic cell count can detect mastitis early, protect milk quality, and reduce losses from disease.
Impact of One High SCC Cow on Bulk Milk Cell Count
How Individual SCC Affects Bulk Tank?
A single cow with a high somatic cell count can significantly raise the bulk milk cell count for the entire herd. When milk from this cow enters the bulk tank, it mixes with milk from other cows, increasing the overall cell count. Even if most cows have low somatic cell counts, one high number can push the average above acceptable limits. This change affects not only the cell count but also the volume and quality of milk produced.
The difference between somatic cell count scores 2 and 3 results in a loss of about 1.5 pounds of milk per cow per day.
When the score rises from 6 to 7, the difference can reach 800,000 cells, causing even greater losses.
High-producing herds with lower average somatic cell counts have more uninfected cows and better milk quality.
A high somatic cell count also triggers the release of enzymes from immune cells in the milk. These enzymes break down proteins and fats, which can harm milk quality and reduce its value for cheese-making and other products.
Risks to Milk Quality and Production
The presence of a high somatic cell count cow introduces several risks to milk quality and production. Milk from such cows contains more enzymes that degrade important milk components. These enzymes, released by immune cells, break down proteins and fats, leading to poor coagulation and lower cheese yields. The impact extends to the flavor and shelf life of milk products.
Changes in these compounds can cause off-flavors, reduce consumer acceptance, and lower the price paid for milk. High somatic cell count also means more subclinical mastitis, which reduces milk yield and increases the risk of further infections. As a result, both milk quality and farm profitability suffer.
Tip: Regularly monitor individual cows to prevent a single high somatic cell count from affecting the entire bulk milk cell count.
Early Warning Signs in Bulk Milk Cell Count
Detecting early warning signs in the bulk milk cell count helps farmers act before problems spread. Several indicators can signal the presence of a high somatic cell count cow:
Track new infections by comparing the number of cows over 200,000 cells per milliliter this month with those under 200,000 last month.
Monitor cows in their first month of lactation. Calculate the percentage with somatic cell counts over 200,000 cells per milliliter to identify fresh cows with subclinical mastitis.
Aim for a bulk milk cell count below 200,000 cells per milliliter to maintain high milk quality.
Monitoring early lactation somatic cell counts is crucial. Herds with elevated bulk milk cell count should identify cows that have calved more than one week and have somatic cell counts over 150,000. This practice helps maintain milk quality and production throughout the lactation period.
Somatic cell count tester provides valuable data for early detection. The device can indicate increases in bulk milk cell count, reflecting changes in herd health. However, bulk milk cell count alone may not respond quickly enough to catch infections early. Individual cow measurements offer more reliable early warning, allowing farmers to protect milk quality and prevent widespread issues.
Consequences of High Bulk Milk Cell Count
Effects on Milk Quality
High bulk milk cell count has a direct impact on milk quality. When the somatic cell count rises, enzymes in milk increase the rates of lipolysis and proteolysis. These processes break down fats and proteins, which leads to sensory defects. After 14 days of storage, high cell count milk often develops rancid and bitter flavors. In contrast, low cell count milk maintains high organoleptic quality for up to 21 days. This difference shortens shelf life and reduces processing suitability.
Higher cell counts also affect the texture of dairy products. Yogurt made from high cell count milk has a weaker texture.
Cheeses like Prato show more yeasts and molds when produced from high cell count milk, which lowers sensory properties and overall milk quality.
Financial Losses for Dairy Farms
Financial losses from high bulk milk cell count can be significant. Farms lose money due to lower milk quality and reduced production. The table below shows how losses increase as the duration of high cell count extends:
The average production loss per cow is $110 annually, and this number continues to rise.
Most losses come from lower milk quality premiums and decreased milk output.
Regulatory and Market Impacts
Regulatory limits for bulk milk cell count vary by country. Exceeding these limits can block access to important markets. The table below lists maximum allowed cell counts:
Country/Region
Maximum Somatic Cell Count (cells/mL)
European Union (EU)
400,000
Australia
400,000
New Zealand
400,000
Canada
400,000
Brazil
1,000,000
Norway
115,000
Ireland (2004)
250,000
USA
750,000
Canada
500,000
High cell counts lead to price penalties and loss of quality premiums.
Dairy processors pay more for milk with low cell counts.
Regular monitoring of milk with a somatic cell count tester helps the farm maintain high milk quality. Testing every 3 to 6 weeks allows early detection of udder health problems. Monthly summaries of somatic cell scores from each cow help evaluate mastitis control. The RT-10 meter predicts individual quarter somatic cell count below 200,000 cells per milliliter, while the DSCC meter works well for bulk-tank milk. These tools help the farm make informed decisions about treatment and prevent disease outbreaks.
Separating infected cows to control the spread of infection.
Using universal dry cow therapy across the herd.
Keeping bedding clean and following strict pre- and post-milking routines.
Making decisions about antibiotic use for specific quarters based on test results.
Testing supports early intervention, which protects milk quality and farm profitability.
Identifying and Culling High SCC Cows
Identifying cows with persistently high somatic cell count is vital for milk quality. The farm should look for cows that consistently score 5 or higher on tests, show chronic infections, or do not respond to treatment. Cows with milk withheld from the bulk tank for long periods or those treated many times for mastitis are also candidates for culling. The California Mastitis Test helps assess these cows. Chronic infections in three or more quarters often mean the cow will not recover.
Cows withhigh SCC before dry off were 5.64 times more likely to be culled after calving.
Removing these cows lowers the average somatic cell count in the herd and improves milk quality for the entire farm.
Preventive Strategies for Herd Health
Prevention keeps milk quality high and supports farm profitability. Good milking hygiene and improved techniques reduce the risk of mastitis. Prompt treatment of mastitis and maintaining a clean environment help prevent disease. Cow comfort and welfare also play a role in reducingsomatic cell count. The farm should implement a dry cow management program and work closely with veterinarians.
Maintain excellent milking hygiene
Monitor and treat mastitis quickly
Keep housing and bedding clean
Improve cow comfort and welfare
Cull chronic cases when needed
Nutrition and housing management also affect milk quality. Cleaner sheds and frequent cleaning of cubicles lower somatic cell count. Bedding material and milking management influence milk quality and nutrient content. Genetic merit and concentrate intake can change somatic cell count, especially in different housing systems. Good management ensures optimal nutrient availability and supports healthy milk production.
Tip: Consistent use of a somatic cell count tester, combined with preventive strategies, helps the farm deliver high-quality milk with the best nutrient profile.
Conclusion
Monitoring individual cows remains essential for protecting bulk milk cell count and ensuring high-quality milk. Farms that track somatic cell counts can identify issues early, especially in early lactation cows, and take action to prevent milk quality loss.
Regular testing and early intervention help maintain herd health and reduce financial penalties.
Culling cows with chronic mastitis prevents ongoing infection and supports better milk production.
Farms that implement strong monitoring programs see higher milk yields and better herd health, which leads to greater profitability.
FAQ
What Is the Importance of Monitoring Individual Cows in Dairy Herds?
Monitoring individual cows helps dairy farmers detect health problems early. This practice protects milk quality and keeps the bulk milk cell count low. Early detection prevents the spread of mastitis and supports better dairy production.
How Does a High SCC Cow Affect the Entire Dairy Bulk Tank?
A single cow with a high somatic cell count can raise the bulk milk cell count for the whole dairy herd. This change lowers milk quality and may lead to financial penalties for the dairy operation.
Dairy farmers use somatic cell count tester to check milk from each cow. These devices give fast results. Regular testing helps the dairy team find problems early and take action to protect milk quality.
Why Do Dairy Farms Cull Cows with Chronic High SCC?
Dairy farms remove cows with chronic high somatic cell count to improve herd health. Culling these cows lowers the average cell count. This step helps the dairy maintain high-quality milk and meet market standards.
What Preventive Steps Support Low SCC in Dairy Herds?
Dairy farms keep somatic cell count low by using good milking hygiene, clean bedding, and prompt mastitis treatment. Nutrition and cow comfort also play a role. These steps help the dairy deliver safe, high-quality milk.
