The Importance of Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in Milk Quality Management

Milk quality is a crucial factor in the dairy industry, impacting everything from farm profitability to consumer health and satisfaction. One of the most reliable indicators of milk quality is the Somatic Cell Count (SCC), which measures the number of white blood cells present in milk. A high SCC signals an immune response to infections like mastitis, making it an essential parameter for dairy farmers, milk processors, and regulatory bodies.

Effective SCC monitoring and control improve herd health, milk yield, and product quality, while also reducing antibiotic use and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This article explores the importance of SCC, how it affects milk quality, and the best practices for managing it.

What is Somatic Cell Count (SCC)?

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) refers to the number of white blood cells per milliliter of milk, measured in cells per milliliter (cells/mL). It is a key indicator of udder health and is commonly used to detect subclinical and clinical mastitis.

• Healthy milk typically has an SCC of under 100,000 cells/mL.
• Moderate SCC levels (100,000 – 200,000 cells/mL) may indicate early signs of infection.
• High SCC levels (above 200,000 cells/mL) suggest mastitis, leading to reduced milk quality and potential regulatory penalties.

Dairy farmers and processors must routinely monitor SCC to ensure milk quality remains high and to minimize the risk of infection spreading within the herd.

Why SCC Matters for Milk Quality

1. Mastitis Detection & Herd Health

High SCC levels are an early warning sign of mastitis, one of the most common and costly diseases in dairy farming. Early detection helps farmers treat affected cows before clinical symptoms appear, preventing further infections and reducing antibiotic dependency.

Lower SCC levels indicate healthy udders, leading to better milk production and increased profitability. Monitoring SCC allows farmers to separate infected cows from the herd and take corrective actions before the disease spreads.

2. Milk Yield & Farm Profitability

There is a direct link between SCC levels and milk production. Cows with higher SCC levels produce less milk, as mastitis damages udder tissue, reducing milk secretion.

• Studies show that every 100,000 cells/mL increase in SCC can reduce milk yield by 1-2%.
• A farm with consistent SCC control can maximize milk production, increasing overall profitability.

By keeping SCC low, dairy farms produce more milk per cow, reducing losses and optimizing farm operations.

3. Milk Quality & Processing Efficiency

High SCC reduces milk shelf life and affects its ability to be processed into dairy products like cheese and yogurt.

• High SCC milk leads to off-flavors, lower cheese yield, and reduced product consistency.
• Many milk buyers and cooperatives pay higher premiums for low-SCC milk, rewarding farmers who maintain excellent herd health.

Maintaining SCC within acceptable limits ensures that milk meets regulatory standards and consumer expectations, preventing rejections and penalties.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards

Milk quality regulations vary worldwide, but most countries set SCC limits for raw milk:

• European Union: ≤ 400,000 cells/mL
• United States: ≤ 750,000 cells/mL
• New Zealand & Australia: ≤ 400,000 cells/mL

Exceeding these limits can lead to milk rejections, financial losses, and reputational damage. Regular SCC testing ensures compliance with industry regulations, avoiding penalties and maintaining dairy contracts.

Best Practices for SCC Management

1. Routine SCC Testing

Regular testing helps identify issues before they impact milk quality. Farmers can use portable milk analyzers like Ekomilk Horizon ESSENTIAL to perform on-farm SCC testing in under a minute.

2. Early Mastitis Detection & Treatment

• Monitor individual cow SCC trends to detect infections early.
• Use selective dry cow therapy instead of blanket antibiotic treatments.
• Separate high SCC cows from the main herd to prevent infection spread.

3. Proper Milking Hygiene & Udder Care

• Clean and disinfect milking equipment daily.
• Ensure proper udder preparation before milking (pre-dipping and post-dipping).
• Train workers on proper milking techniques to avoid udder injury.

4. Nutrition & Herd Management

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals strengthens the cow’s immune system, reducing infection risk. Maintaining a stress-free environment also improves udder health and milk quality.

5. Automated Monitoring & Data Analysis

Using cloud-based platforms like the Animal Monitoring Platform (AMP) allows farmers to:

✔ Track SCC trends for individual cows and the whole herd.
✔ Get automated alerts when SCC exceeds limits.
✔ Store historical data for long-term herd health management.