What is considered the healthiest range for somatic cell counts in milk?

The healthiest range for somatic cell counts in milk is recognized as 0-200,000 cells per milliliter. This range is indicative of good udder health in dairy cows. Somatic cells are primarily white blood cells that respond to infection in the mammary gland. A lower somatic cell count suggests that the cow is not experiencing mastitis or other infections that can affect milk quality and safety.

A count higher than 200,000 could indicate a potential health issue, impacting both the quality of the milk and the overall health of the cow. Counts up to 200,000 are generally acceptable in the dairy industry, particularly for bulk tank milk, which is used for processing. This standard is important for ensuring the milk meets quality assurance benchmarks and regulations for sale and consumption.

The other choices suggest ranges that could imply suboptimal health conditions in dairy cows. While a count up to 250,000 might seem acceptable in certain contexts, it typically denotes a cautionary zone where udder health may be compromised. The 0-100,000 and 0-150,000 ranges are ideal but may be considered overly stringent in everyday farming practice, as many operations aim to stay below 200,000 for commercial viability.