What is the significance of somatic cell count in milk quality testing?

The significance of somatic cell count in milk quality testing primarily relates to its ability to reflect the health of the dairy herd and the quality of the milk produced. A high somatic cell count typically indicates the presence of infections, such as mastitis, in the udder of the cows. Mastitis is an inflammatory condition that can result in increased white blood cells in the milk as the body responds to infection. Consequently, a higher somatic cell count suggests a compromise in milk quality due to this potential infection and can negatively impact the overall safety of the milk.

Additionally, the somatic cell count is also considered an indirect indicator of bacterial contamination in milk. An elevated count often correlates with the likelihood of bacteria being present, making it an important metric in ensuring that the final product is safe for consumption and meets health standards.