Somatic Cell count
Somatic Cell Count (SCC) is the number of white blood cells in the milk. These are created as a result of the cow’s immune system fighting infection in the mammary gland. An individual herd SCC of below 100,000 cells/ml indicates excellent mastitis control.
The table below shows how SCC level indicates mastitis in the herd.
A good mastitis prevention strategy is essential to keep it under control. The key areas are:
- milk recording and acting on the results
- keeping the milking machine serviced and working properly
- wearing nitrile disposable gloves at milking
- properly spraying teats post milking
- preventing cross contamination during milking
- culling chronically infected cows
- standardising milking routine
- use culture and sensitivity testing to identify the bacteria of cows with mastitis
- develop and implement a dry cow strategy for your herd in consultation with your vet.
get in touch
If you need help or advice, please contact a member of the milk quality advisory team