Somatic cell count (SCC) is a crucial parameter in dairy farming, serving as a primary indicator of udder health and overall milk quality. It provides insights into cow health and the efficiency of dairy production systems. Understanding SCC is essential for farmers, veterinarians, and dairy processors to ensure high-quality milk production and maintain herd health.
What is Somatic Cell Count (SCC)?
Somatic cells are primarily white blood cells that migrate to the udder in response to infections or inflammation. When a cow’s udder is healthy, SCC levels are relatively low, typically ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 cells per millilitre of milk. However, when mastitis or other infections occur, the immune response triggers an increase in these cells. As a result, SCC levels rise, indicating a problem that requires attention.
- Normal SCC Levels: For a healthy udder, SCC is usually less than 200,000 cells/ml.
- Elevated SCC Levels: SCC levels exceeding 200,000 cells/ml suggest inflammation or infection, such as mastitis, and cause concern.
The Importance of SCC in Dairy Production
- Indicator of Udder Health: SCC serves as a direct indicator of udder health. High SCC levels are often associated with mastitis, which can be subclinical (without visible signs) or clinical (with noticeable symptoms). Regular monitoring of SCC allows farmers to identify infections early, enabling prompt treatment and minimising long-term impacts on herd health.
- Milk Quality and Safety: High somatic cell counts can negatively affect quality. Elevated SCC can lead to:
- Increased bacterial contamination: High SCC is often correlated with the presence of pathogens that can compromise milk safety.
- Altered milk composition: Changes in the milk’s composition can reduce its shelf life and value. Elevated SCC can lead to higher levels of free fatty acids and lower cheese yield, impacting dairy processing.
- Economic Implications: The financial ramifications of high SCC are significant. Dairy processors often set strict SCC limits to ensure milk quality. Cows that consistently produce milk with elevated SCC can lead to:
- Reduced marketability: Processors may reject milk that does not meet quality standards, resulting in lost income.
- Treatment costs: Infected cows may require veterinary treatment, increasing farm operational costs.
- Lower overall production: Chronic mastitis can reduce milk yield, further impacting profitability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have established legal limits for SCC in bulk tank milk. For example, in the European Union, the limit is set at 400,000 cells/ml for bulk milk. Exceeding these limits can lead to penalties or sanctions from milk processors, impacting farm operations.
How is SCC Measured?
SCC is typically measured using automated milk analysers during routine milk quality testing. Farmers can also use on-farm testing kits to monitor SCC levels in individual cows. This allows for early detection of udder health issues.
- Bulk Tank SCC Testing: Bulk tank samples are taken and analysed to determine the overall SCC for the entire herd. This overviews herd health and identifies potential issues that require management intervention.
- Individual Cow SCC Testing: Testing individual cow milk samples can help identify specific animals contributing to elevated SCC levels in the bulk tank. This targeted approach allows for more efficient management and treatment of infected cows.
- Regular Monitoring: Regular monitoring of SCC levels is crucial for maintaining udder health and milk quality. Farmers should establish a testing schedule to track SCC trends over time and identify emerging issues early.
Strategies to Maintain Healthy SCC Levels
To ensure optimal SCC levels and overall udder health, farmers can implement several best practices:
- Milking Hygiene: Good milking hygiene is essential for preventing the introduction of pathogens into the udder. This includes:
- Pre-milking teat disinfection to reduce the risk of infection.
- Proper milking techniques to minimise trauma to the teats.
- Regular Cow Health Checks: Conducting routine health checks allows for the early detection of mastitis and other health issues. Farmers should monitor cows for signs of infection, such as swelling, heat, or abnormal milk.
- Nutrition and Management: Proper nutrition and management practices can enhance immune function and reduce the risk of mastitis. This includes:
- Providing balanced diets rich in essential nutrients to support overall health.
- Managing cow comfort and housing conditions to minimise stress.
- Culling of Problematic Cows: Culling cows that consistently produce high SCC milk or show signs of chronic mastitis is a difficult but sometimes necessary decision to maintain herd health and productivity.
Maintaining a low somatic cell count is vital for the health of your dairy herd and the quality of your milk production. If you’re concerned about the SCC levels in your milk or are facing challenges with mastitis, FarmLab Diagnostics offers comprehensive testing services to help you monitor udder health effectively. Contact us today for tailored solutions to enhance your dairy operation’s profitability and efficiency.