What does a somatic cell count indicate about a dairy cow?

A somatic cell count (SCC) measures the number of white blood cells present in milk, and a high count typically indicates an inflammatory response, often due to infections such as mastitis in the udder. Therefore, evaluating the SCC is crucial in assessing the health of the udder. A healthy udder will generally have a lower somatic cell count, whereas a higher count suggests that there may be an issue requiring veterinary attention or a change in management practices to ensure the cow's health.

This understanding is particularly relevant in dairy management, as monitoring SCC can help farmers identify potential udder health problems early, which can then be addressed to maintain the overall productivity and welfare of the dairy herd.