How are somatic cell counts significant to milk quality?

Somatic cell counts are significant to milk quality primarily because they serve as an indicator of the health status of dairy cows and the cleanliness of milk during the milking process. High somatic cell counts can suggest an inflammatory response in the udder, commonly due to mastitis, which is an infection that can lead to the presence of bacteria in the milk. Therefore, monitoring somatic cell counts helps dairy producers ensure milk quality and safety for consumption.

In addition to indicating potential health issues in cows, elevated somatic cell counts can also negatively impact the milk processing industry, potentially resulting in decreased milk yield and quality, and affecting the final product that consumers receive. This connection to bacterial contamination is crucial for maintaining high standards in milk quality and is why somatic cell counts are used as a quality control measure in the dairy industry.