What happens to the casein content in milk with a high somatic cell count?

When the somatic cell count in milk is high, it is indicative of an underlying issue, such as an infection or inflammation in the mammary gland, commonly associated with mastitis. The presence of somatic cells, primarily white blood cells, signifies the body's response to these issues. In this context, the quality of the milk is compromised, leading to a reduction in the functionality and yield of casein.

Casein is the primary protein found in milk, and its content can be negatively affected by high somatic cell counts. The physical and chemical changes in the milk due to the presence of these cells can alter the milk's composition. Specifically, high levels of somatic cells can lead to a decline in the overall quality of the milk, resulting in a lowered casein content and, therefore, a decrease in its nutritional value and usability for cheese production. This reduction impacts not only the nutritional aspects but also the processing qualities of the milk.

Overall, the correlation between high somatic cell counts and reduced casein content highlights the importance of maintaining low somatic cell counts in dairy herds to ensure high-quality milk production.