somatic cell count
Somatic cell count (SCC) is a measure of the number of white blood cells in milk, which indicates the health of the udder in dairy animals. A higher SCC often suggests an infection, such as mastitis, while a lower count typically reflects better udder health.
SCC is an important factor in the dairy industry, as it affects milk quality and safety. Milk with high somatic cell counts can lead to off-flavors and reduced shelf life. Monitoring SCC helps farmers maintain the health of their cows and ensure the quality of their milk products.