Somatic cell count

An indicator of mastitis, the accumulation of cells, chiefly leukocytes, in the milk in response to an antigen. Goal: greater than 95% of all cows with counts less than 200, 000 cells/ml milk, and a bulk tank (herd average) count of < 200, 000 cells/ml. Leukocytes and epithelial cells in milk. Count will increase with mastitis.