Can somatic cell counts be too low?
No, the SCC can not be too low. Producers should strive to produce milk with the lowest possible cell count because losses in milk production occur whenever the SCC on individual cow milk exceeds 50,000/ml. Research shows that the dairy producer realizes $4.00 to $5.00 back from each $1.00 invested in a Mastitis Control Program. Additional economic returns from mastitis control will result in the following: • Reduced clinical mastitis • Less milk that must be discarded because it is abnormal or contaminated • Less extra labor costs • Reduced drug costs • Reduced veterinary expenses • Fewer animals lost to death or premature culling • Longer productive lives of dairy cows • Payment of quality premiums, especially from milk containing low concentrations of bacteria and somatic cells.
