What does a high somatic cell count in bulk milk indicate?

• A. Souring caused by bacterial fermentation unrelated to udder health
• B. Low protein content with poor texture
• C. Possible mastitis or udder infection, signaling quality and shelf-life concerns
• D. Higher milk yield with improved shelf life

Answer: (C)

A high somatic cell count reflects udder health, not just milk composition. It means the mammary gland is fighting an infection, typically mastitis, and immune cells have flooded into the milk. Those immune cells bring enzymes and inflammatory factors that can degrade milk proteins and other components, which can worsen flavor, texture, and processing quality, and they raise the risk of faster spoilage—hence concerns about shelf life. Because of this link between udder infection and milk quality, a high bulk milk somatic cell count is interpreted as a possible mastitis or udder infection and signals quality and shelf-life concerns. It’s not about fermentation unrelated to udder health, nor about protein content alone, nor does higher yield imply better shelf life.