Somasolumäärän

Somasolumäärän refers to the somatic cell count in milk. It is a measure used in the dairy industry to assess the health of a cow's udder and the overall quality of the milk. A higher somatic cell count generally indicates the presence of inflammation in the udder, often due to an infection such as mastitis.

The somatic cells in milk are primarily white blood cells, which are part of the cow's immune system. When the udder is infected, the cow's body sends more white blood cells to fight the infection. These cells, along with sloughed-off epithelial cells from the udder lining, contribute to the somatic cell count.

A low somatic cell count is desirable, as it typically signifies a healthy cow and high-quality milk. Regulatory bodies and milk buyers often set limits for somatic cell counts. Exceeding these limits can lead to penalties, reduced milk prices, or even rejection of the milk. Farmers monitor somatic cell counts regularly to detect potential udder health issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventive measures. This helps maintain milk quality, ensures animal welfare, and contributes to the economic viability of dairy farming.