Somatic cells are white blood cells or body defense cells whose primary functions are to eliminate infections and repair tissue damage. These cells are constantly circulating in the blood stream. When infection, irritation, or damage occurs, the body then sends large quantities of somatic cells to the injured site. There are a few different types of cells. Their purpose is to phagocytize or engulf and destroy bacteria, flooding the infected site until most of the organisms are destroyed.
Lymphocytes are another important somatic cell type.
Although they are a small percentage of the total mammary cells, they may play a major role. Somatic cells and the immune response are very specific. Therefore, high SCC indicate mammary infection. This is a common question in the field. One objective of the trial was to determine if low SCC cows on initial test in first lactation were at higher risk to mastitis infections as compared to cows with moderate or high SCC on initial test.