Somatic cell counts (SCC) in raw milk serve as critical indicators of udder health and milk quality, with regulatory standards typically requiring counts below 400,000 cells/mL. Traditional laboratory methods require sample transportation and processing delays, while current on-site solutions often sacrifice accuracy for speed, leading to potential missed early detection of mastitis cases that cost the dairy industry billions annually.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing measurement techniques that can deliver laboratory-grade accuracy in real-time milking environments while remaining cost-effective for routine monitoring.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including microfluidic detection systems with fluorescence amplification, real-time monitoring systems integrated into milking lines, and novel staining protocols targeting lactoferrin for enhanced specificity. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in dairy operations while maintaining the precision needed for regulatory compliance and early disease detection.

1. Dairy System with Interval-Based Somatic Cell Count Measurement and Rolling Threshold Mechanism

DELAVAL HOLDING AB, 2025

A dairy system that optimizes somatic cell count measurement by selectively timing the test at specific intervals after milking, rather than conducting comprehensive daily counts. The system employs a rolling threshold approach, where somatic cell count is measured only after a predetermined time period following the initial milking session. This approach eliminates the need for daily somatic cell counts and reduces the number of tests required, particularly for animals showing early signs of mastitis.

2. Analytical Method for Quantifying Somatic Cells in Raw Milk Using Integrated Optical and Biochemical Techniques

Anhui Huahao Sunshine Dairy Co., Ltd., 2024

Determining somatic cells in raw milk through a novel analytical approach. The method employs a combination of optical and biochemical techniques to quantify the presence of somatic cells in milk. The analysis involves a combination of flow cytometry and biochemical assays to identify and quantify the specific cell types present, including epithelial cells from the mammary gland and leukocytes. This approach provides a comprehensive characterization of the somatic cell population in raw milk, enabling accurate monitoring of milk quality and disease incidence.

3. Portable Somatic Cell Counter with Microfluidic Detection Chip and Fluorescence Amplification Module

INSTITUTE OF QUALITY STANDARD AND TESTING TECHNOLOGY FOR AGRO-PRODUCTS OF CAAS, 2023

A portable milk somatic cell counter and counting method for dairy products. The device comprises a fluorescence amplifying module, a disposable detection chip, and a mobile terminal with photographing capabilities. The detection chip contains a microfluidic system with a precisely optimized chamber height for single-cell counting, enabling accurate identification and quantification of somatic cells. The device integrates this technology with a user-friendly interface for on-site detection, eliminating the need for external equipment and reagents.

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4. Composition of Engineered Bacillus Strains with Selective Somatic Cell Reduction and Enhanced Growth in Milk

SEIJIKU ENDO, 2022

Composition to reduce somatic cell count in milk and enhance milk yield through targeted bacterial intervention. The composition comprises Bacillus species specifically engineered to selectively target and reduce somatic cell populations in milk, while maintaining beneficial microbial populations. The engineered Bacillus strains exhibit enhanced growth rates and specific cell membrane modifications that enable their selective growth and proliferation in milk environments, while simultaneously inhibiting undesirable somatic cell populations. This targeted approach enables dairy farmers to maintain milk quality while reducing somatic cell counts to the established standard, thereby preventing mastitis-related losses.

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5. Method for Detecting Somatic Cells in Raw Milk Using Collagen Gel Matrix Immobilization Chip and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

TOHOKU INSTITUTE OF TECH, 2022

A method for detecting somatic cells in raw milk that enables accurate measurement without the need for cell activation. The method employs a specially designed immobilization chip that is manufactured by creating a collagen gel matrix. The raw milk is then spotted onto the gel matrix, and the immobilized cells are detected using a scanning electrochemical microscope. The measurement is based on the difference in oxygen reduction currents between the target cells and reference cells, eliminating the need for cell activation. The method maintains high measurement accuracy through the use of a cleaning pulse voltage to maintain electrode integrity.

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6. Staining Method for Somatic Cell Quantification in Raw Milk Using Lactoferrin-Targeted Protocol

ANHUI HUAJING SUNSHINE MILK INDUSTRY LTD CO, 2022

A method for accurately measuring somatic cells in raw milk through a novel staining technique that enhances resolution and reduces error. The method employs a specific staining protocol that targets the somatic cell-specific protein, lactoferrin, to improve detection sensitivity and specificity. This staining approach enables precise quantification of somatic cells in raw milk, overcoming limitations of traditional staining methods.

7. HEK293 Cell Lines with Bax and Bak Deficiency for Enhanced Apoptosis and Shear Stress Resistance

GENENTECH INC, 2021

HEK293 cell lines engineered to resist apoptosis and shear stress, enabling robust bioreactor culture and high-yield production of recombinant polypeptides and viral vectors. The engineered cells lack functional Bax and Bak proteins, which are essential for cell survival under stress conditions. The engineered cells can be used to produce therapeutic antibodies, antigens, enzymes, and vaccines, with improved productivity compared to conventional HEK293 cell lines.

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8. Fluorescence-Based Milk Somatic Cell Counter with Direct Morphological Visualization

INOVPARTNER DIAGNOSIS BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Pantronics Precision Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 2020

A milk somatic cell counter that enables rapid and accurate detection of milk somatic cells in raw milk through direct visualization of their morphology. The device employs a simple, automated process that uses a fluorescence-based staining protocol to selectively identify and count milk somatic cells. Unlike traditional methods that rely on surfactant-induced DNA release or flow cytometry, this approach directly stains and illuminates the cells, allowing for precise cell counting through optical detection. The device is particularly useful for monitoring milk quality and detecting mastitis in dairy farms, where accurate cell counting is critical for animal health management and milk quality assurance.

9. Integrated Somatic Cell Counting System with Continuous Monitoring Capability for Milking Lines

HI IMPACTS LTD, 2019

Real-time somatic cell count monitoring system for dairy farms during milking, enabling early detection of mastitis through continuous cell analysis. The system integrates into the milking process, employing a portable, automated somatic cell counter that continuously measures cell counts at various levels along the milking line. This real-time monitoring enables early intervention before clinical mastitis develops, significantly reducing treatment costs and improving herd health. The system operates in parallel with the milking process, with the cell counter positioned between the milk source and the collective tank, allowing continuous testing throughout the milking cycle.

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10. Quantitative Analysis Method for Somatic Cell Enumeration in Milk Using Correlative Diagnostic Index

ANDRE FERNANDO ALVES DE OLIVEIRA, 2018

Determining the precise number of somatic cells in milk through a quantitative analysis method that correlates with the diagnostic index of subclinical mastitis. The method enables accurate quantification of somatic cells in milk by employing a combination of process and equipment to provide precise and reliable results.

11. Fluorescence-Based Milk Somatic Cell Quantification System with Integrated Circuit Processing

TIAN RONGXIA, 2018

A rapid detection system for milk somatic cells using fluorescence detection and circuit processing. The system employs a fluorescence detection module and a dedicated circuit system to rapidly quantify somatic cell counts in milk. The system includes a fluorescence detection module, a circuit system, and a control unit. The fluorescence detection module collects and processes the fluorescence signals from the detection module, which are then processed by the circuit system according to a predefined algorithm. The final results are displayed on a digital display.

12. Readep N Solution for Somatic Cell Enumeration in Milk via Gelatinous Mass Formation

BOHATKO NADIA MYKHAILIVNA, BOGATKO LEONID MECHISLAVOVICH, ЩУРЕВИЧ ГРИГОРІЙ ПАНАСОВИЧ, 2017

Determining the number of somatic cells in milk using a novel solution of Readep N, which enables precise enumeration of somatic cells in milk samples. The solution forms a distinct yellow-brown gelatinous mass when present in milk, with the number of cells corresponding to the gelatinous mass thickness. This method eliminates the limitations of traditional methods, particularly those relying on mastoprim solutions that have limited stability and accuracy. The solution's unique gelatinous mass formation characteristics allow for accurate enumeration of somatic cells in milk samples, particularly in compound milk, with high precision and reliability.

13. Automated Milk Sampling System with Laser-Based Optical Scattering and Microfluidic Analysis for Subclinical Mastitis Detection

NEHIR BIYOTEKNOLOJI AR-GE HIZM DAN BILS PAZ SAN TIC LTD STI, 2017

A subclinical mastitis detection system that enables accurate and rapid detection of mastitis in dairy cows through automated milk sampling. The system integrates a laser-based optical scattering analysis system with automated milk sampling and processing capabilities. It uses a microfluidic chip technology to analyze milk composition and cell characteristics without requiring manual sampling, eliminating the need for traditional cell counting methods. The system can detect subclinical mastitis at concentrations as low as 200,000 cells/mL, providing real-time alerts for dairy farms to initiate treatment.

14. Automated Milk Somatic Cell Count Device with Integrated RFID and Real-Time Data Transmission Modules

Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION INSTITUTE OF CAAS, 2016

A compact, automated milk somatic cell count measuring device for dairy farms. The device combines a milk somatic cell counter with an RFID reader, embedded development module, and a transmission module. The RFID reader connects to the development module, which is connected to the transmission module. The device measures milk somatic cells using the RFID reader and development module, while the development module records the cow's individual information and somatic cell count. The RFID reader and development module are connected via the transmission module, enabling real-time data transmission to the monitoring system.

15. Microcontroller-Integrated Sensor with Impedance Analysis Circuitry for Somatic Cell Count Detection in Milk

TIANJIN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, Tianjin Agricultural University, 2016

A single-chip microcomputer-based sensor for rapid detection of somatic cell counts in bovine milk, enabling low-cost, simple, and portable testing for dairy farmers. The sensor employs a low-cost, low-power microcontroller with specialized circuitry for impedance analysis, low-pass filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion. This compact solution enables rapid SCC measurement in raw milk, making it suitable for small-scale dairy operations and individual farmers.

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16. Dairy Animal Feed with Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Silage Crops and pH-Dependent Microbial Inhibition

CHR HANSEN AS, 2015

A feed for dairy animals that reduces somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count in milk, achieved through lactic acid bacteria fermentation. The feed, produced by inoculating silage crops with lactic acid bacteria, achieves this through pH-dependent microbial inhibition. This feed enables dairy producers to maintain lower SCC and bacterial counts, significantly reducing the economic losses associated with mastitis and improving milk quality.

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17. Administration of L-Arginine Analogues to Lactating Ruminants for Enhanced Mammary Gland Cellular Immune Response

AGRESEARCH LTD, 2015

Reducing milk somatic cell count in lactating ruminants by administering L-arginine or its analogues during gestation and postpartum periods. The supplementation increases plasma arginine levels, which in turn enhances the immune response of mammary gland cells, particularly neutrophils, to prevent mastitis infection. This approach enables sustained protection against mastitis while maintaining milk quality and quantity. The supplementation can be administered during the gestation period or postpartum, and the beneficial effects persist for up to 14 days post-administration.

18. Microfluidic High-Frequency Impedance Analysis Method for Cell Enumeration and Discrimination in Raw Milk

AMPHASYS AG, 2015

A method for automating cell enumeration and discrimination in raw milk using high-frequency impedance analysis in a microfluidic device. The method employs a microfluidic system that automatically calibrates and processes milk samples while simultaneously analyzing their impedance properties. The system determines the milk's impedance characteristics and calibrates the analysis parameters based on the inherent properties of milk components, particularly fat vesicles. This enables accurate cell counting and discrimination of cells from lipid vesicles and other non-cellular particles in raw milk, enabling more precise somatic cell enumeration and detection of pathogenic bacteria compared to traditional Coulter counters.

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