Full explanation
Measured by direct count or Fossomatic/Bentley. Healthy cow baseline <200k cells/mL. 200–400k = subclinical mastitis (5–15% yield loss without visible signs), >400k = clinical mastitis, >1 million = acute inflammation. Ukrainian processors (Molochny Alliance, Halychyna, TerraFood, Danone Ukraine) apply discounts: Extra base price April 2026 — UAH 14.50–16.20/kg, Superior −0.50, First −1.20, Second (non-graded) −2.50 UAH/kg. DSTU 3662:2018 has been in force since 01.01.2019 and mirrors EU Reg 853/2004. High-SCC causes: bad milking (overmilking, vacuum >50 kPa), infections (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, E. coli), stress, seasonality (+20–30% in summer). Prevention: regular California Mastitis Tests (CMT), dry pre-milking prep, post-milking iodine/chlorhexidine teat dip, dry-off cow rotation.