Mastitis causes economic losses for dairy farmers due to reduced milk yields.
During mastitis, the milk somatic cell count increases, which cause the milk composition and functional characteristics to change.
Milk with high somatic cell counts is associated with increased rennet coagulation time and a slower rate of curd firming during cheesemaking.
Reduced cheese yields and increased incidences of cheese quality defects from high somatic cell count milks, cause economic losses for cheese manufacturers.
** Refer to the article attached for more information on the influence of milk somatic cell count and milk age on cheese yield.