Raw cow milk samples collected from different city were analyzed for determining somatic cell counts. Somatic cells were counted in a total of 440 raw milk samples (Elazığ 150, Samsun 90, Malatya 80, Şanlıurfa 80 and Erzurum 40) using standard analysis method (microscopic method).

The average somatic cell count in samples from Elazığ, Samsun, Malatya, Şanlıurfa and Erzurum were found as 6.04 log₁₀ cell/ml; 6.60 log₁₀ cell/ml; 6.09 log₁₀ cell/ml; 6.25 log₁₀ cell/ml ve 6.83 log₁₀ cell/ml, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data indicated significant differences in cell counts between the cities (P<0.05). In the samples analyzed, cell counts less than 100,000 could not be determined. Somatic cell counts were between 100,000-500,000 cell/ml in 11 samples (2.5%), between 500,000 -1,000,000 cell/ml in 139 samples (31.6%), and > 1,000,000 in 290 samples.

As a result, the results indicated that somatic cell counts in raw cow milk samples were appreciably high and therefore it is concluded that hygenic milking was not practised or problems in udder health existed, hygienic quality of milk produced was poor and interms of somatic cell count, almost all of the samples were not in comlience with criteria proposed in the pertinent standards.