The effects of stage of lactation, parity and breed on the somatic cell count were studied in 68 female Saanen, Anglo-Nubian and Pardo Alpine goats. The animals were assisted during seven months and bacteriologically negative milk samples were submitted to somatic cell count (SCC). Significant effects (P<0.05) of stage of lactation, parity and breed on SCC were observed, with higher values being obtained in late lactation and in goats with four or more parturations. The SCC mean was 0.95x10 elevada a sexta potência cel/ml. The mean values of cell count observed indicate that physiological factors interfere in cell count of the udder