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There
are a number of ways to score the CMT, but dividing the results
into four categories is probably the easiest. A negative result
is seen when the milk remains watery. A score of 3, the highest,
is when the solution almost solidifies.
Results
for each animal should be recorded. If there is any doubt about
the results of a test, then it can either be repeated immediately
or at the next milking. The CMT is very subjective and the results
can vary depending on who is carrying out the test. It is important
to make sure that the results are consistent. If too much or
too little reagent is added, this will affect the outcome. |
The
California Mastitis Test [CMT] is a cow side test to estimate the somatic
cell count of milk.
The
test can be carried out by the milker in the parlour and it gives an
immediate result. This result is not a numerical result but rather an
indication as to whether the cell count is high or low. The CMT will
only show changes in cell counts above 300,000. The advantage of the
CMT over individual cow cell counts is that it assesses the level of
infection of each quarter rather than to an overall udder result.
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Can be carried out by the milker
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Instant result
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Gives an indication of the level of infection of each quarter
- Cheap test
- Discard the foremilk
- Draw one or two squirts of milk from each quarter into the paddle dish
- Tip the paddle so that most of this milk is discarded
- Add an equal volume of reagent to the remaining milk
- Swirl the milk using a circular movement and examine for the presence of a gel or slime reaction
- Record your result by quarter
- Rinse
out the paddle before testing the next cow
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THE
CMT CAN BE USED IN HERDS FOR THE FOLLOWING
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- Identification of high cell count cows and quarters
- Double checking individual cell count results
- Checking a cow which you suspect may have mastitis
- Checking the cell counts of quarters after mastitis treatment, and maybe discarding this milk until it returns to normal, i.e. looking for a negative result
- Identifying
quarters for bacteriology sampling to identify the mastitis bacteria
responsible for high cell counts in the herd
The
CMT is a very useful test. Farmers should be aware of its advantages and
use these to improve the mastitis management in their herd.They should
also be aware of the limitations of the test.Your vet should be able to
help you if in doubt about how to perform this test.
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AIDS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE BUGS
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