Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Identification of subclinical mastitis with a hand-held electrical conductivity meter.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Hillerton, J E & Walton, A W
- Affiliation:
- Agricultural and Food Research Council Institute for Animal Health
Plain-English summary
Researchers looked at a handheld device called the Milk Checker, which measures the electrical conductivity of milk, to see if it could help detect subclinical mastitis, a type of udder infection that doesn't show obvious symptoms. They found that milk from healthy cows had a conductivity of about 5.4 to 5.6 millisiemens per centimeter, while milk from cows with a subclinical infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus had higher conductivity levels of 7.1 to 7.5 mS/cm. Interestingly, milk from cows with another type of infection, caused by S. uberis, did not show increased conductivity. However, the device could pick up on S. uberis infections before any visible signs of mastitis appeared, indicating it might be a helpful tool for veterinarians. Overall, while the Milk Checker shows promise, it is not expected to be used regularly in milking operations.
Abstract
A hand-held, commercially available instrument for measuring the electrical conductivity of milk (the Milk Checker) has been examined for its usefulness and accuracy in detecting subclinical and clinical mastitis. Foremilk from uninfected quarters had an electrical conductivity of 5.4 to 5.6 millisiemens (mS)/cm. Milk from cows with subclinical Staphylococcus aureus infections had a higher milk conductivity (7.1 to 7.5 mS/cm) but milk from cows with subclinical S uberis infections showed no increase in conductivity (5.3 to 5.6 mS/cm). However, experimental S uberis infections could be detected by a 50 per cent increase in the electrical conductivity of foremilk two milkings before visible signs of mastitis were apparent. The equipment could be a useful advisory/veterinary tool but is unlikely to be used routinely in the milking parlour.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1866880/