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The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a qualitative cow side test for detecting subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) in cows.
The California Mastitis Test ('''CMT''') is a qualitative cow side test for detecting subclinical intramammary infections (IMI) in cows.
The test works by using a detergent which lyses the somatic cells present in the milk and denatures any DNA present. This reaction increases the viscosity of the mixture, the extent of which is correlated to the number of somatic cells present. Some commercially available test solutions have a pH indicator present (bromcresol purple) which means the mixture will change from a red to a purple colour if the pH is high which is often seen when mastitis is present. Although several commercial solutions are available, many farms use normal detergent (“Washing up liquid”).
The test works by using a detergent which lyses the somatic cells present in the milk and denatures any DNA present. This reaction increases the viscosity of the mixture, the extent of which is correlated to the number of somatic cells present. Some commercially available test solutions have a pH indicator present (bromcresol purple) which means the mixture will change from a red to a purple colour if the pH is high which is often seen when mastitis is present. Although several commercial solutions are available, many farms use normal detergent (“Washing up liquid”).
CMT has many on farm applications for management of subclinical mastitis. On farms that don’t do individual SCC recording, a CMT can be used to screen the herd after a high bulk tank SCC result. Cows identified as positive can then be treated. The CMT can also be used to monitor known problem cows, assess the efficacy of treatment of subclinical infections, and identify cows for treatment at drying off if selective [[Dry Cow Therapy|dry cow therapy]] is used.
CMT has many on farm applications for management of subclinical [[mastitis]]. On farms that don’t do individual somatic cell count (SCC) recording, a CMT can be used to screen the herd after a high bulk tank SCC result. Cows identified as positive can then be treated. The CMT can also be used to monitor known problem cows, assess the efficacy of treatment of subclinical infections, and identify cows for treatment at drying off if selective [[Dry Cow Therapy|dry cow therapy]] is used.
|Positive
|Positive
|2
|2
| With movement of the mixture an unmistakeable mucous formation can be seen. It is still possible to tip a small portion of the mixture out.
| With movement of the mixture an unmistakable mucous formation can be seen. It is still possible to tip a small portion of the mixture out.
|-
|-
|Strong positive
|Strong positive
===References and further reading===
===References and further reading===
Biggs, A., 2009. Mastitis in Cattle, 1st Edition. The Crowood Press Ltd.
Biggs, A., 2009. '''Mastitis in Cattle, 1st Edition.''''' The Crowood Press Ltd.''
Blowey, R., Edmondson, P., 2010. Mastitis Control in Dairy Herds, 2nd Edition. CABI International.
Blowey, R., Edmondson, P., 2010. '''Mastitis Control in Dairy Herds, '''2nd Edition.'' CABI International.''
Leach, K.A., Green, M.J., Breen, J.E., Huxley, J.N., Macaulay, R., Newton, H.T., Bradley, A.J., (2008). Use of domestic detergents in the California mastitis test for high somatic cell counts in milk. Veterinary Record 163:566-570
Leach, K.A., Green, M.J., Breen, J.E., Huxley, J.N., Macaulay, R., Newton, H.T., Bradley, A.J., (2008).''' Use of domestic detergents in the California mastitis test for high somatic cell counts in milk.''''' Veterinary Record ''163:566-570
http://www.dairyco.co.uk
http://www.dairyco.co.uk
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[[Category: Expert Review - Farm Animal]][[Category:Mastitis]]