The manufacturer and exporter of quality equipment for veterinarians, animal breeders, agriculture and dairy industry since 1987.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to count the number of somatic cells (somatic cell count) based on the measurement of the electrical resistance of milk?
2. Can the Mastitis detector measure tank milk?
3. Is it possible to check if the instrument operates correctly?
4. What are the main recommendations regarding the use of the Mastitis Detector?
5. Which stage of udder disease can be checked with the Mastitis Detector?
6. How is it possible to use the measurement of milk resistance to test udder health?

1. Is it possible to count the number of somatic cells (somatic cell count) based on the measurement of the electrical resistance of milk?

   It is impossible! The instruments measuring how the electricity is conducted in milk do not count the somatic cells in a direct way. The changes in the resistance level and the number of cells are not directly interconnected. It should be acknowledged that decreasing resistance indicates a developing infection. It is a basic rule which is used to evaluate the health condition of the udder. However, the number of somatic cells reflects the reaction of the immunological system which is specific for each organism. The reaction of this system is a result of the level of stress which a cow is suffering from and good or impaired readiness to fight the infection. Such readiness determines the number of cells in milk and decides when the number of cells reaches a high level after the infection. The measurement of resistance with a manual instrument is a practical method to monitor the health of the udder quarters; however, additional analyses are always necessary in order to make a precise diagnosis and start an efficient treatment in case of disease development.

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2. Can the Mastitis detector measure tank milk?

   No, it can’t. Tank milk shows completely different values from the milk from a single cow. Therefore, the interpretation of results presented by the manufacturer can be used only for individual cows; it cannot be used for tank milk.

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3. Is it possible to check if the instrument operates correctly?
   • turn on the instrument with an empty measuring cup (“0 1” should appear on the screen)
   • prepare solutions of kitchen salt at different concentrations and check the results shown by the instrument (the results should decrease with the higher salt concentration)
   • remember that the electrodes should be clean during the tests
   • do not perform measurements when “LO BAT” (low battery) appears on the display; in such a case replace a battery
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4. What are the main recommendations regarding the use of the Mastitis Detector?
   • During the tests a measuring cup should be filled completely (up to a line in the upper edge). It turned out during experiments that the volume of 15 ml of milk is necessary in order to perform measurements correctly.
   • The instrument should be precisely cleaned before the onset of tests. If the electrodes are grease-stained, the results will be incorrect. The best cleansing agent is typical washing powder or liquid. CAUTION! Do not use abrasive detergents! They may damage the instrument permanently!
   • Do not use very cold or very hot water.
   • Do not store the instrument at the temperature below 0°C.
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5. Which stage of udder disease can be checked with the Mastitis Detector?

   The most important thing to be aware of is the fact that the DRAMIŃSKI Mastitis Detector measures subclinical conditions of the udder inflammation. It means that with this instrument you can prevent the disease and not allow for clinical development of mastitis. The Mastitis Detector does not detect a clinical form of the disease, so it does not measure the number of somatic cells.

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6. How is it possible to use the measurement of milk resistance to test udder health?

   The infection is the most common reason which triggers off mastitis. The inflammation has different stages, starting from a subclinical stage without symptoms and ending with an acute clinical form with visible symptoms. From the beginning the bacterial infection damages the udder tissues and therefore the transfer of ions, especially sodium and chlorine ones, is increased from blood into milk. In such a situation the concentrations of these ions in milk significantly increase, resulting in easier current flow. The electrical resistance of milk decreases in the infected udder quarter. And these changes in resistance are detected by the DRAMIŃSKI Mastitis Detector.

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