This device has been designed to allow producers to react before mastitis disease evolves to its clinical stage. It measures the electric resistance of milk which changes in direct correlation with the subclinical stage of mastitis.
Mastitis Detectors FAQ
Does the Draminski Mastitis Detector work by counting somatic cells (SCC)?
What is the correct index showing the milk is good quality?
There is no particular index you should look for but simply compare the results between the quarters. If the difference between the quarter is higher than 40 units, then the quarter(s) with lowest readings are at risk of mastitis disease.
What is the unit of the given result?
First of all you should know that this device does not count somatic cells. This can be done only in the laboratory. This device detects subclinical stage of mastitis disease. Subclinical stages of mastitis are particularly dangerous. In this stage, milk looks normal and the udder or quarter affected appears healthy.
Subclinical mastitis can rapidly become clinical mastitis or can continue at subclinical levels, affecting milk production, milk quality, and spreading infection to other cows in the herd. Research carried out over many years has established that the development of subclinical mastitis is accompanied by a rise in the level of salt in the milk, which immediately lowers its electrical resistance.
Does the product require any calibration every now and then?
The device comes calibrated and ready to use. There is no need to calibrate the device at any time. The only thing that you will have to remember is to keep the metal sensors in the cup clean (explained in the manual). Dirty sensors will have influence on the readings.
How do you perform a test?
Simply take a small sample of milk (first milk is ideal) in the cup, press the button and within a few seconds the device will provide a reading. If working with the one cup device w/out memory note the reading, if working with the devices with memory, this is not necessary. Pour out the milk and repeat for each udder. The device will display the readings for all four quarters. Press the button again for the devices with memory and they will auto-calculate the difference between each of the four readings and will display the differences between the highest and lowest reading. This is the most important measurement to note, a quarter that tests much lower than the others is an indication of a problem and it should be either treated or watched carefully. Wash with warm (not hot) water and soap (dish soap is good) to remove any milk and milk fat from the sensors.