• Mastitis test super paddle 
• Maximum milk visibility 

How to use The California Milk Test: Advice from Agriland

CellCheck says that the CMT test can be carried out in three steps:

1.    After discarding the first three to four squirts of foremilk, collect two to three squirts of milk from each quarter in each separate well. Holding the paddle almost vertical, allow excess milk to pour out just until the line becomes visible. This is the correct amount of milk to have in the well.

2.    Add an equal amount of reagent to each well. Swirling the paddle gently, mix for 10 seconds.

3.    Look at the consistency of the fluid in each well (not the colour), and record the amount of gel reaction that occurs within 20 seconds (from none to almost solidified). CMT kits are available from most co-op retail stores and veterinary clinics, and are very inexpensive. 

CellCheck also give a breakdown of what the results mean. It says that results are categorised as follows: negative, trace, 1, 2, 3. It also advises that this test is subjective; while you may score a 1, a neighbouring dairy farmer may score a 2.

CellCheck says to remember that the important thing is that any positive reaction, that is a score of 1, 2 or 3, indicates a high SCC in that quarter. CellCheck advises that to become accurate and consistent, practice the CMT test on cows with a known high SCC.