ID-180: Collection and Preparation of Milk Samples for Microbiological Culturing

Michelle Arnold, Jeffrey Bewley, Bob Harmon, Stephen Locke | Apr. 16, 2014 (Major Revision)

In developing individual farm mastitis control and treatment strategies, it is often necessary to characterize the types of bacteria that are present on your farm. To answer this question, a microbiological analysis, or milk culture, must be performed on milk samples collected from cows showing clinical or subclinical signs of mastitis. Results of the milk cultures will help identify which bacteria are causing the mastitis. In turn, this information can be used to alter mastitis control, prevention, and treatment options to fit your herd's conditions.