Cow Milk LDH Test Strips for Mastitis [Vial of 50 Tests]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this product?

The Milk Mastitis LDH Test offers a fast, affordable, and reliable way to detect subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Mastitis is the most common and costly disease in the dairy industry, and early detection is crucial to prevent more significant losses. This test measures lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme that is released when udder tissue is damaged due to infection. Using the Milk Mastitis LDH Test allows farmers to intervene early, saving both time and money by preventing further damage and avoiding milk loss.

When should I use this product?

The Milk Mastitis LDH Test is designed for early detection of subclinical mastitis, which does not show visible signs of infection. Early detection is essential, as it allows for intervention before the disease progresses and leads to significant costs. The test is ideal for:

• Monitoring problem cows: Quickly identify infected cows to prevent further spread.
• Checking cows at freshening and dry-off: Ensure the health of cows at these critical stages of lactation.
• Monitoring sick and treated cows: Track the progress of cows that are being treated for mastitis.
• Monthly herd screening: Regularly screen your herd to catch infections early.
• Screening cows at auction: Test cows before buying or selling to prevent the spread of mastitis.
• Before insemination: Ensure cows are infection-free before breeding.

Early Detection Advantage

Literature suggests that LDH levels peak before somatic cell count (SCC), offering the advantage of earlier detection. SCC based tests (such as CMT) lack the needed specificity because its affected by many other factors such as the number of lactations, stage of lactation, level of milk production, season, age and breed of cattle. Early detection is critical to maintaining both the health of your cows and the profitability of your farm.

How does this test compare to CMT?

The Milk Mastitis LDH Test compares favorably to other common mastitis detection methods, including SCC tests such as the California Mastitis Test (CMT):

• Early Detection: LDH levels often rise before SCC, which means detecting mastitis earlier. Early detection can save you money on  medications, milk loss, and reduced milk premiums.It can also lead to better outcomes and herd health.
• Ease of Use: The Milk Mastitis LDH Test is cleaner and easier to use than CMT. Unlike CMT, which requires additional consumables like a paddle and solution, this test simply requires dipping a strip or stripping milk onto the test pad. No mess, no extra accessories—just dip, shake, and read.
• Clear Results: The Milk LDH Test provides clear, easily interpretable results, eliminating the subjectivity and guesswork associated with CMT. The color changes are straightforward, making it easy to understand the level of infection without any confusion.

Can this product be used for bulk tank testing?

LDH is stable in milk, so it is possible to measure LDH in bulk tanks, especially when the tank has just been filled. This allows farmers to test bulk tank milk shortly after collection. However, it’s important to note that in a smaller farm which takes days to fill its tank, multiple milkings might complicate the interpretation of the results. To minimize this risk, bulk tank samples should ideally come from a recently filled tank that contains only milk from the most recent milking.

How should I store this test?

Proper storage of the Milk Mastitis LDH Test kit is essential to ensure accuracy and longevity:

• Temperature range: Store the test kit between 2°C – 25°C (36°F – 77°F).
• Expiration: Use by the “Best If Used By” date printed on the vial.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Keep the kit and test strips away from direct sunlight 
• Avoid Humidity: Test strips can change color due to exposure to moisture. Since this test is used in the milking parlor, it is important that strips are removed with dry gloves 

What conditions should I run this test in?

To ensure the best results, run the test under the following conditions:

• Temperature range: Perform the test in an environment where the temperature is between 7°C and 35°C (45°F and 95°F).
• Shaded area: If testing outdoors, do so in a shaded area to protect the test from direct sunlight.
• Milk sample temperature: If the milk sample has been refrigerated, allow it to reach room temperature and mix the sample well before testing.
• Fresh samples: For the most accurate results, use the newest milk possible. However, the test is effective with milk that is up to 12 hours old and unrefrigerated, or up to 1 week old when refrigerated.

What are the requirements for the milk samples to get accurate results?

For best results, consider the following when using milk samples:

• Freshness: Use new raw milk, but milk up to 12 hours old (unrefrigerated) or 1 week old (refrigerated) can be tested effectively. The cow can be in any stage of lactation and does not need to be fresh to provide accurate results.
• Mixing: Always mix the milk sample thoroughly before testing to ensure consistency.
• Preservatives: Do not use milk with preservatives, as this can interfere with test results. Antibiotics do not affect the test.
• Temperature: Ensure the sample is at room temperature if it has been refrigerated.

Are there any precautions I should take when using or storing the strips?

To ensure accurate results with the Milk Mastitis LDH Test:

• Use within 15 minutes: Test strips should be used within 15 minutes of removal from the vial. After removing a strip, immediately reseal the vial to prevent exposure to moisture and light.
• Avoid contamination: Do not touch the reagent pad to prevent contamination. If dirt or water gets on the test strip, it may affect results.
• Proper storage: Always store test strips in the vial, tightly sealed, and away from direct light.

Handling: If the test strip is disturbed or dropped, it can still be used if no dirt or water is on it.