The detection of clinical mastitis with in-line filters

Abstract

SummaryA simple in-line filter is described which can be fitted into the milk tube of a. milking machine in order to detect clinical mastitis. It consists of a stainless steel mesh, on which the clots are retained, and it is fitted obliquely into a short length of clear plastics tube. The filter has been developed as an alternative to the fore-milk cup. Tests made over 9 months in a 60-cow herd show good agreement between the fore-milk cup and the in-line filter recordings. For general service production the filters are made by moulding.