Final Comments - DRAMINSKI 4QMAST Manual De Instrucciones

The following are the factors that should be taken into account
and which may influence the readings in the case of healthy
cows:
1. animal age
2. breed (the above given interpretation is valid for b/w +
Holstein-Frize cows; for Jersey breed the readings will be
higher).
3. individual characteristic of particular cow, for example fat
content in milk.
4. nutrition – food content or diet change may influence the
readings.
5. physiological state (for example during the ovulation the result
must not be interpreted).
6. metabolic disorders, (alkalosis or acidosis can be detected by
noticing drop or raise of readings among all cows in the herd)
Note! Only systematic examinations of cows enable using all
potential of the Draminski Mastitis Detector.
You must not examine the quarters with visible states of
mastitis and severe changes in the milk.
Any proper interpretation of results will not be possible.
11

FINAL COMMENTS

1. The point or reading below which treatment is required can
not be precisely defined and is also determined by farmer (or
veterinary) choice. Quarters showing readings of 280 units or less
should be regularly monitored as any rapid reduction in reading is
an indication of increasing infection or of mechanical injury
occurring.
2. Each animal ought to be treated individually therefore slight
variations from typical results presented in this instruction
manual do not necessarily indicate illness.
To accurately evaluate udder health and detect subclinical
mastitis simply observe the readings and variations of results
typical for the given cow.
For dairy cows giving average readings ranging between 330-340,
only a decrease below 300 units is an indication of a mastitis
threat. For animals with typical results in the range 370 - 380, a
reading of 330 units is a similar warning.
3. Among young milk cows (1-2 lactations) the most common
readings approach the vicinity of 400 units (ex. 2).
4. Older cows (e.g. 9 years or older) physiologically have
increased levels of salt and somatic cell count in their milk and
can typically result in readings of around 290 units even though
they are healthy. It is important with such older cows to measure
milk from all four quarters - if three quarters should measure 290
units and one 250 units, then there is a risk of infection in the
lower reading quarter.
5. Milk-fat content has an effect on the magnitude of readings.
Fatty milk gives above average readings.
6. Illnesses other than mastitis, pharmaceutical procedures
as well as heat may influence readings. The recommended
interpretations given in the instruction manual are not applicable
in such cases.
7. Dirty, fat-coated electrodes negatively influence readings.
The first step to take when higher than normal results occur, is to
thoroughly clean the electrodes of any fat.
12