Screening method for early detection of mastitis in cows

•A low-cost instrument for estimating the quality of raw milk based is proposed.•The instrument is based on AC electrical conductivity measurements.•Abnormal milk is detected based on absolute and differential conductivity values between quarters of udder. Mastitis in cows is an inflammation of the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation 2014-01, Vol.47, p.855-860
Main Authors: Ferrero, F.J., Valledor, M., Campo, J.C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Economics
Electrical conductivity
Electrical resistivity
Estimating
Mammary glands
Mastitis
Milk
Milk quality
Resistivity
Wheatstone bridge
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Summary:•A low-cost instrument for estimating the quality of raw milk based is proposed.•The instrument is based on AC electrical conductivity measurements.•Abnormal milk is detected based on absolute and differential conductivity values between quarters of udder. Mastitis in cows is an inflammation of the mammary gland usually caused by bacterial infection of udder tissues. This disease causes considerable damages to the cattlemen when reducing the quantity and the quality of the produced milk. An early detection and corrective action can lead to early cure. Although the universal method to measure mastitis levels is by determining the somatic cell counts per milliliter of milk, the electrical conductivity of milk could be a rapid test for checking the acceptability of milk to monitor the effects of udder infection. In this paper a low-cost circuit for estimating the quality of raw milk based on AC electrical conductivity measurements is proposed. It consists in the use of a modified Wheatstone bridge to minimize the parasitic effects. A conductivity cell consisting of two electrodes and a coaxial cable was also designed. The temperature of the milk is also measured and compensated its effect. This system can help the farmer to detect quickly and economically the state of health of their cows from a simple measurement of electrical conductivity performed on the dairy farm itself.
ISSN:0263-2241
1873-412X
DOI:10.1016/j.measurement.2013.10.015