Review on California Mastitis Test (CMT)

The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a quick, simple test that accurately predicts the somatic cell count of milk from individual quarters or on composite milk samples [1]. The California Mastitis Test is a simple, inexpensive, rapid screening test for mastitis. The test is based upon the amount of cellular nuclear protein present in the milk sample. Since inflammatory cells associated with mastitis are the predominant cell type present in milk the CMT reflects the SCC level quite accurately and is a reliable indicator of the severity of infection. The test is appropriate for cow-side evaluation of udder health and the procedure can be taught quickly to producers and the milking crew. With proper training test results are very repeatable among those conducting the test. It is necessary that producers also be made aware of the limitations of the CMT and the proper application of management decisions based on CMT results.