Infected quarters usually produce normal appearing milk. Infections may continue for weeks before you notice abnormal milk or soreness of the udder. So far, the CMT is the most satisfactory test for cowside use. The animal body defends itself against injury and infection. When infection occurs, white blood cells, or leukocytes, gather to engulf bacteria and stop the spread of infection.
High leukocyte counts in milk strongly indicate mastitis-causing bacteria are present.
The CMT reagent, when added to milk, reacts with a part of the leukocytes, forming a gel. The greater the mastitis infection, the more leukocytes present and the more gel-like substance that forms. Table 1 shows how the leukocyte count in milk influences the appearance of the test and affects the CMT score. The CMT score in foremilk. Forms distinct central peak 3 Use the first stream or two of milk from a quarter for the test.