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PortaCheck’s unique and patented PortaSCC test helps dairy producers manage their herds to improve milk quality and production. This easy-to-use test provides semi-quantitative results for milk somatic cell count in just 45 minutes! The reaction with milk causes the test strip to change color; users simply compare the result to a color chart. This test is compatible with the PortaReader—available soon!
Beginning in 2021, test strips are now packaged in vials! This same great test now has an improved shelf life.
Discontinued Product
The PortaSCC and PortaSCC Quick Test empower dairy cow producers to test their herds for mastitis quickly and easily. These somatic cell count tests are designed specifically for early mastitis detection in cows.
With these unique, patented products, dairy producers can manage their herds and improve milk quality and production!
The PortaSCC 45-min. milk test is a somatic cell count (SCC) test for on-farm detection of subclinical mastitis in cows.
This easy-to-use test kit contains 24 PortaSCC test strips. Users simply apply one drop of fresh milk and three drops of activator solution, and then wait 45 minutes to read the results using a color chart.
The same idea as the 24-strip kit, but bigger! This test kit includes 96 PortaSCC test strips. Reliable, simple, and affordable on-farm tests are what we aim for.
Somatic cell count tests are used to indicate milk quality and detect mastitis in dairy cows and other lactating animals. The on-farm tests do not need to be administered by a veterinarian and provide an easy and effective way to monitor herd health when it’s convenient for you.
Conducting regular somatic cell count tests is important for monitoring milk quality and maintaining herd health. Being proactive is an important part of responsible herd management and can help detect mastitis and other health issues before they cause serious harm.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that can occur in lactating cows. It causes a chemical and physical reaction that alters the taste and quality of milk. The inflammation is the result of an infection that occurs when bacteria is introduced into the milk duct or caused by a wound on the teat. Visual signs of mastitis in cows include swelling or redness. The teat may turn hard or be hot to the touch.
Visual signs in the milk can include the presence of clots, flakes, or serous milk. The infection also causes a response in the cow’s system that include the movement of leukocytes (i.e., white blood cells) into tissue surrounding the infected area. Leukocytes that enter the cow’s milk are called somatic cells. These serve as a reliable indicator that an infection is present.
In cows, mastitis can be the result of poor hygienic practices, bruising of the mammary tissue, or wounds that result in infection. It is more common on farms that use intensive management practices for milk production or where living conditions are unsanitary or stressful. Abnormalities in a cow’s udder or teat can also make it more susceptible to mastitis resulting from infectious agents entering the milk canal and mammary tissue.
PortaSCC Milk Test Instructions