Services
Laboratory Services
Aerobic Culture
Samples, including quarter, composite, bulk tank, or bulk milk, are plated to identify mastitis-causing pathogens (excluding Mycoplasma). Results are available 24-48 hours after sample(s) received, 5-7 days per week, depending on location.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing (only offered at Central lab)
Antibiotic sensitivity testing may be done to help direct treatment choices after a mastitis-causing pathogen has been identified. Please work with a QMPS consultant or your veterinarian to interpret this test.
Bacteria Quantification (not equivalent to raw bacteria counts done by milk plants)
Samples, including milk, bedding, water, colostrum or others, are tested for mastitis-causing pathogens; both bacterial flora composition and load are determined.
Bulk Tank Monitoring
A single bulk tank sample can provide an inexpensive overview of your herd’s milk quality and animal health, while multiple bulk tanks over time can identify trends and alert the farm to any issues that may be emerging. Annual fee covers 6 bulk tank analyses, included are the detection of select mastitis-causing pathogens (including Mycoplasma), and basic quantitative counts.
Clinical Samples
In addition to the field services offered by QMPS, veterinarians and dairy producers throughout the state may take advantage of the opportunity to submit clinical samples directly to the regional laboratories. The resulting culture information can be used to determine the source of infection, treatment and effectiveness of treatment.
Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program
External quality assurance program for veterinary practices and farms performing on-site cultures. Used for assessing and monitoring laboratory methods and procedures related to intramammary infection diagnostics.
Mycoplasma Culture
Samples, including string, bulk tank, and from individual animals, are plated on selective media for isolation of Mycoplasma organisms. Individual animal samples can be pooled (maximum of 5 samples per pool) for an additional fee. Results are typically available seven calendar days after sample(s) received.
Mycoplasma Quantification
The number of colony-forming units/ml in a Mycoplasma positive sample are counted.
Pooling of Samples (may limit the level of detection)
Samples may be pooled in-house for a minimal fee, which will be charged in addition to the test being performed. Maximum number of samples per pool is five.
Referral Tests
Referral tests are performed by Dairy One, and include Somatic Cell Count, Standard Plate Count, Lab Pasteurized Count, Pre-Incubation Count, Butterfat & Protein, Total Coliform Count, Milk Urea Nitrogen, and Antibiotic Residue. Additional referral fee(s) apply.
Somatic Cell Count (SCC) (can be done in-house by all lab sites, except Central, or referred to Dairy One)
This test counts the number of somatic cells in milk samples, which can increase the response to the pathogenic bacteria that cause mastitis. Referral fee(s) will be applied if samples are sent to Dairy One for testing. Turnaround times and specificity may vary, please contact the lab if you have any questions.
Farm Services
Farm Survey
The most frequently used service of QMPS is the full herd survey, whereby milking procedures, management, housing, equipment, and mastitis control are evaluated. This service is for herds using an ongoing mastitis control program where a complete picture is desired, or for herds experiencing problems with mastitis.
Parlor Efficiency Service
To evaluate parlor efficiency, dairies track such things as cows milked per hour, turns per hour or pounds of milk per unit per hour with the goal of improving efficiency.
Equipment Cleaning Evaluation Service
It has often been said, both here in Northeast DairyBusiness and elsewhere, that clean, comfortable cows produce more high-quality milk. How that milk is handled after it leaves the cow and how well milk-contact surfaces are cleaned are also critical to delivering a premium product to consumers. Milk quality scores, specifically, the various bacteria counts, indicate just how well this is being accomplished on each dairy. Following up on the Bulk Tank Monitoring Program initiated in 2004, QMPS is now preparing to offer milking system cleaning analysis based on NMC (formerly the National Mastitis Council) guidelines.
"Super" Milk Program
The "Super" Milk Program was started in 1990 by the Empire State Milk Quality Council (ESMQC) to recognize those dairy farmers who go above and beyond the high quality standards maintained in New York herds. To become a "Super" Milk award recipient, producers must meet certain criteria. These include a bulk tank somatic cell count of 200,000 or less in at least ten out of twelve official monthly samples.
Language Services
Customized Milker Training is a 2 hour course to educate workers about the reasons for the many practices on dairy farms. It is given in Spanish and focuses on farm specific management. Almost any topic related to dairy management can be presented.
Consultation Services
QMPS offers a wide variety of on-farm services including Whole Herd Surveys, Milking Center Evaluations, and Risk Assessments. QMPS representatives, including veterinarians, consultants, and skilled technicians, can visit your farm to evaluate issues you may be experiencing and discuss recommendations based on their findings. Services may require multiple visits and may also include sample collection, for testing back at the lab. QMPS also offers numerous training services including Safety Trainings, Proficiency Testing, and SOP Development, to name a few, in addition to various Bi-Lingual services.
Bilingual Services: Bilingual services include on-farm verbal translation, milker training in English and Spanish, SOP development and translation, and conflict mediation.
Dairy Comp 305 Evaluation: One-on-one review of Dairy One/other SCC service results. Discuss problem areas, potential resolutions, and/or appropriate animal management.
Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program: External quality assurance program for veterinary practices and farms performing on-site cultures. Used for assessing and monitoring laboratory methods and procedures related to intramammary infection diagnostics. Only offered at Eastern lab.
On-Farm Culture Training: Intended for farms interested in performing on-site cultures, includes training on the use of MN biplates and/or triplates. Customized based on farm needs, may require either one or two days for training.
Udder Health Management/Risk Assessment: Review current management practices with QMPS and identify what areas may be putting your herd at risk. Discuss how changes may be beneficial and whether they are worthwhile in your specific situation.
Whole Herd Survey: Whole herd sampling to look for mastitis-causing organisms. Visit includes evaluation of milking equipment, hygiene scoring, and a management survey. Written report will include recommendations based on DHIA data analysis (if available), management practices, and culture results.
Milking Center Evaluation
Clinical Scoring: Includes teat end scoring and evaluation of any equipment changes with tangible data.
Equipment Performance Check: Evaluation of the wash cycle of a milking system in order to troubleshoot problems. Temperature and pH readings, along with slug analysis, ensure no problems are overlooked. Report will identify problems and recommend solutions.
Milk Flow Analysis: LactoCorder graphing will provide a visual representation of milk flow in response to udder preparation and milking procedures, which ensures that animals are not being over-milked and that automatic take-offs are working correctly. Report will include graphs and descriptions along with analysis and recommendations.
Milking Routine and Parlor Performance Evaluation: Observation of milking routine and parlor timing. Report will include recommendations to improve parlor throughput and optimize milking techniques.
Milker Training: Customized training based on milking routine and needs of the farm. Focuses on the development of milking procedure SOP’s. May require more than one visit to ensure all necessary information is collected. Preliminary cultures may be requested to better understand mastitis-causing pathogens present on the farm.
Stray Voltage Testing: While not a common problem on most dairy farms, QMPS can help to determine if this exists in your location.
Fee Information
Laboratory diagnostics are performed according to procedures outlined in the National Mastitis Council Laboratory Handbook on Bovine Mastitis.
- Field Service Cancellation Fee: This may be charged if on-farm services are not canceled by the end of the business day 48 hours prior to the scheduled service date. This excludes holidays and weekends.
- Fee Schedule
- AHDC Credit & Collections Policy
- Submission Forms