How to Take Samples—Milk
Fatty Acids
De Novo Collection & Shipping Instructions
Milk
Sample size required: 50 cc’s or 1/3 cup
Vials with preservative are available from the lab. Milk
with preservative will be stable for 7 to 10 days at 40 degrees
to 70 degrees. Non preserved milk should be refrigerated immediately
and transported to the lab within 24 hours.
Metered Milk
Mix metered milk according to manufacturers specification.
Pour mixed milk in to clean leak proof container. Transport
to lab promptly.
Bulk Tank
Agitate tank for 5 to 10 minutes. For a single sample dip
out agitated sample into clean leak proof container. For duplicate
sampling, dip out into a separate container enough milk for
all samples to be run. Mix sub sampled milk and pour into clean
leak proof container. Transport to lab promptly.
Individual Cow
Milk cow off line in fresh cow bucket. Mix milk in sealed
bucket. Pour mixed milk into clean leak proof container. Transport
to lab promptly. It is important to note that hand striping
the milk from the cow will not produce an accurate test result.
First milk is generally higher in protein while later milk is
generally higher in fat. Somatic Cell Count also fluctuates
during the milking process.
Milk Culture Sampling
The most important aspect to collecting a milk sample for
culturing is making sure that the cow, the sampler, and the
barn environment does not contaminate the sample. Following
the directions below will greatly reduce the risk of contamination.
Containers
Sterile glass or plastic vials are suitable for collecting
the milk. Do not open the container until you are ready to collect
the sample. If using a container with a cap, do not allow the
cap to touch any surface.
Collector Preparation
Wash and dry hands with a clean paper towel before sampling.
If possible, have someone who is not milking take the sample
to avoid contamination from other cows.
Udder Preparation
Try to sample each cow before milking, to avoid contamination
from the milkers, liners, etc. Prep the udder as normal, and
make sure the teats are clean and dry. Using a separate sterile
swab or cotton ball for each teat, swab the teat ends with alcohol.
Clean the teats that are farthest from you first, then those
nearest.
Sample Collection
Sample the teats nearest to you first. Discard the first few
squirts from each teat before collecting into the bottle, and
avoid touching the bottle with the teat ends. Hold the cap of
the bottle so the inner surface is neither touching anything
nor facing up. Direct milk at a nearly horizontal angle into
the bottle. Try to sample an equal amount of milk from each
quarter if you are not testing each quarter separately. Cap
the bottle immediately after collection.
Sample Storage
Cool or freeze samples immediately and keep cool until arrival
at the lab. It is best to have the samples cultured within 24
hours of collection.
Bulk Tank Samples
Take samples four to five days in a row. Agitate the tank for
5 minutes before sampling. Take samples from the top of the
tank with a sterile syringe. Samples may be transferred to a
sterile vial if desired. Freeze sample immediately after collection.
Pack samples in ice so they stay frozen during shipment to the
lab.
DHIA Laboratories
825 12th Street South, PO Box 227
Sauk Centre, MN 56378-0227
320.352.2028
Email
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8AM-4PM
Drop Off Location
Sauk Centre Front Entrance Drop Off
Open 24 Hours
