Design of a low cost sensor system for the determination of the number of somatic cells in milk using bioluminescence analysis

Mastitis, inflammation of the mammary glands of the cows, causes big financial losses in milk production each year. As these losses have been calculated to reach $50 million US in several countries, a good screening method for the rapid detection of mastitis helps minimize this problem. The determination of the somatic cell content of milk is a valuable means of detecting mastitis. Conventional methods used to estimate it include electronic cell counting and microscopy techniques. The presence of several chemical compounds in milk, has also been suggested as providing the basis for new screening methods to detect mastitis. One of the most promising of these methods is that described in this paper: the determination of the number of somatic cells in milk using bioluminescence analysis. So, this detection system can be used directly by the own cattleman without the need of waiting for the reports of the Laboratory.