Comparative Relation of California Mastitis Test (CMT), Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT) and Modified Surf Field Mastitis Test (MSFMT) for Detection of Sub-Clinical Mastitis in Cattle and Buffaloes

Abstract

This study demonstrated a comprehensive comparative evaluation of three mastitis detection tests: California Mastitis Test (CMT), Modified Surf Field Mastitis Test (MSFMT), and Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT) in 100 lactating animals (50 crossbred cows and 50 buffaloes) from commercial dairy farms in Pakistan. Using a standardized protocol, 400 quarter milk samples were analyzed to assess test performance through both qualitative scoring and quantitative somatic cell count (SCC) measurements. Results exhibited CMT's superior diagnostic sensitivity, detecting subclinical mastitis in 67.18% of cow quarters (129/192) and 59.2% of buffalo quarters (119/199), with clear differentiation of infection severity (+1 to +3 grades). MSFMT demonstrated intermediate efficacy (55.5% in cows, 48.2% in buffaloes), while SFMT had the lowest detection rates (47.91% and 44.2% respectively). SCC analysis supported these findings, exhibiting significant (P<0.01) progressive increases from negative (253,756±8,205 cells/mL) to severe cases (939,745±78,558 cells/mL) in cows, with similar patterns in buffaloes. Particularly, our modified MSFMT formulation revealed 15.8% greater sensitivity than conventional SFMT in cows, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective alternative. Quarter-wise SCC distribution revealed no significant positional differences (P>0.05), indicating systemic rather than localized infection patterns. The research provides robust evidence supporting CMT as the gold standard field test while proposing MSFMT as a practical alternative for smallholder dairy operations in developing countries. These results have important implications for mastitis control programs aiming to minimize the substantial economic losses caused by subclinical infections in tropical dairy systems.