[Measurement of electric conductivity in first quarter milking samples for comparative assessment of udder health in large dairy cow herds].

Described in this paper is an experimental milking kit by which to collect first quarter milking samples directly from the milk pipeline system during full operation of the milking parlor. Measurement of electric conductivity of milk samples thus collected during the milking process may provide information on the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in the herd concerned. Discussed are results obtained from comparative measurement of milk conductivity, indirect determination of milk cell counts, as well as from clinical udder checks and bacteriological milk tests in seven large herds.