What does a gel-like consistency in the CMT test indicate about the milk?

A gel-like consistency in the CMT (California Mastitis Test) indicates that the milk has too many somatic cells, which are typically present when there is an infection or inflammation in the udder, such as mastitis. The CMT measures the amount of somatic cells present in the milk; a higher concentration results in a gel formation when the test reagent is added.

In a healthy cow, somatic cell counts are generally low, and thus the milk should exhibit a more fluid consistency. The presence of a gel-like reaction helps indicate poor milk quality and suggests potential issues within the dairy herd, making it an important test for producers to monitor for healthy milk production.