What is the main purpose of the California Mastitis test?

The primary objective of the California Mastitis Test (CMT) is to assess udder health and detect infections in dairy cows. This test specifically evaluates the somatic cell count in the milk, which is an indicator of mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland. Higher levels of somatic cells in milk suggest that an infection may be present, as these cells are part of the immune response to mastitis. By using the CMT, dairy producers can identify affected cows, manage their health more effectively, and maintain the overall quality of milk produced. Thus, the CMT plays a vital role in ensuring herd health and milk quality in dairy production.

Other options relate to different aspects of dairy management, such as milk fat content, cheese quality, and antibiotic residue checks, which do not pertain directly to the purpose of the CMT.