The Milk Quality Laboratory (MQL) performs microbiological testing in compliance with the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) principles of Good Laboratory Practices (21 CFR Part 58). The employees in this laboratory perform routine herd health milk culture monitoring, collaborate on student and faculty research projects and perform contract and collaborative work for product registration in the United States and Europe.
Kathy Glenn plating individual cow samples onto bovine blood agar and mycoplasma plates
Caroline Moser identifying bacterial growth on bovine blood agar plates
The MQL evaluated 221,500 milk samples in 2002. This is one of a few laboratories in the U.S. that can diagnose Bovine Mycoplasma to the species level using a fluorescent antibody staining procedure. In addition, the MQL serves as a database of clinical mastitis isolates used around the country.
The MQL Manager provides training to veterinary students as part of their clinical rotation at the VMTRC, she assists faculty with Continuing Education seminars for practicing veterinarians, and trains managers and staff at other milk testing laboratories in the United States. Faculty, residents, and senior veterinary students utilize the MQL for research projects.
Beverly Santos plating mycoplasma enrichment broth onto mycoplasma plates in the Milk Quality Receiving Area
Kathy Glenn using the dissection microscope to look for presence of mycoplasma colonies
The MQL is providing a necessary service to dairymen, veterinarians and milk processing plants. The VMTRC Milk Quality Laboratory strives to serve the University of California, Davis’ mission of teaching, research and service. This laboratory follows strict protocols, enforces high standards and provides accurate results. The MQL has built an excellent reputation for quality, fast turnaround time and accuracy.
For more information, contact Dr. Jim Cullor, Associate
Dean and Director, or Kathy Glenn, Milk Quality Laboratory Supervisor,
at the VMTRC 559-688-1731.