Milk Conductivity Calculator — Mastitis Detection
Free online electrical conductivity calculator for milk with temperature correction. Detect mastitis and milk adulteration using conductivity measurements.
Electrical Conductivity of Milk
Electrical conductivity of milk measures how well it conducts electricity, primarily due to dissolved ions (chloride, sodium, potassium). It is a rapid, non-destructive test used for:
- Mastitis detection — Mastitic milk has higher conductivity (>6 mS/cm vs normal 4–5 mS/cm)
- Adulteration screening — Added water or solids change conductivity
- Process monitoring — CIP verification and heat treatment effects
Temperature Effect on Conductivity
Conductivity increases by approximately 2% per °C rise in temperature. Results must be corrected to the standard reference temperature of 25°C:
Conductivity at 25°C = Measured Conductivity / (1 + 0.02 × (Temperature − 25))
Conductivity Values for Normal and Abnormal Milk
| Milk Condition | Conductivity at 25°C |
|---|---|
| Normal Cow Milk | 4.0 – 5.5 mS/cm |
| Mastitic Milk | > 6.0 mS/cm |
| Buffalo Milk | 4.5 – 5.2 mS/cm |
| Watered Milk | < 4.0 mS/cm |
| Saline Added | > 7.0 mS/cm |
How Mastitis Affects Conductivity
In mastitis, the blood-milk barrier is compromised. Sodium and chloride ions from blood leak into milk, increasing conductivity significantly. A reading above 6 mS/cm at 25°C is a strong indicator of mastitis and warrants veterinary investigation.
Limitations
Conductivity alone is not sufficient for definitive mastitis diagnosis. Always confirm with:
- Somatic cell count (SCC)
- California Mastitis Test (CMT)
- Clinical examination