Growth of Gram-Positive Mastogenic Bacteria in Normal, Simulated Bulk Tank, and Mastitic Milk Held at Simulated Fluctuating Temperatures of Farm Bulk Tank

Growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis. Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus bovis, and Streptococcus uberis was studied in normal milk, simulated bulk tank milk, and aseptic mastitic milk held at simulated fluctuating temperatures of farm bulk tank for 48 h. With the exception of S. bovis, growth rates of the other five bacteria were similar in both normal and simulated bulk tank milk. Mastitic milk inhibited growth of all bacteria studied. A 24-h adjustment period occurred before most of the bacteria started growing. The mastitis level in a dairy herd may be monitored by cultures of bulk tank milk samples and by calculations as discussed in this study.