How to herd test

Herd testing involves collecting a representative milk sample from every milking animal in your herd. The samples are delivered to our laboratories in Christchurch or Hamilton and tested for: 

• volume
  
• milkfat
  
• protein
  
• lactose
  
• somatic cell count. 

Results will display in MINDA within 4 working days of the test (if you meet the herd recording requirements) where you will be able to run or create reports using the most up to date information.

Book a herd test 

To book a herd test contact your LIC rep or phone 0800 837 843.

Set up the shed and take the milk samples

Our staff will set up the meters in your shed before every herd test. If you are new to herd testing, we’ll do a shed inspection beforehand and talk you through the process of taking the milk samples. Our interactive online learning modules give a step-by-step guide on how to complete a herd test if you are self-sampling, with or without using an EZ Link device.

You can also book an On-Farm Assist to help you with the test by contacting your LIC rep or calling 0800 837 843.

Storing the samples

Store the samples in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as chiller units or compressors, ready to be collected.

Collecting the samples 

Our staff will collect your milk samples and deliver them to our laboratories for testing. They’ll also collect the equipment — it is your responsibility to dismantle and wash the meters and rubberwear, please refer to the instructions provided.

If the herd test equipment is not cleaned to a suitable standard, or trays are dirty when collected on farm, a cleaning fee may be charged.

Getting the results 

You’ll get a preliminary report called a Lab Strip in your Shareholder Services account within a few days of the test. The Lab Strip includes all the raw data from the test.

You should receive a full report and results uploaded to MINDA which will show a comprehensive analysis of your herd’s performance within four days of the test — as long as you meet herd recording requirements.

A full herd test report includes a 24-hour individual somatic cell count which helps identify animals with both sub-clinical and clinical mastitis.

If you don’t meet herd recording requirements all you will receive is a Lab Strip with the somatic cell count result for every animal tested.

Understanding somatic cell counts

How to clean-up once done

A successful herd test relies on the delivery, installation, and collection of equipment that’s clean and free of contamination.

Download this pdf for a simple one-pager on what to do once you're done.

Uncleaned equipment incurs a $195 (excl. GST) fee.