Thermoduric. A Thermoduric test measures bacteria that are heat tolerant and is undertaken on raw milk each month. Thermoduric testing requires the milk sample to be incubated for a period of three days. Unless required by a Milk Buyer’s raw milk specification, the result is considered advisory. The following bands are intended to assist with the interpretation of a thermoduric result. Thermoduric Band – Guidance Only 0 – 2,000 – Premium Result 2,001 – 5,000 – Satisfactory Result 5,001 – 10,000 – Review Hygiene Program Greater than 10,000 – Plant Inspection Recommended Advisory Tests Additional advisory TPC or thermoduric tests can be requested through Milk Department. Samples will be collected by the driver and results reported in accordance with the timelines for official test results. The costs associated with this additional service will be charged to the Xxxxxx. SOMATIC CELL COUNT (SCC) SCC is an indicator of the health of the dairy herd. The number of somatic cells in raw milk increases in response to pathogenic bacteria, a cause of mastitis. Each collection of raw milk is tested for SCC. Any daily result that varies by >20% or changes grade from the previous daily result will be withheld by Milk Department and reviewed against subsequent results prior to confirming the official result for the period. No re-sample procedure applies to the SCC test as it is conducted on each consignment of milk. Test results will be provided generally within 36 hours of sampling on weekdays and 48 hours of sampling on weekends. Farmers should monitor individual stock SCC by including regular herd testing as part of their Animal Health Plan.
Thermoduric. Test Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Price Reduction Penalty 0% 10% 20% THERMODURIC ≤2,000 2,001 – 5,000 >5,001 Thermoduric bacteria are those which tolerate elevated temperatures, such as hot water plant/vat cleaning and the pasteurisation process. There is often hard milk residue on the upper surface of the milk lines and visible residue in the tanks. Common causes include cracked inflations, leaking pipelines and other perished rubber wear. Build‐up of milk residue or water stone deposits due to poor cleaning practices can also spike Thermoduric results. Bacteria spores can also be found in soil, grain and silage dust which can transfer to teats. Testing: a raw milk sample is collected randomly once per month. Thermoduric results falling outside Grade 1 will be automatically retested until one Grade 1 result is achieved. NB: Testing requires 3 days of incubation. Grading: based on the 15 Day Period average result. Penalty: initial result that falls outside of Grade 1 within a production year will be paid Grade 1, consecutive results greater than Grade 1 will receive a period penalty of 10% or 20% Corrective Action Plan: Suppliers falling short of Thermoduric Grade 1 Quality Specifications will be required to implement and document an appropriate action plan to ensure that future milk supply meets Grade 1 Quality Standards. If there is no clear improvement within a reasonable period of time as determined by GVC, milk collection may be suspended.
Thermoduric. A Thermoduric test measures bacteria that are heat tolerant and is undertaken on raw milk each month. Thermoduric testing requires the milk sample to be incubated for a period of three days. Unless required by a Milk Buyer’s raw milk specification, the result is considered advisory. The following bands are intended to assist with the interpretation of a thermoduric result. Thermoduric Band (cfu/ml) – Guidance Only 0 – 2,000 – Premium Result 2,001 – 5,000 – Satisfactory Result 5,001 – 10,000 – Review Hygiene Program Greater than 10,000– Plant Inspection Recommended
