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Disc Flotation Test for Measurement of Catalase Activity in Milk¹

Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana

ABSTRACT

The catalase activity of milk was determined by a disc flotation method designed for measuring the activity of catalase preparations. The method consists of absorbing milk on a 0.5-in. disc of highly absorbent paper and dropping the disc in a 16 by 125 mm test tube containing 5 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide. The time required for the disc to float to the surface is recorded.

Statistical analysis of leucocyte counts made on milk by the direct microscopic method, and catalase activities by the disc flotation method gave a correlation coefficient of –0.75. Forty-six individual quarter samples of milk were examined to determine the relationships among leucocyte counts, disc flotation time, and California mastitis test reactions. The leucocyte counts and disc flotation times were in better agreement than leucocyte counts and California mastitis test reactions.

The disc flotation test is simple, rapid, accurate, and requires very little equipment. It can be used to detect catalase activity in bulk milk, milk from individual cows, or from quarters of the udder.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Purdue Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal paper no. 2565.

² Present address: Department of Pood Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.