On-Farm Culture
The Bi-plate has Factor™ media (bright red, selects for Gram-positive growth only) on one side and MacConkey media (clear pink, selects for Gram-negative growth only) on the other side
The Tri-plate has a third media, Focus™ (dark red, formerly MTKT) which selects for Strep and Strep-like growth.
Consult with your veterinarian or contact us to discuss which Minnesota Easy® Culture plate is right for your dairy.
Getting Started
To get started using on-farm culture, you will need to order some supplies and equipment, and someone on your dairy will need some basic training in culture procedures and interpreting results. Culture plates and other supplies can be ordered from the Lab for Udder Health. Incubators, ranging in price from $70 for a Styrofoam egg incubator to $500 for a lab incubator, can be ordered online from several suppliers.
Get started by reviewing our Minnesota Easy® Culture System II User’s Guide, which describes how to set-up your on-farm lab and begin culturing. Download the User’s Guide below, or request that a printed copy be mailed you at Order Supplies.
- Minnesota Easy® Culture System II User’s Guide (English)
- El Sistema de Cultivo Fácil de Minnesota® Guía del Usuario (Spanish)
The Laboratory for Udder Health offers on-farm culture training opportunities throughout the year. Contact us for information on our next available course.