NIAB’s affordable device for on-site detection of somatic cells in milk

NIAB’s Low-Cost Device Promises Safer Milk to Every Household, Strengthens AMR Control, and Enhances Consumer Protection


BRIC-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, has developed QuantM, a and affordable device for on-site detection of somatic cells in milk. It addresses a critical need in India’s dairy sector by enabling rapid, low-cost, and accurate milk quality monitoring.

Somatic cell count (SCC) is a global gold standard for assessing udder health and milk quality. Elevated SCC indicates mastitis in hashtag#dairy animals, a condition that not only reduces milk yield but also leads to excessive and often indiscriminate antibiotic use. By providing results in under 10 minutes at less than ₹10 per test, QuantM empowers farmers and cooperatives to detect mastitis early, reduce misuse, and curb the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance .

Beyond animal health, this  has far-reaching public health significance. High SCC is closely linked with microbial contamination and reduced nutritional quality of milk, posing risks to , especially  and vulnerable . Affordable, field-level monitoring will improve , extend shelf life, and enhance consumer confidence in dairy products.

This milestone is expected to inform future policy and regulatory measures by strengthening  surveillance, supporting FSSAI standards, and encouraging routine SCC monitoring at the grassroots level.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Sep 26th 2025 Read full story here