Abstract: A method and kit for detecting micro-organisms in a mass or liquid or on a surface. The method is conducted by obtaining a sample and within a sterile chamber of limited volumetric capacity placing the sample in contact with a composition adapted to detect micro-organisms. The sterile chamber may contain a filter for isolating any micro-organisms present in the sample. Sterile sampling instruments, a delineating instrument and means for typing the micro-organisms may also be provided.

Abstract: A method of testing for the existence of mastitis in milk from cows either from an individual cow or from a herd of cows, by (a) obtaining a sample of milk to be tested, (b) determining whether immunoglobulin G2 (IgG.sub.2) is present in said sample at a level above or below a predetermined level which is typically about 0.05 mg IgG.sub.2 per milliliter of milk, by an ELISA comparison with immunoglobulin standards, and (c) classifying the individual cow or herd of cows as mastitis affected if said immunoglobulin is present in said sample at or above said predetermined level.

Abstract: Aqueous buffered physiological solutions suitable for use with embryos are disclosed based on a selection of zwitterionic buffers, allowing improved embryo solutions to be produced, giving a greater holding time than conventional phosphate buffers. An embryo flushing solution and an embryo holding solution based on these bufers are described. A preferred buffered embryo holding solution contains the following ingredients: NACl, MOPS (3-?N-morpholino! propane sulfonic acid!), KCl, CaCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2 O, MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2 O, NaHCO.sub.3, Kanamycin Sulphate, Glucose, Bovine Albumin, Na Lactate, NaOH, and tissue culture grade water.