In our last article, we covered how GOOD farms follow withdrawal time, whereas GREAT farms take back control by adding a crucial ‘TETA step’ (Test Every Treated Animal). In this article, we explain why the GREATEST combine TETA with Delvotest®.

First Choice: ‘Broad vs Narrow’ — or the ‘Speed vs Coverage Dilemma’

When it comes to testing, you’re faced with an important first decision: do you go for speed or coverage? This is the crux of the ‘Broad vs Narrow’ spectrum debate. While narrow-spectrum / ‘fast’ tests might seem appealing for their quick results, they come with limitations—mainly, they only target specific antibiotic families. On the other hand, broad-spectrum tests like Delvotest® offer comprehensive coverage, detecting a wider range of antibiotic families.

With narrow-spectrum / ‘fast’ testing, you're only detecting a few antibiotic families at best. But what if your animal would need to go through a treatment where the antibiotics used were not detectable by the usual narrow-spectrum / ‘fast’ test? Well, you could begin by trying to restrict the types of antibiotics you use to match a narrower detection spectrum, taking things on a case-by-case basis. But how would that actually look like in practice? Would it mean, for example, that some animals you'd just not be able to treat because you can’t detect the antibiotics they need with the test you have? Doesn’t make sense.

Ok, so maybe instead you’d decide buying all kinds of niche narrow-spectrum / ‘fast’ test strips to mimic the same coverage you get out of a simple broad-spectrum test — but what will that cost you? €30, maybe €50 every time? That doesn't seem sustainable either ...

Alright, but even then, let's imagine this still somehow makes sense. What would you really gain by cutting the usual 3-hour wait from broad-spectrum tests down to 5-10 minutes with a narrow-spectrum ‘fast’ test, especially when you’re testing at animal-level before the milk even reaches the bulk tank? This is the kicker: with TETA that time saved doesn’t do much for you. If your first test comes back positive, you’ll need to wait at least another milking before testing again anyway. And if residue levels still aren’t where they need to be after a second or third test, where does that leave you?

This is the crux: do you go for speed at any cost, or given you're already doing what GREAT farms do anyway by implementing TETA, instead you choose to never compromise on safety when it comes to coverage? Of course, we’re biased 😂 but that’s simply because we really believe there’s no need to break the bank or make farm management even more complicated than it already is: broad-spectrum tests keep things simple by making wide coverage affordable. They cover all major antibiotic families, providing the comprehensive protection your farm needs without the added complexity or cost.

So far so good. Maybe we’ve managed to persuade you — great! But then the question remains: why Delvotest®? There are two reasons.

1. Delvotest® is Dairy’s Gold Standard

In the world of dairy testing, the greatest testament of quality in the industry is when pretty much every dairy laboratory considers your test the gold standard. And that's exactly who we are. We tick all the boxes, every time. Frankly it’s not a surprise since throughout the last 50 years we’ve been obsessed with three things: quality, quality — quality. Fast-forward to 2024, and our latest generation of tests, Delvotest® T, is widely praised for being fine-tuned for wide coverage at sensitivity levels dairy processors need to avoid costly inhibition issues that can disrupt treasured production processes.

On top of that, our manufacturing backbone is world-class, independently audited and scrutinised at levels many others simply cannot match. Our standards are uncompromisingly high, and we remain as committed as ever to making world-class testing affordable and accessible, no matter how big or small your operations are. We believe that before safety can be a choice, it must first be a right.

In other words:

1. Your bulk tank is very likely judged by a local milk payment laboratory responsible for verifying your milk’s antibiotic residue levels
2. Your local ‘judge’, for very good reasons as they don’t compromise on coverage over speed, very likely uses Delvotest®
3. Therefore, if you test, it makes sense to also Delvotest®—otherwise, why risk getting your business into risky disputes over ‘your test’ vs ‘my test’ when you can just Delvotest®?

2. Delvotest® is Effortless Precision

But there’s more to going from ‘Great’ to ‘Greatest.’ You should always TETA with Delvotest® because we’ve made world-class precision effortless with our new Delvotest® Go. Broad-spectrum testing no longer needs to be a question of setting things up, waiting three hours, and then squinting to figure out if you’re seeing a shade of ‘yellow’ or ‘purple’: now there’s an app for that. Delvotesting has never been easier and more reliable for your farm’s daily routine.

Our new Delvotest® Go takes the guesswork out of testing. It’s a fully automated, Wi-Fi connected device that incubates and reads your Delvotest® ampoules for you, wherever you are. Just set it up, and let the device handle the rest—delivering results straight to your smartphone or web browser. It’s the gold standard in testing, made smarter and simpler.

Summarising: Why you should TETA with Delvotest®

In this article, we've built on previous insights about TETA being the right way to manage your farm by showing how, under this system, the 'speed vs coverage' dilemma isn't really a dilemma: since there's no real need for speed, broad-spectrum tests are just far more convenient, reliable, and affordable.

We also explored how, in the world of broad-spectrum testing, nothing matches Delvotest®'s gold standard and effortless precision. Choosing Delvotest® means aligning with the industry’s best, ensuring comprehensive coverage, and embracing the ease and accuracy that a Delvotest® Go brings to your farm. The greatest farms know it’s not just about testing; it’s about securing your farm’s future by delivering evidence-based safety with evidence you and your industry trusts.

🎯 Ready to experience the difference?

Discover how our new Delvotest® Go can elevate your testing routine to the next level. With Delvotest®, you’re not just aiming for greatness—you’re leading your farm where it belongs among the best.