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Read about the latest news and information from MastaPlex, the makers of Mastatest.

October 2026

Introducing MastaCube

Introducing MastaCube: Big herd technology, designed for smaller farms. 

MastaPlex is proud to announce the launch of MastaCube - a simple, cost-effective, on-farm mastitis diagnostic system designed specifically for smaller dairy farms. This new product complements our existing range of Lapbox hardware devices designed for larger herds, and leverages the same range of cartridges. 

The mastitis challenge for owner-operator farms:

Across many dairy-producing regions, smaller dairy herds managed by an owner-operator are the norm: 

  • USA: more than 70% of all dairy farms have under 200 cows.  

  • UK: the average herd size is estimated to be ~220 cows 

  • Western Europe: average herd sizes are in the region of 60-150 cows 

These farms face the same mastitis challenges as larger operations, but often have fewer staff, less time, and limited access to laboratory services. That has made rapid diagnostic technologies more challenging to incorporate into the day-to-day workflow. MastaCube changes that. 

Custom designed for herds of up to 250 cows, MastaCube delivers precise mastitis diagnostics directly on-farm, helping farmers identify the bacteria causing a mastitis infection, determine its antibiotic sensitivity, and make informed treatment decisions, all within 24 hours 

Designed specifically for smaller owner-operated farms: 

MastaCube has a small footprint, which easily fits on a desk in the farm office. Despite its small size, MastaCube can analyse up to two cartridges and up to four samples at the same time, providing the right level of testing capacity for smaller dairy farms. 

A key difference farmers will notice is that MastaCube is operated using either a mobile phone or an external keyboard. Farmers can be up and running with minimal training, and starting a test is quick and intuitive.  

Backed by the proven Mastatest technology: 

MastaCube uses the same Mastatest cartridges as our larger Lapbox devices, and the 'behind-the-scenes' sample analysis and interpretation follows the same, proven methodology. 

Similar to our other Mastatest hardware, MastaCube fits naturally into the workflow of a busy farm. Samples can be processed as part of routine milking and herd management activities, with results emailed in less than 24 hours. The process requires minimal hands-on time, giving farmers valuable diagnostic information without disrupting daily routines. 

MastaCube. Precision mastitis management for owner-operated dairy farms. 

By bringing fast, accurate mastitis diagnostics within reach of smaller dairy farms, MastaCube enables more targeted treatment decisions, supports responsible antibiotic use, and gives owner-operators the confidence to make better mastitis management decisions every day. 

Availability:

US: Contact your Armor Animal Health rep for more information, or order on the website Armor Animal Health

UK: Available at selected VetPartners clinics, or contact MastaPlex directly