Immediately before commencing any test, if it be deemed advisable by the department, an appraisement may be made by the owner and an authorized agent or representative of the department, of the market value of the animal as of the day of appraisement, and in case the animal so appraised gives a positive or suspicious reaction to such official test for brucellosis, the amount of the appraisement as agreed upon prior to the making of the test shall be official and shall bind the owner and the department.

L.1946, c. 257, p. 897, s. 14.