Bovine Colostrum Refractometer

Colostrum Quality via Brix Refractometer:

Refractometers are optical instruments that measure the amount of light refracted or bent as it passes through a liquid. The protein and sugar components of the liquid cause the light to bend.

A “Brix” scale is commonly used for measuring the sugar content of syrup, honey and wine. Also, the Brix scale can be used to measure the solids (nutrient) content of pasteurized milk fed to calves. Colostrum refractometers have been used over the past 10 years to measure the quality of equine colostrum, and now studies have been made to determine the correct brix scores with regards to bovine colostrum.

Because antibodies are the majority of the protein in colostrum, the level of antibodies in the sample is highly correlated to the amount of light bent or refracted.

Refractometers are sufficiently accurate, affordable, durable and results are almost instantaneous. They can be used with colostrum of any temperature and require only a few drops.

A Brix score of > 22 % means high antibody levels in the colostrum.

If the score is 18 - 21 %, the milk can be used for second and third feedings. If the score is < 17 %, the antibody levels are low.

How to use an optical refractometer: Place a few drops of liquie (colostrum) on the glass plate and view the results through the optical eye-piece. A line of demarcation on the scale, the amount of light bent by the sample, will indicate a number ranging from zero to 32 percent. If the line is unclear, a midpoint in the cloudiness can be used as the value for the refractometer reading. Fat content of the colostrum may cause the cloudiness.