Introduction

• It is important to know the quality of colostrum being fed to neonatal calves Colostrum: overview.
• Colostral quality may be measured by assessing the immunoglobulin concentration. Radial immunodiffusion is the test of choice to accurately assess colostrum quantity, but requires laboratory analysis and is costly to perform.
• Simple cow side tests can give useful information quickly and cost effectively. This short article describes how to utilize the Brix Refractometer and Colostrometer to quickly and easily assess colostrum on farm.

The optical Brix refractometer

How to use the Brix refractometer

The colostrometer

How to use the colostrometer

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Heinrichs J & Jones C M (2016) Colostrum Management Tools: Hydrometers and Refractometers. PennState Extension, USA. Website: https://extension.psu.edu.
• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (2015) Testing colostrum - brought to you by AHDB Dairy. Website: https://youtu.be/Rdt766azjew.
• Bielmann V et al (2010) Brix Refractometers for Assessment of Colostrum Quality. In: Proc 1st North American Conference on Precision Dairy Management. Website: www.precisiondairy.com.