Colostrum refractometer DD-2

Abbewith temperature controlportable

The DD-2 Digital-Dairy Refractometer will provide reliable estimates of the percent solids in waste milk and colostrum quality using the Brix Method, Blood serum total protein concentration scale can be used to to estimate the effects of passive transfer. The MISCO Digital-Dairy™ refractometers are specifically designed to help professional dairy farmers and calf ranchers to rear healthy calves. They are rugged enough to withstand the demands of farm use, yet precise enough to give laboratory-quality readings. A measure of serum total protein concentration can be used as an indication of passive transfer. There is a close correlation between total protein concentration and IgG levels in calves 24 hours of age. The blood serum total protein test requires a sample of blood serum, not whole blood. Samples must be spun in a centrifuge, or allowed to sit undisturbed for 24 hours, to separate the serum from the whole blood before testing on the refractometer. The versatile Brix scale can be used to measure the cut-off point separating good colostrum from bad. It can also be used to measure waste milk and calf milk replacer formulations.Nonsalable waste milk has been fed to calves for many years and represents a source of nutrition that is readily available, has few other uses, and is cheaper to feed than whole milk. However, solids content and bacteria levels are two problems associated with waste milk feeding.