A simple estimation of the immunoglobulin content of ewe colostrum
Harker, D.B.
Veterinary Record 103(1): 8-9
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 676017 Document Number: 130420
Use of the Atago optical refractometer (Atago Optical Works Co.) in performing a rapid assessment of the immunoglobulin content of sheep colostrum under farm conditions was investigated. Refractometer readings of colostral whey were compared with total protein levels and with immunoglobulin levels, determined by the ZnSO4 turbidity test (ZSTT). In both cases correlations coeff. were high (r = 0.98 and 0.79 resp., P < 0.001). Although refractometry measures relative rather than absolute protein concn., it appears to be a valid alternative to the ZSTT for measuring immunoglobulin levels in colostral whey.