{"title":"Colostrum Testing","description":"\u003ch1\u003eColostrum Testing – Reliable Tools for Better Calf Health\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you need to assess colostrum quality quickly and confidently, reliable colostrum testing equipment makes informed calf-management decisions easier. Our collection brings together practical testing tools for dairy farms, cattle breeders and livestock keepers, helping you evaluate colostrum before feeding or storing it. Selected for dependable everyday use in demanding farm environments, our equipment supports an effective colostrum-management protocol alongside excellent hygiene, prompt feeding and careful storage. Complete your dairy set-up with dependable \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/dairy-essentials\"\u003eDairy \u0026amp; Parlour Essentials\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChoosing the Right Colostrum Testing Equipment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTesting helps remove guesswork from colostrum management. Appearance alone cannot reliably indicate whether colostrum contains a suitable concentration of antibodies, so the right testing equipment provides valuable information when deciding which colostrum to feed or reserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eChoose a Brix refractometer for quick, practical on-farm assessment. Brix readings provide an indication of colostrum quality, with 22% Brix commonly used as a benchmark for good-quality bovine colostrum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eConsider whether an optical or digital model best suits your system. Optical refractometers are straightforward and portable, while digital models can make readings easier to interpret in busy calf-rearing environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCheck the measurement range and resolution rather than choosing on price alone. A suitable scale makes interpreting results easier and helps build a consistent testing protocol.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTest routinely rather than relying on assumptions based on the individual cow, lactation, colour or thickness of the colostrum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCombine testing with excellent milking hygiene. Explore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/dairy-wipes\"\u003eDairy Wipes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/teat-dipping-cups\"\u003eTeat Dipping Cups\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/udder-care\"\u003eUdder Care\u003c\/a\u003e products to support a clean collection routine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications and Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrix refractometers measure refractive index and provide a Brix percentage that can be used as a practical indicator of colostrum quality. They do not directly measure immunoglobulin G concentration, so results should form part of a wider calf-health protocol covering colostrum quality, quantity, timing and hygiene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor consistent results, follow the manufacturer's calibration instructions and keep the prism or testing surface clean. Where appropriate, calibrate with distilled water before testing and allow colostrum to reach the temperature specified for your instrument. Use a clean sample and prevent dried milk, detergent residue or dirt from contaminating the testing surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a practical on-farm option, view the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/products\/agrihealth-antahi-refractometer-brix\"\u003eAgrihealth Antahi Refractometer Brix\u003c\/a\u003e, a handheld optical refractometer designed specifically for assessing bovine colostrum quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePro tip: keep your refractometer, pipettes and cleaning materials together in a dedicated clean testing kit. This makes routine testing easier during a busy calving period and reduces the risk of contaminated samples or skipped calibration. Record Brix results alongside cow identification and collection time so useful herd-level patterns can be reviewed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a more complete parlour set-up, explore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/mastitis-testing\"\u003eMastitis Testing\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/milk-filters\"\u003eMilk Filters\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/quarter-milker\"\u003eQuarter Milker\u003c\/a\u003e equipment where relevant. Our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/udder-hair-removal\"\u003eUdder Hair Removal\u003c\/a\u003e collection can also support practical udder preparation and milking hygiene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is a good Brix reading for cow colostrum?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA reading of around 22% Brix or above is commonly used as an on-farm benchmark for good-quality bovine colostrum. Results should always be considered alongside good colostrum feeding, storage and hygiene practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow do you test colostrum with a refractometer?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCalibrate the refractometer as instructed, place a small clean colostrum sample on the testing surface and take the Brix reading. Clean and dry the instrument afterwards to prevent residue affecting subsequent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShould every batch of colostrum be tested?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRoutine testing is useful because colostrum quality can vary considerably between cows and collections. Testing helps identify higher-quality colostrum for feeding or storage rather than relying on colour, thickness or appearance alone.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"agrihealth-antahi-refractometer-brix","title":"Agrihealth Antahi Refractometer Brix","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAgrihealth Antahi Refractometer Brix\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAccurately Measure Colostrum Quality for Healthier Calves\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAgrihealth Antahi Refractometer Brix\u003c\/strong\u003e is a reliable, easy-to-use handheld refractometer designed to measure the quality of bovine colostrum using the Brix scale. Ideal for dairy farmers and livestock professionals, it provides a fast and accurate assessment of colostrum quality, helping ensure newborn calves receive the antibodies they need for a healthy start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTesting colostrum before feeding enables you to identify high-quality colostrum suitable for first feeds and separate lower-quality colostrum for alternative use. By supporting effective colostrum management, the Agrihealth Antahi Refractometer helps improve passive transfer of immunity, promoting healthier calves and better herd performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMeasures bovine colostrum quality using the Brix scale.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProvides fast, accurate readings in seconds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEasy-to-read optical scale.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact, lightweight and portable design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNo batteries or external power required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDurable construction suitable for everyday farm use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSimple to calibrate and clean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBenefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSupports effective colostrum management on dairy farms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHelps ensure calves receive high-quality colostrum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAids successful passive transfer of immunity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHelps reduce the risks associated with poor-quality colostrum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEnables quick on-farm testing before feeding or storing colostrum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace a few drops of well-mixed colostrum onto the prism, close the cover plate and look through the eyepiece towards a light source. Read the Brix value directly from the scale. Higher Brix percentages indicate better-quality colostrum with a greater concentration of immunoglobulins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct:\u003c\/strong\u003e Agrihealth Antahi Refractometer Brix\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurement Scale:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brix (%)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Testing bovine colostrum quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower:\u003c\/strong\u003e No batteries required\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handheld optical refractometer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dairy farms, calf rearing units and livestock enterprises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Agrihealth Antahi Refractometer Brix is a practical tool for dairy farming, providing a quick and dependable way to assess colostrum quality and support effective calf colostrum management.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Agrihealth","offers":[{"title":"As supplied","offer_id":55587529261432,"sku":"AGRI-147194","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/3169\/6226\/files\/Agrihealth-Antahi-Refractometer-Brix_-Online-For-Equine-339742421.jpg?v=1782223796"},{"product_id":"agrihealth-colostrum-densimetre","title":"Agrihealth Colostrum Densimetre","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAgrihealth Colostrum Densimeter\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMeasure Colostrum Quality Quickly and Accurately\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAgrihealth Colostrum Densimeter\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a quick and reliable way to assess the quality of bovine colostrum by measuring its \u003cstrong\u003eIgG antibody content\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eQuick and easy to use, the densimeter measures the specific gravity of fresh colostrum, helping farmers identify higher-quality colostrum for newborn calves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProviding good-quality colostrum during the first few hours of life is essential for calf health and immunity. This practical testing tool supports effective colostrum management and helps farmers make informed feeding and storage decisions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMeasures the specific gravity of bovine colostrum\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProvides an indication of IgG antibody levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eQuick and easy to use\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHelps identify high-quality colostrum for calf feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSuitable for dairy and beef farms\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNo batteries or power supply required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFill a clean container with fresh bovine colostrum and gently place the densimeter into the liquid. The densimeter will float according to the colostrum's specific gravity, providing an indication of its antibody concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the most accurate results, test the colostrum at the recommended temperature and follow the manufacturer's instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProduct: Agrihealth Colostrum Densimeter\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSuitable for: Bovine colostrum\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMeasurement: Specific gravity\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse: Estimating IgG content and colostrum quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Agrihealth","offers":[{"title":"As supplied","offer_id":55587536241016,"sku":"AGRI-113763","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/3169\/6226\/files\/Agrihealth-Colostrum-Densimetre_-Online-For-Equine-339750548.jpg?v=1782225088"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.onlineforequine.co.uk\/collections\/colostrum-testing.oembed","provider":"Online For Equine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}