MISCO Brix Refractometer for Colostrum
By MISCO
Last reviewed: December 2025
Brix refractometers provide accurate colostrum quality assessment by measuring total solids, which correlates well with immunoglobulin concentration.
Overview
Brix refractometers measure total solids percentage in colostrum, which correlates reliably with immunoglobulin concentration, providing accurate on-farm quality assessment.
How It Works
Refraction Principle
Light bends differently through solutions of varying concentration.
Brix Scale
Originally for sugar content, correlates with total solids including immunoglobulins.
Quality Standards
Types Available
Optical Refractometers
Digital Refractometers
Proper Technique
Sample Preparation
Reading
Cleaning
Advantages Over Colostrometer
Accuracy
Less affected by temperature variations.
Sample Size
Requires very small sample.
Durability
No fragile glass tube.
Applications
First Milking Assessment
Evaluate quality before feeding or storage.
Stored Colostrum
Verify quality when retrieved from storage.
Program Monitoring
Track colostrum quality over time.
Maintenance
Calibration
Check periodically with distilled water (should read 0).
Cleaning
Keep prism clean and dry.
Storage
Protect from damage.
Key Features
- Rapid Testing: Results in seconds for immediate decision-making
- Objective Measurement: Removes guesswork from colostrum quality assessment
- Simple Operation: Minimal training required for accurate testing
- Digital or Optical: Options to match budget and preference
- Durable Construction: Built for farm environment use
- Research Validated: Correlation with immunoglobulin levels well-established
Ideal For
Farm Types: All dairy operations raising calves, Calf ranches receiving outside colostrum, Operations implementing quality-focused protocols
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Brix Refractometer for Colostrum:
Handheld optical refractometer measures colostrum quality via Brix percentage.
Pricing Model: One-time instrument purchase
Available from calf supply distributors, Amazon, and lab equipment suppliers. MISCO and other brands.
Pros & Considerations
- Quick objective quality assessment
- Simple to use with minimal training
- Enables quality-based colostrum banking
- Identifies colostrum needing supplementation
- Relatively low cost for significant benefit
- Both optical and digital options available
- Does not identify pathogens in colostrum
- Requires proper technique for accurate readings
- May need calibration verification
- Does not assess quantity, only quality
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Brix Refractometer for Colostrum:
- Do you currently assess colostrum quality?
- How do you decide which colostrum to use?
- Do you bank frozen colostrum?
- What is your current rate of failure of passive transfer?
- Would optical or digital refractometer work better for you?
- Who will perform the testing?
- What is your budget for quality assessment tools?
- Are you tracking colostrum quality data?