title: A simple estimation of the immunoglobulin content of ewe colostrum.
abstract: Use of the optical refractometer in performing a rapid assessment of the immunoglobulin content of ovine colostrum under farm conditions was investigated. Refractometer readings were compared with total protein levels and with gamma-globulin levels, determined by the ZSTT, to assess the validity of the technique. In both cases correlation coefficients were high (0.98 and 0.79 respectively). Refractometry was shown to be a valid substitute for the ZSTT in studies on colostrum gamma-globulin levels.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D008722:Methods; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D012756:Sheep / Q000276:immunology*; D013431:Sulfates; D015032:Zinc
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D013431:Sulfates; D015032:Zinc