The effect of centrifugation on determination of colostrum quality using brix refractometer in cattle

This study aimed to reveal the difference between the brix values of raw colostrum and the brix values of defatted colostrums after centrifugation. The research was carried out on colostrum of 60 cattle of different breeds and ages. After birth, 15 ml colostrum samples were taken from the cattle into sterile falcon tubes. The collected colostrums were stored at -20 ℃ until analyzed. The analyzes of the colostrums, which were expected to reach room temperature, were carried out by 6 different people by before and after centrifugation and using an optical refractometer. In addition, all colostrums were analyzed with a digital refractometer before and after centrifugation. Except for two of the six different individuals (E and B) and in the digital refractometer, it was determined that the brix percentages after centrifugation were significantly reduced compared to before centrifugation. It was determined that the optical refractometer brix percentages and digital refractometer brix percentages of all subjects before and after centrifugation were significantly positively correlated. While the correlation coefficient was lowest in person F (r=0.717), the highest value was obtained in the digital refractometer (r=0.972). As a result, it was determined that although Brix percentages could decrease significantly after centrifugation, this decrease was at small levels. Since the optical refractor readings of fat-purified colostrums are much clearer than raw colostrums, it was evaluated that it would be useful to repeat the analyzes after defatted by centrifugation in doubtful colostrums.