The diagnostic accuracy of the Brix refractometer in determining mare colostrum with high and low immunoglobulin G concentrations.
Abstract: Foals, that receive poor-quality colostrum, are exposed to a risk of failure of transfer of passive immunity. The Brix refractometer can be used for the estimation of the immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration of mare colostrum, yet there is a scarce literature available on Brix refractometer thresholds for use in the detection of mare colostra with high and low IgG concentrations. Objective: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Brix refractometer in determining mare colostra with IgG concentrations of <50g/L, <60g/L, >80g/L, >100g/L and >125g/L. Methods: Two hundred and seventeen Arabian mares had colostral IgG concentrations measured with the radial immunodiffusion assay and estimated with the Brix refractometer. Brix thresholds were determined by performing a receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: The mean colostral IgG concentration was 83.73±2.46g/L and colostral IgG concentrations had a high correlation (Pearson's r=0.78) with Brix percentages. The optimal refractometer thresholds for the determination of colostral IgG concentrations of <50, <60, >80, >100 and >125g/L were ascertained to be <19.6%, <20.1%, >21.6%, >23.6% and >27.3%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the Brix refractometer for the determination of colostral IgG concentrations of <50, <60, >80, >100 and >125g/L were found to be 89.3%(95%CI:71.8-97.7%) and 83.8%(95%CI:77.5-89.0%); 82.0%(95%CI:68.6-91.4%) and 88.1%(95%CI:81.8-92.8%); 85.3%(95%CI:76.9-91.5%) and 73.7%(95%CI:63.9-82.1%); 84.8%(95%CI:73.0-92.8%) and 76.1%(95%CI:68.2-82.8%); and 75.0%(95%CI:53.3-90.2%) and 90.4%(95%CI:85.1-94.3%), respectively. Conclusions: the digital Brix refractometer showed a good performance in determining mare colostra with low and high IgG concentrations.
Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2025-03-17 PubMed ID: 40107369DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105417Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brix refractometer in measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in mare colostrum. Findings suggest that the device can accurately determine colostra with both low and high IgG concentrations.
Research Objective
The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Brix refractometer, a digital device used for estimating Immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration in mare colostrum. This is due to the limited study on the appropriate thresholds for using the device to detect either high or low IgG concentrations in mare colostrum.
Methods
- Participants of the study were 217 Arabian mares. Their colostral IgG concentrations were both measured with the radial immunodiffusion assay as well as estimated with the Brix refractometer.
- The thresholds for the Brix refractometer were then determined through a receiver operating characteristics analysis; this analysis looks at the true positive rate (sensitivity) against the false positive rate (1-specificity) allowing them to determine the best Brix threshold.
Results
- The average IgG concentration in the colostrum was 83.73±2.46 g/L. Upon calculating the correlation between the IgG concentrations and the Brix percentages, they got a high Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.78.
- The optimal refractometer thresholds for the determination of colostral IgG concentrations of <50, <60, >80, >100 and >125 g/L were ascertained to be <19.6%, <20.1%, >21.6%, >23.6%, and >27.3%, respectively.
- The sensitivity and specificity of the refractometer were also calculated for the different IgG concentrations, with values ranging from 75.0% to 89.3% for sensitivity, and 73.7% to 90.4% for specificity.
Conclusions
In conclusion,the Brix refractometer demonstrated a solid performance in identifying low and high IgG concentrations in mare colostrum. Its use can therefore help quickly identify foals at risk of failure in transfer of passive immunity, which occurs when they receive poor-quality colostrum. This allows for early interventions and better survival rates among newborn horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Akköse M.
(2025).
The diagnostic accuracy of the Brix refractometer in determining mare colostrum with high and low immunoglobulin G concentrations.
J Equine Vet Sci, 105417.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105417 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Livestock, Dalaman Agricultural Enterprise, General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises, 48770 Dalaman, Muğla, Türkiye. Electronic address: akkosem2012@gmail.com.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The author has not any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
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