Demo Using BRIX
Hello, and welcome to this Colostrum Monte Carlo Knowledge Base video. In this demonstration, we’ll look at how CMC can use colostrum Brix values as an input when calculating serum IgG. So, let’s get started.
CMC normally uses maternal colostrum IgG concentration as the measure of colostrum quality. As you can see at the bottom of the Calf Information section on the Input screen, these values are typically entered in grams of IgG per liter. Depending on the distribution selected, we can also specify values such as the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum.
On the farm, however, colostrum quality is often measured with a Brix refractometer rather than by directly measuring IgG concentration. CMC has the flexibility to accept Brix values as inputs.
To change the units, go to the Settings menu at the top of the screen and select Colostrum Units. Here, we can choose either Colostrum IgG or Colostrum Brix.
I’ll select Colostrum Brix and click OK. Notice that the maternal colostrum inputs are now expressed as percent Brix for each feeding. In this example, the mean is 23 percent Brix with a standard deviation of 5.8. These values can be changed to reflect the colostrum measurements available on the farm. Now I’ll run the simulation.
On the Results screen, you’ll notice that the maternal colostrum values have been converted from Brix to colostral IgG concentration. In this example, the average IgG concentration is approximately 67 grams per liter for both the first and second feedings.
CMC performs its calculations using colostral IgG, so when Brix is selected as the input, the program converts each Brix value to an estimated IgG concentration using the equation shown here.
Keep in mind that the relationship between Brix and actual colostral IgG concentration is not perfect. Therefore, using Brix introduces some additional uncertainty compared with entering measured IgG concentrations directly. For most simulation purposes, however, Brix provides a practical way to use the information commonly collected on dairy farms.
So, CMC gives you the option of entering maternal colostrum quality as either percent Brix or grams of IgG per liter, allowing you to use whichever type of information is available.
That will do it for this demonstration. Be sure to visit the other CMC Knowledge Base articles and videos to learn how to get the most out of the program. Thanks for watching.
