How To Use

Patented Technology

The FoalWatch K-1700 Test Kit utilises CHEMetrics patented self-filling ampoule technology. Each test ampoule (known as a ‘Titret’) contains a carefully pre-measured quantity of reagent (titrant) which is sealed under vacuum. Sample fluids are drawn into the ampoule in small increments. Colour change signals the end of the test and the calcium concentration value can be read from the printed scale on the side of the ampoule. The entire process requires only a minute or two and avoids all the equipment preparation and clean-up associated with ordinary titration procedures.

Simplified Test Method

First prepare the sample. Using the 3ml syringe, dispense 1.5 ml of the mare’s mammary secretion into the 25 ml sample cup. Add 9 ml of distilled water using the larger 10ml syringe. Then add one drop of supplied indicator solution. For more information and details on the how to collect and prepare the mare's milk sample, please see the Test Instructions document on the Download page.

1. Attach Valve
   Slide the valve assembly onto the tapered end of the Titret test ampoule. Then snap the tip of the ampoule at the score mark with the valve assembly securely in place. The vacuum inside the ampoule is preserved by this valve assembly.
2. Insert Titret into Titrettor
   Insert the Titret ampoule into the Titrettor with the control bar lifted. You are now ready to perform the titration!
3. Titrate
   Immerse the end of the valve assembly into the sample. With the end of the valve assembly below the surface of the sample, press the control arm on the Titrettor briefly in order to draw a small amount of sample into the ampoule. Once you have drawn in a small addition of sample into the ampoule, lift the entire assembly from the sample cup and gently rock it back and forth to mix the contents of the ampoule. If there is no colour change (i.e. the liquid is still orange) then repeat. Continue with further additions until the sustained and permanent end point colour change to blue is achieved by the indicator solution in the ampoule.
4. Read
   Once the end point is achieved, remove the ampoule from the Titrettor. Hold the ampoule upright, with the tapered end and valve assembly pointing upwards. You can now read the sample concentration value in ppm (mg/l). The liquid level corresponds to the concentration value on the printed scale on the ampoule's outer surface.

Potential Interferences or Complications

Mares exposed to fescue grass pastures contaminated by Acremonium coephenophialum, a type of fungus, during the last 60-90 days of gestation, may fail to undergo normal udder development and may fail to secrete colostrum.

The supplement domperidone can increase the calcium level of the mare's milk, causing inflated test readings.

Pre-foaling mammary secretion sampling does slightly increase the risk of infection to the mammary tissue, especially if the udder is not cleaned and dried prior to obtaining the sample.

Please see the Test Instructions document on the Download page for more information.

References

Ley, W.B., Hoffman, J.L. et al., Daytime Management of the Mare: 1: Pre-Foaling Mammary Secretions Testings, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 88-89, 1989.

West, T.S., DSC, Ph.D, Complexometry with EDTA and Related Reagents, 3rd ed., Poole, England: BDH Chemicals Ltd, p.46, 164 (1969).