A Brix Refractometer is an essential tool for farmers aiming to produce high-quality silage or maximise animal performance from grazed grass. It allows you to measure the sugar concentration (Brix level) in fresh forage quickly and accurately.
Maintaining a sugar content of 3% or higher is key to ensuring good silage fermentation and preserving valuable nutrients.
Why Measure Grass Sugar Levels?
Improves silage quality by identifying ideal cutting times
- Supports better fermentation with higher sugar content
- Optimises grazing management for ruminant nutrition
How to Use a Brix Refractometer to Measure Grass Sugars
Step 1: Calibrate the Refractometer
- Before use, calibrate the refractometer using clean water.
- Place a few drops of water on the glass surface.
- Look through the lens and adjust the calibration screw (under the black cap) until the reading is zero.
Step 2: Prepare the Grass Sample
- Cut a representative sample of grass at typical grazing or mowing height:
- Cattle/Horses: 5 cm
- Sheep: 3 cm
Step 3: Extract the Grass Juice
- Roll and twist the grass in your hands for about 2 minutes to break the cell walls.
- Use a garlic press or similar tool to squeeze the juice into the supplied pipette.
Step 4: Take the Reading
- Place a few drops of grass juice onto the refractometer’s glass plate.
- Close the cover and look through the eyepiece to observe the Brix reading.
Target: A reading of 3% Brix or higher is ideal for good fermentation and silage preservation.
Tips for Best Results
Test during sunny weather or in the afternoon when grass sugar content is usually highest.
- Always use fresh samples and test immediately after cutting.
- Clean the refractometer thoroughly between readings.