Analytical Services
DairyNZ deliver high quality analytical support for dairy science researchers.
We support innovative research through analysis of samples using customised 
assays. This capability allows scientists to undertake novel research aimed at making the New Zealand Dairy Industry an international leader.
Capabilities
- DNA Manipulation
- Electrophoresis (DNA, RNA and Protein)
- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA)
- Fourier Transform InfraRed Analysis (FTIR)
- Gravimetric
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Radial Immunodiffusion (RID)
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
- Spectrophotometry
Measuring Molecules
Assays have been developed to measure bovine blood, milk and faecal concentrations of hormones, steroids or immune molecules.
Scientists working in the areas of reproduction, immunity and animal welfare carry out these tests.
| Tests | Method |
Sample type |
|
Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone |
RIA/IRMA |
Plasma |
|
Amyloid A |
ELISA |
Plasma / Milk |
|
Bovine Serum Albumin |
RID |
Milk |
|
Cortisol - Plasma |
RIA |
Plasma |
|
Corticosterone - Faecal |
RIA |
Faecal |
|
Growth Hormone |
RIA |
Plasma |
|
Immunoglobulin G |
RID |
Milk |
|
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 |
RIA |
Plasma / Milk |
|
Insulin |
RIA |
Plasma |
|
Lactoferrin |
ELISA |
Milk |
|
Lactoperoxidase |
Enzymatic |
Milk |
|
Lutenising Hormone |
RIA |
Plasma / Milk |
|
Progesterone |
RIA |
Plasma / Follicular Fluid / Milk |
|
Prostaglandin Metabolite |
RIA |
Plasma |
|
Estradiol |
RIA |
Plasma / Follicular Fluid |
|
Testosterone |
RIA |
Plasma / Follicular Fluid |
|
Transforming Growth Factor -beta1 |
ELISA |
Milk |
|
Transforming Growth Factor -beta2 |
ELISA |
Milk |
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Under development: |
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Prostaglandin Metabolite |
RIA |
Plasma |
To find out more information on Measuring Molecules contact Angela Sheahan: angela.sheahan@dairynz.co.nz
Analysis of Milk Components
Research requires exceptional accuracy. The expertise of our staff and sophisticated techniques developed at DairyNZ allow us to analyse milk components to these required levels of accuracy.
This information serves several purposes:
- High throughput monitoring of fat, protein and lactose in milk from individual cows across DairyNZ farms. Results are collated into a relational database management system for research purposes.
- Detailed analysis of milk components required for research programs looking at ways to alter the composition of milk (thereby increasing the value of milk) and to increase production without affecting milk quality
|
Test |
Method |
|
Milk Composition: Fat, Crude and Total Protein, |
FT120-FTIR |
|
Milk Composition: Fat, Crude Protein and Lactose |
Milkoscan-133B (FTIR) |
|
Total Milk Fat |
Gravimetric |
|
Chloride, Phosphate |
Spectroscopy |
|
Citrate |
Ultraviolet Spectroscopy |
|
Lactose |
Chloramine T |
|
Total Colour |
Spectroscopy |
|
Total Solids |
Gravimetric |
To find out more information on Analysis of Milk Components contact Angela Sheahan: angela.sheahan@dairynz.co.nz
Nutritional Inputs and Outputs
The Field Laboratory is vital for rapid storage, processing and testing of samples. Milk composition, production and animal health are all affected by the amount, quality and composition of feed. Thus this facility underpins research in feed production, nutrition, and farm systems.
| Tests |
Sample type |
|
Dry Matter Percent |
Feeds |
|
Dry Matter Yield |
Pasture |
|
Quick Dry Matter Percent (Microwave) |
Feeds for metabolic stalls |
|
Botanical composition |
Pasture |
|
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|
Bulking of samples over days |
Feed / Faeces |
|
Freeze drying |
Feed / Faeces / Biological |
|
Oven drying (65 Degrees C and 96 Degrees C) |
Feed / Faeces |
|
Grinding |
Feed / Faeces |
To find out more on Nutritional Inputs and Outputs contact Mark Bryant mark.bryant@dairynz.co.nz or Elena Minnee elena.minnee@dairynz.co.nz
Mastitis Microbiology and Molecular Biology
This laboratory carries out specialised microbiology and at times molecular assays that supports research primarily on mastitis as well as bovine immunology and milk composition.
|
Tests |
Method |
|
Isolation and identification of bacteria |
Microbiology |
|
Teat Sanitiser Testing (Example below) |
Microbiology |
|
Strain typing |
PCR |
|
Gene detection |
RT-PCR |
|
Mutation analysis |
SSCP, SDS-PAGE, DGGE |
For more information on Mastitis Microbiology and Molecular Biology contact John Williamson john.williamson@dairynz.co.nz
Teat Sanitiser Capability
The laboratory can also undertake lab-based assays to determine the ability of teat sanitiser preparations to kill common mastitis causing pathogens
The research group has also examined the effect of pre-milking and post-milking teat spraying on the incidence of mastitis, as part of our research programme to underpin the SAMM Plan.
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The laboratory utilises the standard bacterial isolation techniques as detailed by the National Mastitis Council (USA) to identify mastitis pathogens. | |
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