RELIABLE WEIGHING TECHNOLOGY THAT SUPPORTS NEW LIFE

KERN & SOHN is a well-known name in the world of laboratory balances. What sets them apart? “We combine high-end quality with affordable pricing and fast delivery. All products are usually in stock in our warehouse,” says Taras Mikitisin, Area Sales Manager at KERN & SOHN for the Netherlands. “In addition, we operate a DAkkS-accredited calibration laboratory (D K 19408 01 00), working according to the strict DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard. This means we meet the highest level of certification and are authorized to verify scales and balances.”

The power of precision

A reliable and highly accurate balance is essential in animal reproductive technologies. Take the precise weighing of semen samples, for example: “Sometimes, you need to dose 10 milligrams of fluid—drop by drop. That’s when you need a balance with a readability of 0.1 milligrams,” Taras explains.

The most used series via NIFA is the KERN ALS/ALJ series, offering a readability of up to 0.1 mg and a maximum capacity of 320 grams. For reference: 0.1 milligram is roughly the weight of an eyelash or a grain of sand.

In addition, more general-purpose laboratory balances are available for higher capacities up to 1.2 kilograms, as well as calibration weights. “You must calibrate a balance regularly. This is done using standardized calibration weights—100 grams, for example, which is about the weight of a chocolate bar, but 100% accurate and traceable,” says Taras.

More than just sales

What truly sets KERN & SOHN apart is their strong collaboration with specialized partners like NIFA. Instead of selling directly to end-users, KERN deliberately chooses distributors who are close to their clients. “We rely on partners like NIFA, who understand what’s happening in the laboratory segment and can advise and support their clients expertly,” Taras notes. This partnership goes beyond product supply. KERN also provides on-site training and demonstrations for distributors. “Our lab specialists visit NIFA to demonstrate the equipment in action, explain the key functions, and answer questions. This way, NIFA can immediately apply this knowledge in their customer interactions,” he adds.

Want to know more?

Curious which KERN products are the best fit for your work? Get in touch with the NIFA team for personalized advice.

 

Analytical Balance KERN ABT 120-5DNM

Analytical Balance KERN ALJ 250-4A

Weight set KERN 312-036

Biosecurity: your safety is important to us!

Why do we act like this?

This approach protects not only our stock but also our customers’ companies. We like to contribute to avoidance of outbreak and minimalize risks for the whole chain.

How do we archieve this?

To ensure the safety of you, your animals, and our products, we are implementing several concrete measures:

  • Safety zones in our warehouse
    Our warehouse is divided into 2 different zones. Deliveries or returns arrive in the first zone, not directly in the second zone (where safe stock is located).
  • Active surveillance of animal diseases
    When contagious animal diseases are reported in areas where our customers operate, we immediately adjust our logistics. We then ask transporters who physically visit farms to deliver outside the warehouse.
  • Strict visitor registration
    All visitors to our company must register in advance.
  • Pre-notification of pick-up orders
    Collection is only possible after registration and takes place outside the second zone.
  • Hygiene protocols for delivery
    During outbreaks, our delivery vehicle undergoes complete disinfection on every day of use. The driver adheres to established protocols and the vehicle remains outside the biosecure area.
  • We maintain direct lines of communication with veterinarians and actively monitor the NVWA website.
    This enables us to stay informed about emerging risks and respond with appropriate measures promptly.

NEW - The optimal transport box on the go!

Why did we develop this?

At NIFA, we reviewed existing systems and thought: this can be improved! In collaboration with one of our partners, we developed the NIFA Climate Transport Box.

Secure & precise temperature

This transport box is equipped with two sensors that accurately monitor when the temperature goes above or below the set value. The temperature can be adjusted between +1 and +40 degrees Celsius and is continuously shown on a digital display. The setting is secured to prevent unauthorized changes. The box has both cooling and heating capabilities.

User-friendly

The box is made of lightweight, durable plastic and has a 35-liter capacity. Its base includes a removable perforated insert, making cleaning and disinfection easy. The unit can be powered via both a 220V outlet and a 12V car connection, making it suitable for mobile use.

Temperature testing & calibration

Before delivery, the box is preset to the customer's desired temperature and tested under various conditions. The customer receives a report detailing the temperature history during the test. NIFA also offers an annual calibration service to ensure continued accuracy.

Sealing system

To further safeguard the contents during transport, NIFA Technologies provides a tamper-evident sealing system. Additionally, we offer temperature loggers to record conditions throughout the journey.

Interested or more information?

Feel free to get in touch with us.

Optimal freezing of dog semen

Ensuring semen quality

There is significant research in reproductive science, but unfortunately, the findings often go unused. This might be due to high costs or simply a reluctance to break from tradition. I see great potential here, similar to what we see in the equine industry,’ says Guillaume. ‘Utilizing research findings is crucial. I am passionate about tailoring solutions. Each dog may require specialized sperm treatment to guarantee quality. 

Acquiring the right equipment

In pursuit of high-quality semen processing, Guillaume started looking for suitable equipment. Through IMV Technologies, he ended up with us. 'I appreciate the Dutch approach to work, so I was pleased to work with NIFA from the start. They have now installed all the necessary equipment at my facility, and I am delighted to have everything up and running.'  

At Optimize Freezing GDO, we had the opportunity to supply and install the following equipment. 

Compact Incubator 18 liters with 2 shelves

Guillaume: 'It is a small device, but it works efficiently for me.It takes about 15 minutes to warm up, which is perfect for having all my supplies warm when I need them.'

Nucleocounter SP-100

Guillaume: ‘I was already familiar with this machine before purchasing it. The device is used for measuring sperm concentration, but it can also assess sperm viability. It is an excellent machine that enables you to gather various parameters. The quality of the results is top-notch.’

Microptic CASA semen analyser Canine 

Guillaume: ‘The CASA provides an objective assessment of sperm motility and velocity. Specifically, it provides the values of a sperm parameter for each sperm subpopulation, not just the average value for the whole sperm population; for instance, progressive motility. Thus, I obtain a substantial amount of data to examine eventually.’ 

Contact

Are you also looking for new equipment for your practice? We are happy to advise you on what truly suits your needs. Feel free to contact Hans Jubbega.

Review

‘I have actually become a fan of NIFA. They listen to you and recommend the right equipment that suits your needs, budget and ambitions. I can ask them any question, and they know exactly what I am talking about. Personal contact is very important to me. The after-sales service is also very nice and runs smoothly. They act immediately if something seems to be wrong and guide you through it.’ 

About Guillaume

Guillaume studied veterinary medicine in Liege, and later pursued a PhD focusing on improving sperm cryopreservation in dogs at the University of Ghent. Simultaneously to his PhD, Guillaume completed the residency program and became one of the European specialists in small animals' reproduction (dipl. ECAR) in Belgium.  

He is available to anyone interested in having their dog's sperm frozen, from domestic pets to champion dogs. However, they need to travel to his lab in Belgium for high-quality semen freezing. Besides sperm freezing, his company offers services for storing and exporting frozen sperm, but also for inseminating female dogs on-site. To promote his business, Guillaume plans to attend dog shows in the future. 

His ambition is to expand his business and collaborate with other specialists, with advanced technology playing a significant role. We wish Guillaume all the success and enjoyment in his business venture!