Comparison of beta-hydroxybutryate determination by Fossomatic milk analysis to milk and blood tests in postpartum dairy cattle

Abstract

A common method for detection of ketosis in early postpartum dairy cattle, which is usually associated with negative energy balance, is the measurement of the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in blood or milk. The primary objective of this study was to compare the agreement among 4 test methods used to detect BHB in blood and milk samples and classify whether the cow in question has ketosis. The test methods assessed were BHB blood test strips tested in a Precision XTRA®meter, milk test strips (Keto-Test®), DHIA milk meter-collected samples tested with a Fossomatic milk analyzer (Foss), and hand-stripped milk samples tested with a Foss. The secondary objective of this study was to compare milk-test methods for classifying the ketosis status of postpartum dairy cows. Fossomatic milk BHB testing is not commercially available in the US.