Peripartum Metabolic Monitoring
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20074557Keywords:
negative energy balance, NEFA, non-esterified fatty acids, ketone concentrations, postpartum, monitoring program, Cowside ketone testAbstract
Peripartum metabolic monitoring for the lactating dairy cow is best directed at measures of adaptation to negative energy balance. Use of serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) prepartum and a measure of ketone concentrations postpartum currently offer the best window into transition cow energy status. These tests can be directed at a herd problem investigation or used in a routine monitoring program. Routine monitoring of prepartum dairy cows should be conducted using serum NEFA. This currently poses several limitations, including cost, for many dairy farms. A regular monitoring program for measuring ketones can fit into an existing fresh cow monitoring system. Cowside ketone tests using either milk betahydroxybutyrate or urine acetone/acetoacetate tests offer adequate test performance at a reasonable cost compared to laboratory evaluation of blood or serum. Generally, the most useful information gained from these programs is identification and investigation of herd-level issues rather than diagnosis and treatment of individual animals.
