Will Large Dairy Herds Lead to the Revival of Metabolic Profile Testing?

Authors

  • T. H. Herdt Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; Dept. Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • B. Dart Dept. Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • L. Neuder Dept. Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; Green Meadows Farm, Else, MI 48831

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20015173

Keywords:

nutritional status, metabolic status, metabolic profile, body condition score, milk composition, urine pH, fecal consistency, nonhematogenous

Abstract

All techniques that monitor changes in metabolic or nutritional status could reasonably be considered part of a "metabolic profile" or MPT. This would clearly include examination of such variables as body condition score, milk composition, urine pH, and fecal consistency. These variables are monitored in many dairy herds currently and should be considered the basic MPT. The emphasis of this discussion, however, will be on blood components as variables in the MPT. We hope, however, that no one loses sight of the importance of nonhematogenous components of metabolic monitoring.

Cover image of the 34th Conference Proceedings: Four men on horseback lead a single cow through a pen. Yellow background.

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Published

2001-09-13

Issue

2001

Section

Dairy Sessions