Evaluation of Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) through the Transition Period as a Predictor of Clinical Disease

Authors

  • Paula A. Ospina Cornell University, Dept. of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Science, Ithaca, NY 14853
  • Daryl V. Nydam Cornell University, Dept. of Animal Science, Ithaca, NY 14853
  • Tracy Stokol Cornell University, Dept. of Animal Science, Ithaca, NY 14853
  • Tom R. Overton Cornell University, Dept. of Animal Science, Ithaca, NY 14853

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20084430

Keywords:

transition period, negative energy balance, non-esterified fatty acids, clinical disease

Abstract

During the transition period, most dairy cows will transiently visit a state of negative energy balance and hence have elevated non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels; however, only a subset of cows and farms develop levels of clinical illness past acceptable limits. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between NEFA levels above a certain cut-point and displaced abomasums. The objective of this study was to evaluate pre- and post-partum NEFA levels and their association with clinical disease in northeast US dairy herds.

Cover image of the 41st Conference Proceedings: A herd of cattle standing in the field, framed by a cloudy sky. Yellow background.

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Published

2008-09-25

Issue

2008

Section

Research Summaries

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