Peripartum Metabolic Monitoring

Abstract

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.