Interpretation of blood profiles in problem dairy herds
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol1991no26p7-11Keywords:
Blood chemistry, cattle diseases, cows, Dairy cows, Diagnosis, Disease surveys, Haematology, Laboratory diagnosis, Normal values, TherapyAbstract
Blood profiles can be an important extension of the clinical evaluaton of herds with production or reproductive problems. Biochemical and haematological tests can be used to identify many factors involved in herd problems. However, other steps should also be taken to determine the nutritional and health status of a problem herd. For example, feed testing and ration evaluaton should be done along with the blood profile. Interpretation of profiles is most accurate if they are accompanied by clinical history and ration information. The clinician, the nutritionist and the clinical pathologist should work as a team.