Comparison of electronic nose and conventional cow-side diagnostic tools for detection of ketosis in early lactation dairy cows

Authors

  • Conrad S. Schelkopf Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
  • Michael D. Apley Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
  • Brian V. Lubbers Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p5-16

Keywords:

ketosis, dairy cattle, diagnostic test, electronic nose

Abstract

Rapid diagnosis of ketosis in dairy cows is imperative for treatment and managing economic losses. Cow-side ketosis diagnostic tools are greatly needed. The objective of this study was to compare three tools for the detection of ketosis, using serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as the gold standard. The di­agnostic tools tested were: (1) Precision Xtra® handheld blood ketone meter, (2) ReliOn® urine ketone test strip, and (3) Cyra­nose 320® electronic nose (eNose) for use on milk and urine. Dairy cows (n = 60) were sampled immediately post-calving. Whole blood, serum, milk, and urine were collected and ana­lyzed on the same day. Each modality was compared to BHB to determine sensitivity and specificity. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated across a range of ketosis, consistent with reported prevalence (10-35%) in U.S. dairy operations. Urine ketone strips provided the highest specificity (99.2%), yet low sensitivity (58.6%). The Precision Xtra demonstrated adequate sensitivity (93.8%) and specificity (92.9%). The eNose had substandard sensitivity and specificity when used on milk (Sn: 58.8%; Sp: 44.3%) and urine (Sn: 18.8%%; Sp: 80.6%) compared to the other modalities. Al­though the actual predictive values change with prevalence, urine ketone test strips had the highest PPV (89.5-97.6%) and Precision Xtra had the highest NPV (99.3-96.5%) across all simulated ketosis prevalences. Both urine ketone test strips and the Precision Xtra are adequate cow-side ketosis detection tools. Further optimization of the eNose is needed before de­ployment as a field diagnostic tool.

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Published

2023-11-07

How to Cite

Schelkopf, C. S., Apley, M. D., & Lubbers, B. V. (2023). Comparison of electronic nose and conventional cow-side diagnostic tools for detection of ketosis in early lactation dairy cows. The Bovine Practitioner, 57(2), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol27no2p5-16

Issue

Section

Research Article

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