Monitoring Sub-Clinical Ketosis
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Suggested Protocols: Herd Level Management For dry cow and transition periods: • Check 12 cows within the first two weeks of freshening. If two (2) or more cows are positive, consult with your veterinarian and/or nutritionist to evaluate herd management practices during the dry cow and transition periods. For herd health and nutrition management: • Check 12 cows in each feeding group quarterly. If two (2) or more cows test positive, consult with your nutritionist to evaluate herd feed rations. Some factors that can affect the incidence of ketosis are feed bunk space, overcrowding, heat stress and transition diets. Prevent Sub-clinical Ketosis • Feed cows according to their nutritional needs. • Establish a sub-clinical ketosis monitoring program for your herd. PortaBHB milk ketone test ■ Simple, on-farm milk test to screen for BHB levels Uses milk, not urine Affordable and convenient BHBChec^r Plus blood ketone & glucose test system • 5-second blood ketosis test • Ergonomic shape • Stores 450 records • 1 year shelf life for strips stored at room temperature • Consistent results and accurate performance Data can be imported to a computer with BHBCheck cable. Intended Use: These tests are intended solely as on-farm screening tests. Consult a veterinarian before starting any treatment. PortaCheck, Inc. 1 Whittendale Drive, Suite E Moorestown, NJ 08057 856.231.8894 www.portacheck.com PortaCtiecl^ Inc. 1 Whittendale Drive, Suite E Moorestown, NJ 08057 856.231.8894 www.portacheck.com

What is Sub-clinical Ketosis? Ketosis in dairy cows occurs as a result of negative energy balance, a condition most common during the early postpartum period. During this time, milk production is increasing dramatically, while energy intake may not be adequate to sustain the higher production level. When this happens, cows metabolize body fat to meet their energy needs, resulting in increased production of ketones, a condition known as sub-clinical ketosis. (Duffield, 2001) The sub-clinical condition is much more common than clinical ketosis and has been associated with significant economic...