A vet is a useful set of eyes on farm and we have struck up some exciting partnerships with the Farmer, Workforce, Nutritionist, Consultant and Vet. By working as a team, we can work towards profitability and improving health traits. In the previous month’s article, I spoke about water sources and the potential pitfall when a cost saving initiative (i.e. bore hole or spring) then causes another obstacle/added cost. Below are some nutritional indicators which a vet can measure which help us determine how well a cow is performing on a diet. These indicators are far more accurate than silage analysis, bulk milk constituents or visual observation and can allow us to act before a problem takes hold.

1. Blood Urea’s – Measure Nitrogen utilisation, diet effectiveness and pinpoint insufficient/excessive nitrogen feeding at different stages of lactation.

2. Albium – Measures long term protein status and can help to determine cow fertile issues.

3. NEFAs (Non-Estrified Fatty Acids) – Determines the level of Fat mobilisation and the degree of Negative Energy Imbalance (NEB).

4. Ketones & Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) – Ketones are released due to fat burn within the Liver. There are three forms of Ketones; Acetone, Acetoacetate and Beta-Hydroxybutyrate. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate is the most common ketone within the body and the best to measure. The typical issue is a lack of glucose supply; the Liver tries to rectify the issue and then releases ketones (a signal).

5. Mineral Profiling – Checking levels against requirements.

6. Globulins – General cow health status.

Please see an example of a Veterinary nutritional report below taken from individual cow blood samples.

If you would like to know more, please contact Wesley Habershon at wesleyhabershon@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.