Diagnostic Relevence of Pooled Samples for Metabolic Profiles in Dairy Cattle

Primary Investigator:
Dr. Robert Van Saun

Contributing Investigators:
Larry J. Hutchinson, David R. Wolfgang

Project Description:
The primary objective of this study is to determine the validity of using pooled serum samples from a group of animals in place of determining a mean value from individual samples for use in a herd-based screening profile in assessing metabolic status. The null hypothesis of this project states that there is no difference between measured pooled mean analyte and calculated mean blood analyte concentration in dairy cows.

The period of time when a cow transitions from late pregnancy into lactation is a critical phase in the cow's life cycle and its outcome has tremendous impact on animal performance and health in the ensuing lactation. Nearly all economically important metabolic and infectious diseases, which adversely affect animal productivity, have their highest prevalence during this transition period. Even minor nutritional insults during the transition period can have a devastating impact on cow productivity through the presence of subclinical metabolic and infectious diseases. Blood metabolite analyses are commonly used as an aid in the diagnosis of metabolic and nutritional health in animals and man, including individual dairy cattle. The purpose of this study is two-fold, first to establish better diagnostic criteria using blood metabolite analyses in diagnosis and prediction of periparturient disease problems. Secondly, we plan on determining the validity of using pooled serum samples as a more economic method of assessing metabolic and nutritional status of the dairy herd. Metabolic screening of pooled samples is not currently available within PADLS. If this procedure proves to be cost effective with high predictive value, it will proposed that this procedure be considered for inclusion in the diagnostic tests offered by PADLS. Further, having this capability within the PADLS system would move further toward a better integration between field investigation units and current disease diagnostic activities. The addition of this testing procedure will enable veterinarians and other agricultural professionals to promote better herd health and profitability.

Project Citations and Files: