Eating time ante partum as indicator for hyperketonaemia in dairy cattle

Abstract

Hyperketonaemia is a frequent metabolic disorder during the transition period in dairy cattle. Although the cows show no clinical signs, they may have an increased risk of postpartum diseases like a displaced abomasum and metritis. The objective of this study is to determine if there is a relation between eating time ante partum, as measured with an automatic sensor, and the blood β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration post partum. This study included 426 animals, on eight farms in the north-east and south-west of the Netherlands. A relation (p<0.05) has been found between eating time ante partum (day-30 until day -24) and the post partum BHBA concentration. Cows that spent 60 minutes/day more eating during that period had a 0.15 mmol/L lower BHBA concentration in the blood post partum. The farm had also an influence on the BHBA concentration post partum (p<0.05). The differences of BHBA concentrations between the farms suggests that management, housing, diet, and eating systems are important factors for the post partum BHBA concentration.