FarmLabo aims to utilize BoviLab to monitor the transition period of dairy cows. By regularly testing blood from fresh and dry cows, insights into prevalent conditions on dairy farms are gained. This will not only increase milk production and efficiency on the dairy farm. As a veterinarian, it will also enhance your standing with clientele and allow you to add more value to your advice.
BoviLab offers multiple blood analysis slides: the transition slide, the liver function slide, and the downer cow slide.
The transition slide is used to monitor the transition period. If you want to do more research afterwards, you can use the liver function slide to assess the functioning of the liver. The downer cow slide aids in better diagnosis and prognosis for a cow unable to stand after repeated calcium infusions.
BoviLab’s transition slide measures blood for calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), fatty acids (NEFAs) and urea.
On the liverfunctionslide, blood is tested for the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin, total protein, glucose, and total cholesterol. Additionally, it calculates the globulin ratio and the albumin/globulin ratio.
The parameters of the downer cow slide measures blood for calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA’s), creatine kinase (CK) and AST.
Dairy farmers are not authorized to take blood samples from their own cows. Veterinarians have the authority to draw blood.
The blood can immediately be dropped onto the transition-, liver function- or downer cow slide. A few drops of blood is enough. This can be full blood, serum blood (blood with a completed clotting process) or heparin blood (blood with added anticoagulant). BoviLab analyses the samples using spectrophotometry, a technique measuring substance concentrations in blood based on their light absorption or transmission.
Mark van Kleef, bovine veterinarian and BoviLab distributor, normally examines blood from eight cows: five dry cows and three fresh cows (calved not more than ten days prior). The number of cows to sample depends on availability during the farm visit and the desires of the dairy farmer, guided by veterinary advice
FarmLabo is convinced that much can be gained on dairy farms through preventive and protocol-based work. Regular blood testing can prevent issues at herd-level, enhancing animal health, efficiency and job satisfaction. BoviLab’s on-site blood analysis capability, user-friendliness, and quick results (within seven minutes) allow immediate action.
The analysis takes seven minutes. Single-sample testing on a dairy farm can be done instantly. For multiple samples, it might be more efficient for veterinarians to analyses the samples at the practice later in the day. This reduces costs for the farmer. Results can be communicated later in the day by the lab technician or veterinarian
The preset reference values make test result interpretation straightforward. Deviations from these values are easily discernible. However, it is recommended to discuss the results with the veterinarian to ensure that the results are interpreted in the best possible way.
Yes, novice clients can expect assistance and guidance in interpreted the results.
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