BoviLab measures blood samples for non-esterified fatty acids, also known as NEFA’s, in the blood. These fatty acids are released as a result from adipose tissue mobilization. This state is often referred to the negative energy balance (NEB). The liver can use NEFA’s as a source of energy. To some extent, fatty acids are not dangerous to cows. Until too many fatty acids are present and the liver is not able to use them efficiently, a problem arises. The overload of fatty acids will incompletely be burned to ketone bodies, which can lead to ketosis around calving.
Every cow faces a negative energy balance around calving. In fact, every cow has to deal with some degree of ketosis.
Whether hyperketenomia is a problem in the herd depends on the dairy farm situation. There are significant differences in animal health between farms. The acceptable limit differs from farm to farm.
FarmLabo aims to use BoviLab as a monitoring tool during the cows’ transition period, even before problems arise. The veterinarian can put his own spin on monitoring. This is usually done based on the farm’s disease status and how many dry and fresh (up to 10 lactation days) cows are available at the time of the farm visit. BoviLab offers a valid and reliable method to measure blood values and shift treatments from curative to preventive.
