Cow-side milk test launched
Ketosis can be a common problem in freshly calved dairy cows, but subclinical cases often go undetected, with costly consequences. Elanco have now launched a cow-side testing kit to measure ketone levels in milk, called Keto-Test.
The test uses colour-graded dipsticks to measure levels of the ketone, betahdroxybutyrate (BHBA) in milk. The deeper the colour purple on the test strips, the higher the concentration of BHBA in the milk, and therefore the greater the level of ketosis.
It has been found that the results of this new method of testing compare well with the method of taking blood samples to be sent for laboratory analysis, providing an accurate assessment of the presence of subclinical ketosis.
In order to monitor herd ketosis levels, the test should be carried out every 2-3 weeks on cows that have calved between 2 and 21 days previously, Elanco says. A minimum of 12 cows should be tested, and if more than 25% have positive results, the herd vet and nutritionalist should be consulted. Hidden ketosis is known to be detrimental to cow performance and increases the risk of other health problems, says Elanco's UK technical consultant.
The kits are now available and come with 20 testing strips and a colour chart.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
