Evaluation of a handheld device for measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate concentration to identify prepartum dairy cattle at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of a handheld device for measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration to identify prepartum dairy cattle at risk of developing hyperketonemia during the first week after parturition.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study. Animals-210 prepartum dairy cows from 6 herds.


METHODS
A blood sample was collected from each cow 3 to 9 days before its expected calving date. β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration was immediately measured with a handheld device. Serum was harvested from the remaining sample and submitted to a laboratory for measurement of BHBA and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration determined with the handheld device was compared with that determined by laboratory methods. The association between prepartum BHBA concentration and the development of hyperketonemia (BHBA concentration, ≥ 1.2 mmol/L) during the first week after parturition was determined. The agreement between prepartum BHBA and NEFA concentrations for identification of cows at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia was evaluated.


RESULTS
β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration determined by the handheld device was moderately correlated with that determined by laboratory methods. Cows with a prepartum BHBA concentration ≥ 0.6 mmol/L were 2.2 times as likely to develop hyperketonemia within 1 week after parturition as were cows with a prepartum BHBA concentration < 0.6 mmol/L. There was substantial agreement between prepartum BHBA and NEFA concentrations for identification of cows at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated the handheld device was a valid tool for measurement of BHBA concentration in prepartum dairy cattle, and measurement of prepartum BHBA concentration may be helpful for identifying cows at risk of developing postpartum hyperketonemia.
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Elise H
EH
Tatone
Jessica L
JL
Gordon
Stephen J
SJ
LeBlanc
Todd F
TF
Duffield
D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / Q000097:blood*; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003612:Dairying; D005260:Female; D007662:Ketosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D000067716:Point-of-Care Testing; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid