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Clinical ketosis and standing behavior in transition cows
A J Itle1, J M Huzzey1, D M Weary1
1Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Journal of Dairy Science
|December 4, 2014
Summary
Changes in dairy cow standing behavior before and on calving day may help identify ketosis early. Ketotic cows spent more time standing and had fewer, longer standing bouts around calving.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Dairy Production
Background:
- Ketosis is a prevalent metabolic disease in dairy cattle, particularly postpartum.
- Early diagnosis of ketosis is often challenging, leading to delayed treatment.
- Altered behavior in sick animals can serve as an indicator of disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the standing behavior of dairy cows with and without ketosis around calving.
- To assess the potential of standing behavior changes for early ketosis identification.
Main Methods:
- Serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels were measured in 184 cows.
- Standing behavior was monitored using data loggers from 7 days before to 21 days after calving.
- Cows with clinical ketosis (BHBA >1.2mmol/L, with some >2.9mmol/L) were matched with nonketotic controls (BHBA <1.2mmol/L).
Main Results:
- Clinically ketotic cows showed significantly longer total daily standing times during the week before calving (wk -1) and on calving day (d 0).
- On calving day (d 0), ketotic cows had fewer standing bouts but longer average bout durations compared to nonketotic cows.
- These distinct standing behavior patterns were primarily observed in the pre-calving and calving periods.
Conclusions:
- Standing behavior differences, especially in the week before and on the day of calving, can be valuable indicators for early detection of clinical ketosis in dairy cows.
- Monitoring standing time and bout characteristics offers a non-invasive method for identifying at-risk animals.
- This behavioral monitoring could aid in timely intervention and improved management of ketosis in dairy herds.
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