Cattle

A Cattle Blood Test: Everything You Need to Know
In cattle farming, both dairy and beef, the key to success is maximizing productivity while maintaining the herd in excellent health. Blood testing, particularly metabolic profiling, is a fundamental tool that allows for the early detection of problems and precise herd management.

Why is a Blood Test for Cattle So Important?
Prevention of Periparturient Diseases: Testing cows during the dry period and after calving helps assess the risk of ketosis, milk fever, or displaced abomasum.
Optimizing Nutrition: Blood test results provide objective information on whether the feed ration is properly balanced in terms of energy, protein, and minerals.
Diagnosing Health Problems: It is essential for drops in performance, fertility issues, or the appearance of clinical signs of disease.
Herd Management: Regular testing of technological groups (e.g., cows at peak lactation, heifers) allows for continuous monitoring and improvement of production efficiency.

Preparing Cattle for a Blood Test
Representative Group: For screening tests, a group of 5-10 cows from a specific technological group is selected. These animals should be healthy and represent the herd average.
Standard Conditions: Blood collection should take place at a consistent time, preferably before feeding, to ensure the results are as reliable as possible. Fasting is not required.
Calm Handling: Avoiding stress during blood collection is important as it can affect some parameters, such as glucose levels.

Types of Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Performed less frequently, mainly in the diagnosis of specific diseases (e.g., anaplasmosis).
Metabolic Profile (Biochemistry): This is the most important test in cattle farming. It assesses energy and protein metabolism, liver function, and levels of key macro- and microelements.

Understanding the Results: What Do Common Acronyms Mean?
BHB/NEFA (Beta-hydroxybutyrate/Non-Esterified Fatty Acids): Key indicators of a negative energy balance and the risk of ketosis.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Its level in the blood (and milk) provides information about the balance of protein and energy in the diet.
Ca/P/Mg (Calcium/Phosphorus/Magnesium): Basic markers for the risk of milk fever and tetany.
AST/GGT: Liver enzymes whose elevated levels can indicate excessive strain or damage to the liver.

Conclusion
Regularly performing metabolic profiles in cattle is the foundation of modern herd management. It is a proactive approach that allows you to prevent diseases rather than treat them, which directly translates to better animal health and higher production profitability.