During an extensive UK roadshow, dairy management software company UNIFORM-Agri has introduced a new ketosis risk alert tool.

The roadshow includes workshops for dairy farmers using the UNIFORM-Agri software to showcase the new elements of the herd management programme.

“Using the software, farmers can easily track and manage key performance indicators and herd health as well as identify cows which are more likely to develop ketosis,” explains UK sales manager at UNIFORM-Agri, Graham Nowell.

“Every herd has outliers and the updates to the programme will highlight those cows who require close monitoring, and in some instances intervention.

The Northern Farmer: Graham Nowell, UNIFORM-Agri sales manager

“Sub-clinical ketosis often goes unnoticed despite its potential to affect up to 60 per cent of a herd,” he explains.

“This causes catastrophic losses to the bottom line which is why it’s important we identify those cows that are ‘at-risk’, hence the development of this new ketosis risk management tool in conjunction with Elanco.”

With approximately 75 per cent of diseases in dairy cows occurring during the first month post-calving, Elanco’s account manager, Katherine Braker, stresses the importance behind managing and monitoring cows during the transition period.

Physiological, social, environmental and nutritional changes experienced during transition, coupled with an increase in energy requirements, results in a negative energy balance. This leads to a build-up of ketones in the blood, milk and urine, leaving cows at risk of ketosis and additional health challenges.

The Northern Farmer: Katherine Braker, Elanco's account manager

“Cows susceptible to ketosis are 5.2 times more likely to suffer from left displaced abomasum, as well as being 2.4 times more likely to be at risk of early culling,” says Ms Braker.

“Fertility can also be affected, with cows above the sub-clinical ketosis threshold in the first and second week after calving being 50 per cent less likely to get pregnant at the first AI.

“Additionally, a study has shown cows to produce 385kg less milk during a projected 305-day lactation, in herds where 15 per cent of sampled cows had sub-clinical ketosis.

In instances where ‘at-risk’ cows are detected, Ms Braker recommends the use of a monensin bolus three to four weeks prior to calving.

  • Speak to your vet for further information on how to manage Ketosis in your herd during the transition period.