Ketosis in dairy cattle has long been regarded as a problem for producers. Usually occurring during the transition between gestation and early lactation, ketosis is simply defined as higher-than-normal levels of blood ketones.

A dairy manager’s ability to walk a pen of cows and notice those that need a closer look or additional support is an invaluable asset. This cow sense has always been the staple of a well-managed dairy herd that optimizes cow health and performance, as well as farm profitability.

Management practices and nutritional strategies during the transition period have a significant impact on the health and productivity of the dairy cow and, as a consequence, influence both the profitability and longevity of the herd.

If you own an activity monitoring system, you know the efficiencies you can gain on farm. Time, labor and decision making, to name a few. But, with any piece of technology, there are likely more uses and efficiencies to gain – ones that can help you maximize your return on investment. One area to advance efficiency in is ketosis detection.

Postpartum ketosis, or hyperketonemia, is defined as an excessive increase of ketone bodies in the blood and is a common metabolic disorder of dairy cows.