Research

Study: in-line milk fat-to-protein ratio for assessing metabolic status

The in-line F/P ratio has a strong positive relationship with blood NEFA — flagging cows at higher risk of NEB, subclinical ketosis and acidosis.

Research14 November 2023Brolis HerdLine

Study: In-Line Registered Milk Fat-to-Protein Ratio for the Assessment of Metabolic Status in Dairy Cows.

Aim

To create a simple method for assessing dairy cow health from milk composition data collected by in-line sensors.

Conclusions

  • Changes in the in-line milk fat-to-protein (F/P) ratio can be used to identify the metabolic status of dairy cows.
  • The in-line F/P ratio has a strong positive relationship with blood NEFA concentration, so it can flag cows at higher risk of negative energy balance.
  • The in-line F/P ratio can help identify cows at higher risk of subclinical ketosis and subclinical acidosis.

Source: MDPI Animals 13(20), 3293.

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