Metabolic profiling in the transition cow

Routine metabolic profiling is a proactive herd health management tool used to assess nutritional and metabolic status, identify subclinical issues, and guide feeding and mineral supplementation strategies. It is especially valuable during transition periods, such as pre- and post-calving.

Purpose of Metabolic Profiling

• Detect subclinical nutritional imbalances
• Evaluate energy, protein, and mineral status
• Prevent clinical disease (e.g., milk fever, ketosis, poor fertility)
• Support investigation of poor production, fertility, or ill-thrift

When to Profile

Routine profiling is typically done at:

• One month on silage
• Late dry period (2–3 weeks pre-calving)
• Early lactation (1–3 weeks post-calving)
• Mid-lactation (optional, performance check)
• Weanlings/heifers (growth check) grazing fulltime for at least 3 weeks
• Following a clinical issue (e.g. stillbirths, retained placentas, poor conception)

Sampling Plan

• Sample approx. 10% of animals per group (min 6-10 animals)
• Choose animals of similar parity/stage to be representative.
• Avoid sick or treated animals unless part of a disease investigation.

Core Blood Parameters Measured:

Complementary Testing

• Forage/mineral analysis: Dry cow diet, fresh grass, silage
• Body condition scoring: Compare with NEFA/BHB to check for over/under-conditioning
• Rumen fill/dung scoring: Assess diet quality

Interpretation Support

• Consult with your vet/advisor/nutritionist, using all the available information, to interpret results and make any necessary dietary interventions.

Species: Bovine