Summary
This field study evaluated the milk fat-to-protein ratio as a non-invasive indicator of metabolic status in postpartum dairy cows. Subclinical ketosis was associated with a 36% elevation in milk F/P ratio (1.66 vs 1.22 in healthy cows), whilst subclinical acidosis showed a 23.77% decrease (0.93), with corresponding differences in blood metabolite concentrations. The findings suggest that in-line milk composition monitoring may serve as a practical tool for early detection of metabolic disorders in dairy herds.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Lithuania and uses automated in-line milk analysis technology increasingly available in commercial dairy operations across Europe and the United Kingdom. The metabolic profiles and postpartum disorders studied are universal to intensive dairy production; however, direct application to UK herds would benefit from validation in different genetic backgrounds and management systems, and calibration of reference ranges for UK milk recording systems.
Key measures
Milk fat-to-protein ratio (in-line measurement), blood BHBA, NEFA, glucose, AST, GGT, and albumin concentrations
Outcomes reported
The study assessed alterations in milk fat-to-protein ratio as an indicator of metabolic status in dairy cows, measuring associations with blood biomarkers of ketosis and acidosis. Cows were categorised into subclinical ketosis, subclinical acidosis, and healthy groups based on clinical signs and milk composition.
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