Evaluation of some metabolic profile parameters in transition cows: thresholds for estimating postpartum diseases in Aydin province

This study aimed to evaluate non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+) and lactate as biological tests for the detection of some metabolic diseases during transition period in selected dairy farms located in Aydın province. Cow-side analysis with body condition score evalutation were performed weekly in at least 12 dairy cattle from each farm from prepartum week 2 to postpartum week 2. According to the prepartum NEFA ≥0.4 mmol/L, postpartum BHBA ≥1.4 mmol/L and Ca2+ ≤ 2.0 mmol/L at parturition (day 0) in herd-based evaluation, it was observed that all farms were positively evaluated for negative energy balance and also at risk for subclinical hypocalcaemia. Regarding the threshold value of Mg2+ <0.61 mmol/L, subclinical hypomagnesaemia was observed at the Ist and IInd farms. It was concluded that prepartum NEFA threshold (0.68 mmol/L), obtained from the receiver operating characteristics statistical analysis could be used for observing some postpartum clinical diseases. It was suggested that it allowed planning and strategic interventions to prevent herd-based diseases in Turkey and will be a precedent for future studies and herd management.