Detection of hyperketonemia with the aid of monitoring milk production and two milk tests

: In addition, it is relevant to know to what extent milk production data can provide information about hyperketonaemia. In 12 selected herds, milk samples were collected from 114 cows that had been lactating for maximally 70 days. During regular milk testing, two additional milk samples were taken to assess the 'Nitroprusside test' and the 'Ketolac BHB' test. After collection of milk samples, blood samples were taken to measure serum beta-hydroxybutyric acid. The prevalence of hyperketonaemia appeared to vary between herds from 1 to 9 per 10 lactating cows. The sensitivity of the Nitroprusside test was higher than the sensitivity of the Ketolac BHB test at threshold values of beta-HBA > 1.5 mmol/l. The Ketolac BHB test in comparison to the Nitroprusside test appeared to provide a smaller chance of false-positive test results at a given level of sensitivity. The serum beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentration was correlated with milk yield/day and the milk fat concentration of an individual cow.