This observational study found that elevated nonesterified fatty acids (≥ 160 µmol/L) 22 to 35 days before calving are strongly associated with postpartum metabolic and infectious disorders in dairy cows. This threshold could be used by veterinarians as an early monitoring tool to identify at-risk cows and implement preventive measures before calving.
Jul 15, 2025
Dairy herds with more cows showing high blood levels of nonesterified fatty acid before calving were more likely to have cows develop reproductive diseases and to have poor success at first insemination.
Jan 1, 2024