The PortaBHB milk ketone test is a semiquantitative dipstick for the detection of subclinical ketosis. Results are ready in 1 minute. This dipstick screens for sub-clinical ketosis. It detects the presence of ketone bodies in milk – specifically BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate). High levels of BHB are an indicator of ketosis, a metabolic disorder caused by a negative energy balance
Ketosis in dairy cows occurs as a result of negative energy balance, A condition most common during the early postpartum period. During this time, milk production is increasing dramatically, while energy intake may not be adequate to sustain this production level. When this happens, cows metabolize body fat to meet their energy needs, resulting in increased production of ketones, a condition known as subclinical ketosis. This condition is much more common than clinical ketosis, and has been associated with significant economic losses due to decreased milk production, impaired fertility, displaced abomasums and metritis.
Researchers have determined that the herd prevalence of subclinical ketosis is approximately 41% for the first 9 weeks of lactation. Subclinical ketosis can be detected by measuring the level of ketone bodies in milk, blood or urine. Beta-
Consequences of Ketose
- Ketosis causes 0.5% death loss in affected cows 5% of affected cows are culled
- Ketosis averages 200 ltr milk los per affected cow
- Each case costs approximately € 110,-
- Ketosis increases risk of impaired fertility and displaced abomasum
Why testing for ketose?
- Monitoring cows for ketose can help prevent economic losses.
- Regular screening can help determine which cows have the highest risk of becoming clinically ketotic.
Package
Per vial of 25 or 100 test