Prevention and Prediction of Displaced Abomasum in Dairy Cows

Abstract

The objective of this article is to summarize studies that have been conducted on the prevention and prediction of displaced abomasum in dairy cows. Our findings indicate that displaced abomasum is a moderately heritable trait. Subclinical ketosis is a significant risk factor of displaced abomasum. Thus, displaced abomasum incidence might be lowered by genetic selection and by prevention of subclinical ketosis. To predict displaced abomasum, aspartate-aminotransferase activity in blood, B-hydroxybutyrate concentration in blood and milk, and the fat-protein-ratio in milk may be used. All of these parameters are frequently increased prior to the diagnosis of displaced abomasum.