Thompsontown, Pennsylvania | Had brought up before to my vet that I wanted to start pulling blood on every fresh cow and doing a "down cow profile" on them at say 5-7 days fresh. This was basically their wording for a test that covered all the potential metabolic bases, cal, phos, potassium, mag, etc. It costs $28, and vet said felt it wouldnt be cost effective. I haven't started doing it but tend to disagree, in my mind an extra 200 # of milk over the course of her lactation would pay for it and have read several places that ensuring a good transition can add 300-400 # over her lactation due to higher peak milk. Is anybody doing this? I know if everything is right u shouldnt have transistion problems but can't help but think that a cow could be a touch off in something and u never know but if caught with blood test add a litte to her peak milk. TIA kyle |
blood testing fresh cows
