RUMINATION MONITORING AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR EARLY DETECTION

OF METABOLIC DISORDERS

N. E. Engwall, K. N. CarrawayClemson University

Overview-Rumination Reduce particle size

Enhance digestibility Increase saliva

Buffer rumen Improve rumen health

Happy cows

Source: Memorial University

Overview-Metabolic Disorders Ketosis

10-15% all fresh cows

Displaced Abomasum 80% within first

month lactation Ruminal Acidosis

First 60 days in lactation highest risk

Source: My Dairy Vet

Rumination Monitoring HR-Tag rumination

monitoring system Loggers Readers Software

Source: SCR Engineers Ltd

Monitoring for Metabolic Disorders Transition animals Visual Observation vs.

Rumination Monitoring Trial validates

accuracy Health Report

Run tests to narrow down

Monitor treatment

Source: Progressive Dairy

Progression of Health Reports

Source: SCR Engineers Ltd.

Progression of Health Reports

Source: SCR Engineers Ltd.

Limitations and Improvements Must be near the reader Proper placement of tag necessary

Source: SCR Engineers Ltd.

Limitations and Improvements

Large start up costs Not always associated

with illness

Summary Rumination monitoring valuable tool HR-Tag replaces visual observer Health Reports detect early signs of

disease Save $ with treatments

References Progressive Dairyman SCR Engineering Ltd Journal of Dairy Science “Technical note:

Validation of a system for monitoring rumination in dairy cows” (Schirmann et al. 2009)

Hoard’s Dairyman

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