The main benefit of a DHHPS Metabolic Profile is to identify problems before they become apparent on the farm. Document DHHPS metabolic profile handout (6.43 MB / PDF) Input formsPlease submit a Sheet 1 form with each test so our vets know a bit more about the background situation on the farm Document Sheet 1 - Farm background information (required for first metabolic profile) (109.08 KB / PDF) All the individual cow details and the details of the ration should be completed on a Sheet 3 Document Sheet 3 - Metabolic profile cow details (116.75 KB / PDF) A Sheet 2 is not requred for a metabolic profile blood testIf it is easier then please send copies of TMR/ration formulation sheets and silage analyses.Blood sampling should be done at key times of year, after a major change in the diet for example and samples taken from specific groups of cows.Which cows to testAs standard metabolic profile consists of 17 cows at key stages of lactation:Seven cows in early lactation between 10-20 days calvedFive cows in mid lactation between 80-120 days calvedFive dry cows within 10 days of calvingBlood Tubes RequiredPlease submit two Lithium Heparin 'green' tubes and one Fluoride-Oxalate 'grey' tube from each cow.(if the farm is a DHHPS blood testing member a single green and a grey tube is sufficient)Information requiredTo get the most out of our service it is important that the correct cows are sampled and we are provided with the following information about each cow:Failure to supply all the required information limits the interpretation of results that can be done by the vets in Edinburgh.Calving date. (Expected calving date for dry cows)Body weight and condition scoreCurrent and expected daily yieldLactation numberRation details, including TMR composition (where appropriate) and, if available, forage analysis.This information should be submitted on a 'Sheet 3' which can be download aboveAnalysis doneEnergy status - NEFA, BOHB, GlucoseProtein - UreaN, Albumin, GlobulinMinerals - Phosphate, MagnesiumTrace Elements - Copper, GSHPx (selenium)Other tests are available - contact the office to enquireCostsPrice listMembershipA popular option to help spread the cost and allow routine monitoring of the herd is the DHHPS membership service. This allows routine testing throughout the year on payment of a quartely fee. Typically a farm will do three or four tests each year.Dry cow testingSometimes it is more appropriate to tests groups of dry cows, particularly in block calving herds.Dry cow testsWhere to send the samples Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Contact details Work: 0131 651 7474 Fax: 0131 651 7473 Email: DHHPS@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-09-02