The metabolic profile test as a tool for herd diagnosis of subclinical metabolic diseases in sheep

Abstract

The title of my diploma thesis is “The Metabolic Profile Test as a Tool for Herd Diagnosis of Subclinical Metabolic Disorders in Sheep”, and the aim of the study was to find out how metabolic profiling can be used to diagnose feeding and management related subclinical disorders. In my study I have looked at the characteristics of the test, and the factors that must be considered when carrying out this test. I have also revealed that the use of metabolic profiling in sheep herds, are not as common as in cattle herds. In my research I have learned how the farmers in the 70s became more aware of the importance of health management, and how they began to explore difference methods of predicting the occurrence of metabolic disorders in advance. Metabolic profiling showed to be a successful way of improving the management and well being of animal herds, by providing vital results needed to predict metabolic problems. This allowed the farmer to improve farm management before loosing profits. When using the metabolic profile test to diagnose any subclinical disorders in a certain herd, reference values should be used, which have been obtained by regional laboratories. This way, more accurate results will be obtained, as normal values depend on the environment in that area, soil composition etc. In a sheep herd, the most useful time of making a metabolic profile, would be the critical period in late pregnancy. Based on the results, adjustment of energy and nutritional management can be applied. Very precise feeding procedures are possible, particularly if sheep are tested in groups carrying the same number of lambs. When I analyzed the parameters of the blood, urine and wool, I could see how the energy status and especially the food composition and mineral concentration of the food, influenced the metabolic state. It has been drawn to my attention that the body condition score of the animals tested, should be taken into consideration to get a more accurate picture of the state of the herd. My conclusion from my work, and from the findings after analyzing the parameters, is that the metabolic profile test can be used as a tool for herd diagnosis of subclinical metabolic disorders in sheep.