Interpreting blood haematology/biochemistry in cattle and sheep in the field

Abstract

Clinical biochemistry and haematology can be useful in farm animal practice, not only for diagnostic purposes in individual animals, but also routine herd and flock investigations and monitoring. For example albumin and globulin concentrations can serve as a relatively cheap screen in the investigation of ill-thrift and chronic disease processes, as well as the assessment of colostrum intakes. Assessment of liver enzymes can prove helpful in screening for subclinical liver damage in the early stages of chronic copper toxicity. Assessment of the extent and severity of metabolic disease is essential for the prevention of production diseases, especially in dairy cattle.