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Research overview. Research in the McArt Dairy Cow Lab focuses on the identification, epidemiology, and economics of periparturient diseases in dairy cows. As such, we are interested in identifying methods that accurately and quantitatively measure energy-related metabolites, macrominerals, and important biological markers “cow side” to improve detection of maladaptation to early lactation. Knowledge of a disease’s epidemiology during the transition period and its association with other diseases is an important antecedent in determining management strategies and preventative measures that can be implemented to decrease the impact of disease in a herd.
Epidemiology of metabolic disease. Our team has experience studying the epidemiology of hyperketonemia and hypocalcemia, and we are interested in investigating patterns of these and other periparturient disease to improve the wellbeing, health, and production of dairy cows. For these diseases, we continue to examine areas of biological function and dysfunction, successful monitoring and prevention techniques, and optimal treatment strategies.
Disease economics. In addition to the health of individual cows in a herd, these diseases have a large impact on the financial success of a dairy farm. Economic considerations regarding the cost of parturient-related diseases and the cost-benefit of different testing and treatment strategies influence on farm engagement and management practices. Using deterministic and stochastic/iterative modeling methods, we continue to investigate the economic impact of transition cow diseases and promote evidence-based management and treatment practices that optimize cow health and farm profits.