By Blake Jackson
Veterinarians can obtain critical information by performing a necropsy on a dead animal or sending it to a diagnostic laboratory. This information can help producers minimize losses and improve animal welfare on the farm.
Here are some examples of what dead cows can tell us:
Overall physical appearance: The body condition and visual changes to various parts of the cow's anatomy can provide clues about the cause of death. For example, a cow that is in extremely poor body condition may have died from a chronic disease process that caused them to burn lots of energy and lose weight.
Rumen contents: Examining the contents of the cow's rumen can reveal whether the cow ingested any toxic substances, such as Japanese yew.
Eye fluid: Eye fluid can be analyzed to measure calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, nitrates, and urea, which can help diagnose a variety of conditions.
Liver tissue: Liver tissue can be analyzed to determine levels of trace minerals, vitamins A and E, and toxic minerals. This information can be helpful in diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and other problems.
Producers should consider having their farm veterinarian perform a necropsy on any losses or send a representative case to one of the three Pennsylvania animal diagnostic laboratories. This information can help them identify and address potential problems on their farm.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle