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¹ TAEK, Lalahan Hayvan Sağlığı Nükleer Arast. Enstitüsü, 06852-Lalahan/ANKARA - The study was carried out to establish a base for the use of blood metabolite profiles for the manegement of dairy cows fed on concentrate and low quality roughage (straw). Eighty black and white holstein dairy cows at second parity or more from small holder herds in Sincan and near villages were included in the survey. Blood samples were collected at 3 critical physiological times e.i 10-20 day precalving, 1 0-20 day postcalving and 2-3 month postcalving. Blood metabolites beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total protein, albumin, urea, phosphorous and globulin were determined by spectrophotometric methods and profiles were constructed. Beta-hydroxbutyrate profiles were showed similar pattern in all cows, higher values obtained at precalving and 10-20 d postcalving, this result may show mobilization of body reserves. Albumin, globulin, urea and phoshorous profiles showed different pattern of change. High albumin levels at postcalving reflect possible infection of dairy herds. Chemical composition of roughages and concentrates and degradabilities of feeds at 24 h and 48 h in the rumen of cannulated heifer were determined.

Blood metabolite profiles may be helpful tool for the monitoring health and nutritional status of dairy cows at smallholder farms. Keywords :