Metabolic profiling is a brilliant tool in our arsenal to identify any underlying factors that could be contributing to a herd-wide issue. We don’t often see this tool used proactively and routinely in beef herds – although happy to report that this is starting to change – there’s so much information we can gather from it, with each parameter giving us a wider view of the herd. It’s recommended that metabolic profiling should be done at pre- and post-calving as a minimum to allow for management changes if necessary. Here’s a breakdown on how we might interpret those results:

Parameter Optimum Levels What it means & possible interpretations
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB)
(mmol/litre)		 Pre-calving:
< 0.6
Post-calving:
< 1.0		 BOHB is a ketone body produced when cows use fat as an energy source. Elevated levels suggest fat is being mobilised, usually due to negative energy balance. High post-calving BOHB may indicate ketosis or poor energy intake.
Glucose
(mmol/litre)		 > 3.0
(pre- and post-calving)		 Glucose is a key energy source under hormonal control. If levels drop below this, especially after calving, it may suggest severe negative energy balance or metabolic stress. Stable glucose is usually a good sign of energy adequacy.
Non-esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA)
(mmol/litre)		 Pre-calving:
< 0.4
Post-calving:
< 0.7		 NEFAs rise when cows break down body fat to meet energy needs. Elevated NEFA levels indicate recent or ongoing negative energy balance. If high before calving, it may signal poor transition nutrition.
Urea
(mmol/litre)		 Normal range: 1.7–3.5
High range: 3.6–7.5		 Reflects protein intake and how it’s being used by the rumen microbes. Low levels suggest inadequate protein or poor rumen function; high levels may indicate excessive protein or imbalanced energy-to-protein ratio.
Albumin
(g/litre)		 > 30 A key blood protein. Low levels may indicate liver dysfunction, long-term protein deficiency, or chronic disease such as Johne’s or liver fluke.
Globulin
(g/litre)		 < 50 Globulin increases in response to chronic inflammation. High levels can point to long-term health issues like mastitis, lameness, or other infections.

Minerals

Parameter Optimum Levels What it means & possible interpretations
Magnesium
(mmol/litre)		 0.8 – 1.3 Magnesium is often low in suckler cows around calving. Deficiency affects calcium regulation and muscle function, increasing risk of slow calvings, milk fever, retained placenta, and “staggers” post-calving.
Phosphorus
(mmol/litre)		 1.4 – 2.5 Vital for energy metabolism and overall body function. Low levels can impair fertility, bone health, and feed efficiency.
Copper
(µmol/litre)		 9.4 – 19.0 Copper supports immunity, fertility, and overall health. Blood levels remain stable unless intake is extremely high or low. Liver biopsy gives a more accurate long-term status.
GSHPx
(Selenium status)
(units/g Hb)		 > 50 Indicates selenium levels over recent months. Low selenium may impair fertility and immune function. Interpret with lab-specific ranges.
Thyroxine (T4)
(nmol/litre)		 > 20 A hormone linked to iodine status and metabolic rate, particularly in late pregnancy. Low levels may point to iodine deficiency and risk of stillbirth.
Plasma Inorganic Iodine (PII)
(µg/l)		 50 – 105 Reflects very recent iodine intake (past 24 hours). Low levels suggest dietary deficiency, which may impact fertility and calf viability. Pooled testing is common due to cost.

Source: SRUC

Many herds will find something useful to take away from a metabolic profile, using the parameters to enhance herd performance and key production times (and others!) In relation to suckler herds, it could be the proactive and positive impact needed to minimise poor fertility, assisted calvings and weak calves. If you would like to carry out some profiling, please speak to your vet. The best time to start for early spring calving herds would be late pregnancy, within a month of calving – so will be here before you know it!