High haptoglobin levels show variety of infections

High haptoglobin levels in the blood of cattle indicate infection such as mastitis, metritis, pyometra, traumatic reticulitis, abomasal displacement, traumatic pericarditis, bacterial nephritis, or hepatic lipidosis.

New, quick, and inexpensive tests for haptoglobin are now available to tip off farmers and vets, revealing if a seemingly healthy cow has an internal infection, or that cattle on antibiotic treatments are on the mend.

One such test is a silver medal winner at EuroTier 2012, taking place in Hanover, Germany from Nov 13-16, one of the top events for livestock farmers.