Metabolic aspects in the etiology of displaced abomasum

Results of studies on metabolic variables that exist prior to the diagnosis of displaced abomasum (DA) indicate that subclinical ketosis is a risk fac tor for DA. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity, serum and milk betah ydroxybutyric acid concentrations, and milk fat-to-protein ratios were ofte n elevated before the diagnosis of DA, and these variables may be used to p redict DA. Prevention of subclinical ketosis may prevent DA.