Animal Profiling International Products

Animal Performance Index (API)

Description:

This is an analytical index that is used to access risk levels of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle. A performance number is calculated for each animal based upon quantification of a biomarker indicative of oxidative stress combined with other characteristics of the animal. The risk of BRD correlates with an elevated index number. Once blood is received in our lab, the results are calculated and sent back to the client within 24-hours. The testing values are then used to apply strategic management practices based on scientific information to animals in order to increase individual health performance and return on investment. Commonly altered practices based on the index numbers are the use of antibiotics, rationing changes, as well as housing and shipping strategies.

Sampling Procedure:

Animal Profiling International supplies 3ml EDTA tubes, syringes, needles, shipping boxes and return address labels to take individual samples from cattle. The sample can be obtained via either the jugular or tail vein. We recommend the tail vein due to ease of sampling and limited activity at the rear of the animal during processing. Biomarker quantification requires approximately 1 ml of whole blood (EDTA). Samples need to be refrigerated after collection. The samples will be acceptable if kept cool and tested in our lab within 4 days of blood draw. We also recommend that samples be shipped the same day they are tested.

Example of Results:

In the above example 100 animals were tested with the corresponding values charted by risk. The red group (high-numbered index) is the highest risk and the green group (low-numbered index) the lowest. Management can then be catered to the individual results in order to optimize the best return based on the risk classification. For this specific example our consulting advice to the client provided some of the following information: Treat the yellow group under normal operating conditions. We recommend that you remove your highest risk (red) group from communal groups or pens and give special attention to rations, additional antibiotics, and avoid shipping for a minimum of 30 days. The low-risk (green) group is in excellent condition for a natural beef program. At this point in time no antibiotics are necessary. Our data shows that these cattle will perform at the highest rate and achieve enhanced performance levels.

ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS

All of our analytical tools are designed to enable veterinarians and producers to manage cattle more effectively. We offer our consulting services to assist in utilizing the testing results at no additional charge. Our goal is to increase accuracy by using quantitative data over subjective evaluation. Our prices are based on volume discounts which are cumulative over an agreed upon period of time. Using multiple tests on each animal further reduces the per test cost of our tools. Given access to health and performance data, we can readily demonstrate how these tools will help our clients increase profit margins. All information obtained is held under strict confidence.