A single measurement of BHBA concentration at a
random time of the day enabled the correct classification
of a cow as suffering from SCK with a sensitivity
of 0.90 (≥1.2 mmol/L) or 0.89 (≥1.4 mmol/L),
respectively. Specificity was 0.88 or 0.90 using the same
cut-points. These test characteristics can be considered
as very good for a cow-side test. Based on our results,
screening dairy cows for SCK under conditions of a
continuous TMR feeding regimen can be integrated in
a fresh cow protocol at any time of the day