Analytical approaches for detection of breath VOC biomarkers of cattle diseases -A review

Diagnosis of diseases in cattle at early stages is of significance both economically and clinically. Non-invasive diagnostic samples such as breath are preferred since they cause minimum inconvenience or pain to the animals. In this review, different sampling devices, sample preparation techniques, instru-mentation, and statistical analysis approaches that have been designed and tested are described and compared in terms of their applicability in the diagnosis of common cattle diseases. The sample prep-aration techniques used include solid-phase microextraction (SPME), sorbent extraction, and needle trap device (NTD). The collected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the electronic nose (e-nose) technology. The majority of studies are focused on the diagnosis of ketosis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The common diseases and potential biomarkers are summarized and discussed. Due to the differences in the number of subjects and the type of animals used in different studies, the results are not consistent. Acetone, although detected in almost all studies and subjects, has elevated concentrations in cattle suffering from ketosis. The results of currently available studies were not indicative of specific biomarkers for BRD, and further investigation is required. The current studies have shortcomings in regards to defining useful VOC profiles, the impact on animal welfare, and the practical application at the producer level. While the presented approaches are promising, more controlled, standardized clinical studies need to be conducted before breath analysis can be routinely performed on cattle. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Early diagnosis of cattle diseases is important economically and clinically. This review compares different sampling devices, sample preparation techniques, instrumentation, and statistical analysis approaches for the diagnosis of common cattle diseases. The studies mainly focus on ketosis and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), but the results are not consistent and further investigation is needed to identify specific biomarkers for BRD. Defining useful VOC profiles, considering animal welfare, and practical application at the producer level are also challenges. Controlled clinical studies are required before breath analysis can be routinely performed on cattle.