Ketosis is one of the most common metabolic diseases affecting dairy cows in the UK and Ireland. It typically occurs when a cow is unable to meet the energy demands of early lactation. Ketosis causes her to go off her feed, resulting in weight loss and a drop in milk production.
What is ketosis?
It is natural for a cow to have reduced appetite before and after calving and it takes her a number of days, even weeks to take in sufficient energy to cope with the increasing demands of lactation. As a result of this ‘negative energy balance’ (NEB), the cow’s body attempts to mobilise additional energy from fat stores. During periods of high energy demand, the liver struggles to fully utilise the fat that is being broken down and metabolites known as ketones are produced. Essentially ketosis occurs when there are elevated levels of ketones in the blood, urine or milk, indicating that the metabolic processes in the liver are being overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the ketones released as part of this process suppress the cow’s appetite, creating a vicious circle that results in weight loss and a drop in milk yield.
Identifying ketosis in dairy cows
The clinical signs associated with ketosis are generally non-specific and can include moderate milk drop and reduced feed intake. Dung can be firm, and a sweet smell in the breath may be noted. Clinical ketosis is often the tip of the iceberg and it may mean that many more animals are affected by the subclinical form of the disease without obvious physical signs. AHDB estimates that an average of 30% of dairy cows in the UK undergo a period of subclinical ketosis in the first month of lactation with almost 60% of cows affected in some herds. Incidence rates can vary dramatically between herds. There are a range of contributing factors that predispose some cows and herds to ketosis, with fat cows, thin cows, those carrying twins or with a history of metabolic disorders being most at risk. Nutrition throughout the dry period should be carefully managed to reduce the risk of ketosis during the transition period. Even low risk cows may be susceptible when stressed, for example, following a caesarean, a difficult calving or a case of milk fever.
Treating ketosis
Treatment of ketosis is aimed at re-establishing normal glucose levels and reducing serum ketone body concentrations. By breaking the cycle of ketone production appetite recovers and the animal’s voluntary intake begins to meet her energy requirements. Treatment can include veterinary intervention through the administration of intravenous dextrose and possibly steroids. For the most part, treatment of ketosis centres on the provision of glucose precursors in the form of glycerol, propylene glycol and propionates. Care should be taken with propylene glycol as overdose can be toxic to rumen microbes1.
Two Ketonor+ boluses given to ‘at risk’ fresh cows provides a readily available energy source right when it is needed. This breaks the cycle of ketone production helping the cow to continue eating as normal and supporting her milk production levels. The formulation also contains Vitamins A and E, selenium, niacin, cobalt and yeast to support the liver, rumen and immune system. Although ketosis is usually seen during lactation, it can occur any time that the cow experiences negative energy balance. Ketonor+ can be used as a supportive therapy in sick or convalescent cows alongside non-steroidal pain relief and antibiotics where deemed appropriate. Ketonor+ is cost-effective, does not contain antimicrobials, has no withdrawal period and is easy to administer.
Dietetic complementary feed.
Bolus to reduce the risk of ketosis.
Each 135g bolus contains:
104,000mg propionates
5mg cobalt
7.5mg selenium
29,000mg niacin
135,000 I.U. vitamin A
1680mg vitamin E
1.12×109 CFU Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Feeding recommendation:
Administer two boluses using a bolus applicator according to the instructions shortly after calving. If required, administer an additional bolus 12 hours after calving. The animal must have a normal swallowing reflex. It is recommended that a nutritional expert’s opinion be sought before use or before extending the period of use. Suitable for administration between 3 weeks before and 6 weeks after calving.
References:
1 Trabue, S.; Scoggin, K.; Tjandrakusuma, S.; Rasmussen, M.A.; Reilly, P.J. Ruminal fermentation
of propylene glycol and glycerol. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2007, 55, 7043–7051. Trabue, S. et al.
Ruminal fermentation of propylene glycol and glycerol. J. Agric. Food Chem. (2007)