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What Is Ketosis? When Does It Occur?

Vetkim Veteriner Ekibi
2024-01-15
7 min read
What Is Ketosis? When Does It Occur?

Summary

In this article, you will find the latest veterinary approaches, diagnostic methods and treatment protocols on what is ketosis? when does it occur?.

What Is Ketosis? When Does It Occur?

Ketosis (acetonemia) is a significant metabolic disease seen in dairy cows, particularly during the early lactation period. It occurs when the body cannot meet its energy demands.

What Is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a condition in which ketone bodies (acetone, acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid) accumulate to abnormal levels in the blood. Under normal conditions, these substances are by-products of energy metabolism, but their excessive accumulation has toxic effects.

When Does It Occur?

Critical Period

Ketosis most commonly occurs within 2-6 weeks after calving. During this period:

  • Milk production increases rapidly
  • Feed intake is not yet adequate
  • Negative energy balance is inevitable

Risk Period Graph

Calving   Week 2    Week 4    Week 6    Week 8
  |         |         |         |         |
  v---------v---------v---------v---------v
  ████████████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░
  ^                   ^
  |                   |
  Peak risk period    Risk decreases

Negative Energy Balance (NEB)

Why Does It Occur?

During the post-calving period:

  • Energy output: Intensive energy is spent on milk production
  • Energy input: Feed intake has not yet reached its maximum
  • Result: Deficit (negative balance)

The Body's Response

  1. Fat stores are mobilized
  2. Fatty acids are transported to the liver
  3. The liver attempts to convert fatty acids into energy
  4. Ketone bodies are produced in this process
  5. Excessive ketone accumulation leads to ketosis

Types of Ketosis

1. Type I Ketosis (Classic)

  • 3-6 weeks after calving
  • Caused by insufficient energy intake
  • Low blood sugar
  • Responds well to treatment

2. Type II Ketosis (Fatty Liver)

  • Immediately after calving (1-2 weeks)
  • Caused by excessive fat mobilization
  • Accompanied by fatty liver
  • More difficult to treat

3. Butyric Ketosis

  • Consumption of spoiled silage
  • Ketone precursors from feed
  • Occurs on a herd basis

Clinical Signs

Subclinical Ketosis

No obvious signs, however:

  • Slight milk yield decrease
  • Immune suppression
  • Reproductive problems
  • Susceptibility to other diseases

Note: Subclinical ketosis is 3-4 times more common than clinical cases!

Clinical Ketosis

Digestive Form (Most common)

  • Loss of appetite (concentrate feed refused first)
  • Decreased rumen motility
  • Dry and hard feces
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Noticeable drop in milk yield
  • Acetone odor in breath and milk

Nervous Form (Rare)

  • Abnormal behavior
  • Excessive licking
  • Vacant chewing
  • Pressing head against the wall
  • Aggression or lethargy
  • Loss of coordination

Diagnosis

Field Tests

  • Milk ketone test: Practical and fast
  • Urine ketone test: Sensitive but impractical
  • Blood BHB test: Gold standard

Ketone Levels

BHB (mmol/L) Status
< 1.0 Normal
1.0 - 1.4 Subclinical ketosis
> 1.4 Clinical ketosis

Other Findings

  • Low blood sugar (<45 mg/dL)
  • High NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids)
  • Elevated liver enzymes

Risk Factors

Animal Factors

  • High-yielding cows
  • Overconditioned at calving (BCS > 3.75)
  • Twin pregnancy
  • Previous history of ketosis
  • Difficult calving
  • Metabolic diseases (hypocalcemia)

Management Factors

  • Overfeeding during the dry period
  • Sudden ration changes
  • Insufficient feed bunk space
  • Stress factors
  • Poor quality roughage

Treatment

Energy Support

  • Oral energy bolus: VK Pro Energy
  • Intravenous dextrose: In acute cases
  • Propylene glycol: Oral liquid or bolus

Medication

  • Corticosteroids (under veterinary supervision)
  • B vitamins
  • Insulin (rare)

Supportive Treatment

  • Appetite-stimulating quality roughage
  • Stress reduction
  • Comfortable environment

Prevention

Dry Period Management

  • Do not overfeed (BCS 3.0-3.5)
  • Gradual ration transition
  • Adequate feed bunk space

Calving Period

  • Prophylactic energy bolus
  • Quality roughage offering
  • Hypocalcemia prevention (increases ketosis risk)

Early Lactation

  • Maximize feed intake
  • Frequent meals
  • Fresh feed
  • Regular ketone screening

Economic Impact

Ketosis seriously affects herd economics:

  • Milk yield loss: 200-400 kg/lactation
  • Treatment costs
  • Reproductive problems leading to extended days open
  • Increased risk of culling
  • Susceptibility to other diseases (mastitis, metritis)

Conclusion

Ketosis is a preventable and treatable disease. Losses can be minimized through dry period management, calving period support, and careful monitoring during early lactation.

Consult your veterinarian when ketosis symptoms are observed.

#ketosis #acetonemia #negative energy balance #ketone