Energy & Ketosis
Questions about energy metabolism and ketosis
What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic disease seen in dairy cows, particularly during the early postpartum period. When feed intake cannot meet the energy demands of milk production, the body uses fat reserves for energy. During this process, ketone bodies are produced and accumulate in the blood.
What are the symptoms of ketosis?
Symptoms of ketosis:
**Subclinical (hidden) ketosis:**
• No obvious symptoms
• Slight decrease in milk yield
**Clinical ketosis:**
• Loss of appetite (concentrate feed is refused first)
• Significant decrease in milk yield
• Weight loss
• Acetone-scented breath (sweet smell)
• Weakness, lethargy
• Nervous symptoms (rare)
**Subclinical (hidden) ketosis:**
• No obvious symptoms
• Slight decrease in milk yield
**Clinical ketosis:**
• Loss of appetite (concentrate feed is refused first)
• Significant decrease in milk yield
• Weight loss
• Acetone-scented breath (sweet smell)
• Weakness, lethargy
• Nervous symptoms (rare)
What is negative energy balance?
Negative energy balance (NEB) is a condition where the energy the animal obtains from feed is less than the energy it expends for milk production and vital functions. All cows experience some degree of NEB after calving, but severe NEB leads to ketosis.
How is ketosis treated?
Ketosis treatment:
• **Energy bolus:** Boluses containing propylene glycol
• **Intravenous dextrose:** In severe cases
• **Corticosteroids:** Under veterinary supervision
• **Supportive therapy:** B vitamins, niacin
Early diagnosis and intervention improve treatment success.
• **Energy bolus:** Boluses containing propylene glycol
• **Intravenous dextrose:** In severe cases
• **Corticosteroids:** Under veterinary supervision
• **Supportive therapy:** B vitamins, niacin
Early diagnosis and intervention improve treatment success.
How can ketosis be prevented?
Ketosis prevention strategies:
• Avoid overfeeding and obesity during the dry period
• Provide high-quality forage after calving
• Use prophylactic energy boluses
• Make feed changes gradually
• Minimize stress factors
• Conduct regular herd screening (ketone tests)
• Avoid overfeeding and obesity during the dry period
• Provide high-quality forage after calving
• Use prophylactic energy boluses
• Make feed changes gradually
• Minimize stress factors
• Conduct regular herd screening (ketone tests)
When should an energy bolus be given?
Energy bolus administration timing:
**Preventive:**
• 1 bolus per day on days 1-3 after calving
**Therapeutic:**
• 2 boluses per day when ketosis symptoms are observed
• Continue for 3-5 days
**Preventive:**
• 1 bolus per day on days 1-3 after calving
**Therapeutic:**
• 2 boluses per day when ketosis symptoms are observed
• Continue for 3-5 days
Which cows are at risk of ketosis?
High-risk groups:
• High-yielding cows
• Cows with excessive body condition at calving (BCS >3.75)
• Cows carrying twins
• Cows with a previous history of ketosis
• Cows with poor appetite
• Cows with metabolic disorders (hypocalcemia, etc.)
• High-yielding cows
• Cows with excessive body condition at calving (BCS >3.75)
• Cows carrying twins
• Cows with a previous history of ketosis
• Cows with poor appetite
• Cows with metabolic disorders (hypocalcemia, etc.)
What is propylene glycol and how does it work?
Propylene glycol is a safe and effective energy source. It is rapidly absorbed from the rumen and converted to glucose in the liver. As a result:
• It raises blood sugar levels
• It reduces ketone production
• It stimulates appetite
• It meets energy requirements
• It raises blood sugar levels
• It reduces ketone production
• It stimulates appetite
• It meets energy requirements