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The intravenous xylitol tolerance test in non-lactating cattle
1Division of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonanncho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan. hisashi-m@apple.email.ne.jp
Veterinary Research Communications
|December 16, 2003
Summary
Xylitol shows promise for treating ketosis in dairy cows by stimulating insulin and reducing fatty acids. However, rapid administration may cause dehydration due to osmotic diuretic effects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ketosis is a metabolic disorder in dairy cattle.
- Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in Japan for ketosis treatment.
- Understanding xylitol's metabolic effects in cows is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of xylitol for ketosis treatment in dairy cattle.
- To compare the physiological response to intravenous xylitol tolerance test (IVXTT) with intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT).
Main Methods:
- Performed IVXTT (0.1 g/kg) in 4 non-lactating cows.
- Measured serum xylitol concentrations over time.
- Compared results with IVGTT under similar conditions.
- Monitored insulin secretion and free fatty acid concentrations.
Main Results:
- Serum xylitol peaked at 5 min (41.4+/-9.0 mg/dl) and decreased rapidly within 2 hours.
- Xylitol administration stimulated insulin secretion, similar to glucose.
- A reduction in free fatty acids was observed.
- Rapid xylitol administration showed potential osmotic diuretic action, possibly causing dehydration.
Conclusions:
- Xylitol demonstrates potential therapeutic value for treating ketosis in dairy cattle.
- Further research is needed to optimize administration to mitigate dehydration risks.
- Xylitol's metabolic effects, including insulin stimulation and fatty acid reduction, support its use.