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Subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.
1Swedish Association for Livestock Breeding and Production, Animal Health Department, Eskilstuna.
Summary
Subclinical ketosis, a preclinical stage of ketosis, peaks in early lactation. Monitoring milk acetone levels aids in managing herd energy and breeding programs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Dairy Production
Background:
- Subclinical ketosis is a preclinical stage of ketosis in dairy cows.
- Peak prevalence occurs around the fourth week of lactation.
- Herd factors, breed, parity, and season influence its occurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition, prevalence, and determinants of subclinical ketosis.
- To discuss diagnostic methods, particularly milk ketone bodies.
- To evaluate the impact of subclinical ketosis on milk production and reproduction, and explore management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on subclinical ketosis.
- Analysis of diagnostic markers including plasma glucose, NEFA, and ketone bodies (blood, milk, urine).
- Evaluation of relationships between energy balance, diet, and ketone body concentrations.
Main Results:
- Milk ketone bodies offer practical advantages for diagnosis.
- Negative relationships exist between energy balance and ketone bodies, influenced by diet glucogenic potential.
- High butyric acid silage and high early milk yield increase risk.
- Ketosis reduces milk production and negatively impacts reproductive function.
Conclusions:
- Routine milk acetone monitoring can assess individual cow status and herd energy feeding.
- Subclinical ketosis affects reproductive efficiency and can be a target for genetic selection.
- Nutritional strategies, including dry period feeding and concentrate management, are crucial for prevention.