Plasma ketone levels in neonatal calves fed medium chain triglycerides in milk

Milk fortified with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) was given to neonatal calves to increase their energy intake. Tricaprylin (C8), tricaprin (C10), a mixture of C8 and C10 (mixed MCT) or soya oil were given at 11-18 days of age. Feeding C8, C10, and mixed MCT caused a transient hyperketonemia (3-HB, acetoacetate). Plasma ketone levels returned to the initial ones within 3 hr at 40 or 80 ml of mixed MCT feeding, though hyperketonemia was marked and more persistent at 120 ml dose in one meal. Hyperketonemia caused by C8 was stronger than those caused by C10. Soya oil caused no increase in plasma ketone levels.