Ketosis

What is the main risk period for ketosis in cows?

Peak lactation and immediately post-calving.

What is BCS and how does it relate to ketosis risk?

Body Condition Score; excess BCS increases ketosis risk.

What does a change in feed intake indicate in terms of ketosis?

A decrease in feed intake can lead to ketosis.

What are the types of ketosis?

·    Type 1 – occurs at peak lactation (4-8w post-calving) o  Incr. milk production but decr. energy intake ® decr. VFA production o  Reduced gluconeogenesis in liver ® liver metabolises VFAs into ketones, and decr. NEFA uptake ® increased BHB and NEFA in blood ·    Type 2 – occurs during transition period (1-2w post-calving) o  Cow in NEB ® incr. NEFA production o  In liver, NEFAs are oxidised ® ketone bodies, or esterified ® TAGs o  TAG accumulate in hepatocytes ® hepatic lipidosis ® rounded, enlarged liver ·    Type 3 – occurs any time o  Poor quality silage (incr. nitrite, decr. sugar) contains more clostridial bacteria o  Bacteria ferment carbohydrates ® butyric acid (instead of lactic acid) ® converted into BHB in rumen ® incr. ketones in blood

What kind of feed can lead to Type 3 ketosis?

Poor quality silage.

What is a common clinical sign of ketosis in cows?

A drop in milk yield.

What specific smell may be detected in cows with ketosis?

Pear drop smell.

What is the blood test used to diagnose subclinical ketosis?

BHB (Beta-Hydroxybutyrate); >1.2mmol/l indicates subclinical ketosis.

How is clinical ketosis diagnosed via blood?

BHB levels greater than 3mmol/l.

What are NEFAs, and why are they measured?

Non-Esterified Fatty Acids; they indicate energy balance in cows.

What is the treatment protocol for ketosis with propylene glycol?

300g daily for 3-5 days.

In crisis situations, what IV treatment may be given alongside propylene glycol?

50% dextrose, 500ml.

What is pro-rumen and its benefits?

A mix of vitamins, minerals, live yeast, and milk powder that aids beneficial rumen bacteria.

What is the goal for cows' BCS before calving to prevent Type 2 ketosis?

Cows should calve with a BCS of 2.5-3.

What management strategy helps prevent Type 1 ketosis?

Nutritional management during lactation to maintain BCS.

What happens during Type 1 ketosis post-calving?

Increased milk production and decreased energy intake lead to increased plasma ketones.

What characterizes Type 2 ketosis in terms of energy status?

Cows are in negative energy balance (NEB) during transition period.

What can accumulated TAGs in the liver lead to in Type 2 ketosis?

Hepatic lipidosis.

What role do clostridial bacteria play in Type 3 ketosis?

They ferment carbohydrates producing butyric acid, which is converted to BHB.

What is the diagnostic accuracy of urine tests for ketosis?

Less accurate than blood tests for ketone bodies.

How can body condition score (BCS) changes be monitored to prevent ketosis?

By preventing a drop of more than 0.5 BCS between calving and peak lactation.

What are the two metabolic pathways for NEFAs in the liver?

Oxidized to ketone bodies or esterified to triglycerides (TAGs).

What condition mirrors a drop in milk yield and may signal a risk of ketosis?

A recent change or decrease in feed intake.

What is an important preventative measure for Type 3 ketosis?

Proper silage management.

How does the increase in butyric acid affect ketone production?

Butyric acid is converted into BHB, raising ketone levels in blood.

What are the semi-quantitative methods for testing BHB in milk?

Milk tests for measuring BHB levels.

What is the key distinction of Type 3 ketosis?

It can occur at any time, especially due to poor forage quality.

What is an early sign of ketosis in terms of cow behavior?

Altered mentation or behavior may be observed.

In terms of treatment, what is essential when administering oral propylene glycol?

It should be given daily for 3-5 days.

What is the primary goal of management strategies during the transition period to avoid ketosis?

Ensure cows have adequate nutrition and enter calving at the correct BCS.