Ruminants

Ketosis in Cattle: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Ketosis in cattle, particularly ketosis in dairy cows, occurs when a significant energy deficit arises during early lactation. Managing ketosis in dairy cattle is a critical challenge for dairy farmers. This page aims to enhance understanding and provide insights into effective control strategies of ketosis in cattle. Always consult your veterinary surgeon for accurate diagnosis and guidance.

What is ketosis in cattle?

Ketosis in cattle, particularly ketosis in dairy cows, is a metabolic condition that arises when cows experience an energy deficit. Dairy cows dedicate the majority of their energy to milk production, requiring a substantial feed intake to sustain this process. After calving, milk production begins rapidly, and cows are genetically inclined to prioritize milk output, even at the cost of their own energy reserves and health. When the energy provided by the diet is insufficient, the cow compensates by mobilizing her body reserves. Excessive fat mobilization can lead to the release of ketone bodies into the bloodstream. While small amounts of ketones are harmless, higher concentrations result in ketosis, causing reduced activity, declining performance, and potential health challenges for the cow.

Glucaboost, a natural solution is perfect for maintaining energy and preventing ketosis in cattle.

Causes of ketosis in cattle

After calving, cows face a sharp rise in energy demand for milk production, requiring increased feed intake. Insufficient dietary energy triggers fat mobilization, releasing ketones that can lead to ketosis.

Lack of Energy

A primary cause of ketosis in cattle, particularly ketosis in dairy cows, is a lack of glucose in the body. During late gestation, the cow’s glucose is directed toward the developing calf, and after calving, glucose demand increases significantly for milk lactose and fat synthesis. For example, a cow requires approximately 50 g of glucose to produce 1 liter of milk with 4.8% lactose and 4% fat. If dietary carbohydrates are insufficient to meet this demand, the cow compensates by mobilizing body fat and muscle tissue. Proper management during the transition period can help cows handle a mild to moderate negative energy balance, but severe imbalances or poor transition management significantly increase the risk of developing ketosis.

Stage of Lactation

Most cases of ketosis in dairy cows occur during the first third of lactation. In the initial 10 days post-calving, milk yield increases rapidly while feed intake rises more gradually, peaking the negative energy balance between days 7 and 14. Although a negative energy balance is unavoidable during the first 4–8 weeks postpartum, not all cows will develop severe ketosis if managed properly.

Obesity

High-producing cows with excessive body condition scores (BCS) are at greater risk of ketosis. Significant weight loss and reduced milk yield post-calving are indicators of a severe negative energy balance. Cows with a BCS of 3–3.5 at calving, indicating well-developed muscle tissue and minimal fat reserves, are less likely to develop ketosis compared to obese cows.

Improper Feeding

Ketosis in cattle, often termed the “starvation disease,” is a metabolic disorder linked to imbalances in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Poor-quality feed, such as low-quality corn silage or imbalanced diets lacking sufficient carbohydrates, can trigger ketosis. Additionally, insufficient rumen capacity at calving can impair feed intake. For instance, cows fed highly digestible fodder rich in starch and protein but low in fiber may struggle during calving due to reduced rumen capacity. A well-mixed diet, including chopped straw combined with grass or corn silage, can mitigate these issues.

Genetics

Ketosis is more prevalent in cattle with high genetic potential for milk production. These cows face physiological challenges in meeting their energy needs during early lactation due to their high milk yield. This genetic predisposition makes managing ketosis a key challenge for farmers, as it is closely linked to other health issues and farm productivity.

By addressing these factors—energy deficits, lactation stages, body condition, feed quality, and genetics—farmers can better manage ketosis in cattle and support healthier, more productive dairy herds.

Symptoms of ketosis in cattle

Ketosis in cattle, particularly ketosis in dairy cattle, can be categorized as clinical or subclinical based on the presence or absence of observable symptoms.

In clinical ketosis, a distinct acetone odor often permeates the barn air. Affected cows exhibit reduced appetite, a drop in milk production, and changes in milk consistency, including increased pH. Typical symptoms include licking of the skin, rapid weight loss, sluggishness, and occasionally a slight arching of the back. As the condition worsens, nervous symptoms may develop, such as walking in circles, crossing legs, leaning the head on walls or poles, temporary blindness, uncoordinated movements, excessive salivation, and chewing motions.

Economic and Health Losses

Ketosis in dairy cattle results in substantial economic losses due to decreased milk yield, impaired reproduction, and weakened immunity. Subclinical ketosis can cause cows to consume up to 20% less dry matter and produce approximately 2–3 kg less milk daily. In high-yield herds, up to 50% of cows may experience subclinical ketosis, with 20–30% of these progressing to clinical ketosis.

Subclinical ketosis adversely affects fertility, often requiring cows to be inseminated more than three times due to reduced conception rates. It also leads to conditions such as weight loss, endometritis, mastitis, and lameness, indirectly impacting overall productivity. Additionally, calves born to cows with ketosis are more prone to infections.

Detection of Ketosis in Dairy Cows

Laboratory Blood Tests
Ketosis is commonly diagnosed through laboratory tests that measure the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in the blood. A level exceeding 1.2 μmol/l indicates ketosis. If clinical symptoms are present alongside elevated BHB, the diagnosis is clinical ketosis; if symptoms are absent, it is subclinical ketosis. Other signs include hypoglycemia (20–40 mg/dl), ketonemia, and ketonuria.
While laboratory tests are highly accurate, they require specialized equipment, trained personnel, and careful sample handling, which can be costly and time-consuming. These procedures may also stress the animals.
Rapid Tests and Mobile Meters
Rapid tests and portable meters have been developed to detect ketone bodies in milk, providing a quick and cost-effective alternative. While convenient, these methods may not always be practical on large farms, as testing a significant number of cows requires additional skilled personnel to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention.

Associated Risks and Conditions

Ketosis in dairy cattle often coincides with other health issues, such as displaced abomasum, fatty liver, mastitis, endometritis, and reproductive disruptions. These complications typically occur during the same lactation stage, further exacerbating productivity losses and health challenges.

By understanding and effectively detecting ketosis in cattle, dairy farmers can mitigate its impacts, improve herd health, and ensure sustained milk production.

Treatment of Ketosis in Dairy Cows

Feeding and Nutrition Tips:

Provide weaned cows with high-fiber, properly prepared roughage to stimulate rumen activity and maintain rumen volume.
Use glucoplastic substances (such as sodium propionate, propylene glycol, glycerol, and monensin) along with other veterinary products and feed additives to help cows recover their energy levels more efficiently during illness.

Ketosis Prevention in Cows:

To prevent ketosis in cattle and ensure high-quality milk production, comprehensive preventive measures are critical:

Optimal Body Condition: Maintain an ideal body condition score of 3.0–3.5 at calving.
Diet Management Before Calving: Introduce small amounts of concentrated feed a few weeks before calving to increase energy intake gradually.
Post-Calving Diet Transition: Gradually adjust the diet at the start of lactation and avoid poor-quality feed. Prevent sudden increases in concentrates.
Close Monitoring After Calving: Pay extra attention during the first month post-calving, as conditions like paresis, metritis, and retained placenta can heighten ketosis risks and impact lactation performance.
Group Management in Loose Housing Systems: Form a separate group for fresh cows to enable easier monitoring and control. Ensure stress-free housing conditions.
Regular Health Monitoring: Conduct periodic tests (blood, milk, urine) to check for ketone bodies and other critical indicators.
Milk Parameter Analysis with Advanced Tools: Use tools like the BROLIS HerdLine in-line milk analyzer to monitor milk parameters, especially during the first months of lactation. Analyze changes in milk composition (e.g., protein, fat, lactose) to identify early signs of ketosis. The system provides real-time data, enabling prompt and informed decisions to prevent disease progression.

By implementing these measures, you can minimize ketosis in cattle risks and promote better health and productivity in your animals.

Glucaboost® offers effective, immediate solutions for dairy cattle facing the challenges of post-calving ketosis in cattle and energy depletion. By replenishing glucose levels and correcting negative energy balance, these supplements ensure sustained energy and enhance milk production. Enriched with eugenol to optimize rumen function, they support overall animal health, prevent metabolic disorders, and improve lactation yield. For a healthier herd and improved farm productivity, trust Glucaboost® to provide the essential support your cattle need during critical times.