Ketosis in dairy cows

Ketosis is associated with inadequate glucose supply and excessive mobilisation of body fat. Important nutritional influences include excessive condition late in pregnancy and inadequate feed intake in early lactation. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Focus on the transition period

After calving, energy demand rises while feed intake may be constrained, creating negative energy balance and condition loss. Health, nutrition and housing problems can worsen the fall in intake. (Penn State Extension)

Assessment should cover feeding before and after calving rather than milk yield alone. Supporting dry-matter intake and avoiding excessive condition are important parts of nutritional management. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Diagnosis is not product selection

Monitoring may include measurement of ketone bodies, such as blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, in a planned programme for fresh cows. Testing and interpretation should be agreed with the herd veterinarian. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Condition loss alone does not explain every production problem. Review intake, health and transition management rather than treating an isolated observation as a diagnosis. (Penn State Extension)

Prepare the review

• BCS before and after calving, including the direction of change. (Penn State Extension)
• The ration, feed delivery and refusals in the group. (University of Minnesota Extension)
• Calving history, illness and available monitoring results. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Use energy supplements according to their current labels and the total diet, as part of a feeding programme. They do not replace diagnosis or prescribed treatment of a sick cow.

Read about ration balancing and BCS management. See Ketonblend SP2 for product information and contact AquaBlend for selection advice.

Educational material, not a substitute for veterinary consultation. Diagnosis and treatment should be agreed with the herd veterinarian.