Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Herds: Impact of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

• DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.895468
• Publication Date: 2022-06-27T13:36:27Z
• Authors: Giuseppe Cascone; Francesca Licitra; Alessandro Stamilla; Simona Amore; Mario Dipasquale; Rosario Salonia; Francesco Antoci; Alfonso Zecconi
• Keywords: Ketosis; Somatic Cell Count

Clinical and subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy cows occurs during the lactation period frequently many herds, causing a reduction milk yield alterations quality with significant economic losses for farmers. SCK is defined as preclinical stage of characterized by an elevated ketone body level without clinical signs. Often develop first weeks even though it never goes up to critical point This study aimed evaluate prevalence Sicily assess effect treatment propylene glycol (PG) control SCK, thus, reducing negative on yield. cross-sectional was carried out 22 farms located south-east 1,588 lactation. A total 3,989 individual samples were collected from calving 80 subsequently days check β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) values order establish status Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Moreover, contents fat, protein, lactose, casein, urea, somatic cell count acetone evaluated identify correlation between quality. 1,100 showed BHB higher than 0.10 mmol/L. These considered positive, separated rest herd, treated PG (400 g/head per day), all not treated. The results 41.5% SCK-positive 9 comparison among cure rate shows that most effective 7 (76.5% cows) following days. positively influenced parameters, except fat proportion. animals also increase yield, supporting economical sustainability treatment.