Detection of Subclinical Ketosis in Urine of Cattle and Buffaloes

Abstract

Background: Subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy cows is a common metabolic disorder and a strong determinant of the health and performance of cows throughout lactation. Considerable amount of milk loss takes place with SCK incidence in dairy animals. Greater benefits are to be gained by monitoring the cows for SCK. The current study was aimed to find out incidence of SCK by urine test strip (Keto-Diastix). Methods: The present investigation was carried out on crossbred and Sahiwal cows and Murrah buffaloes (n=180) of the institute herd and rural dairy farms (n=97) around Karnal. The urine samples were tested for subclinical ketosis (SCK) 5-60 days postpartum from August 2019 to March 2020. Meteriological data on wet and dry bulb temperature and ambient temperature was collected and THI was calculated. Data of SCK incidence was classified based on stages of early lactation (5-20, 21-40 and 41-60d), parity (I, II, III and above), seasons (hot-humid, autumn, winter and spring) and milk production level ( less than 10kg, 10-20 kg and greater than 20 kg/d). Milk yield and environment variables were recorded during the experiment. Urine ketone and glucose level was detected by keto-Diastix to find out incidence of SCK. Result: Mean level of ketone bodies in urine was higher (P less than 0.01) in high yielding cows as compared to the medium yielders; however it did not vary in buffaloes. Ketone bodies in urine were high (P less than 0.01) in crossbred cows than that of buffaloes and Sahiwal cows. Urine glucose level did not vary among cows and buffaloes. It is concluded that high producing crossbred cows are more vulnerable to SCK between 41-60d of lactation and in III parity and above due to peak milk production. Sahiwal cows and buffaloes suffer less from SCK probably due to medium level of milk production. Factors like high milk yield, higher parity and hot-humid stress makes the animal more vulnerable to SCK. The screening of urine samples of animals at monthly intervals may be practiced by the farmers to monitor the incidence of SCK.