Prevalence Of Subclinical Ketosis Research Articles

Epidemiological Features of Postpartum Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Herds in Hokkaido, Japan.

This study was carried out as an observational study in order to determine the prevalence of postpartum subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy herds in Hokkaido, Japan. From April 2012 to March 2014, blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration was measured once within 3-88 days in milk (DIM) in 1394 apparently healthy cows from 108 farms to diagnose SCK (≥1.2 mM). In cows within 14 DIM, this was classified as SCK II, and from 15 DIM, this was classified as SCK I. Herds with a combined percentage of SCK I and SCK II of less than 10% were classified as SCK-negative herds, those with percentages of 10-25%, were classified as alert herds, and those with one of 25% or more, we classified as positive herds. The prevalence of SCK in the entire DIM was 17.6%. The prevalence of SCK II (20.2%) tended to occur more frequently than SCK I (16.5%, p = 0.094). The frequency of SCK I was higher at the fourth parity. The number of milking cows in SCK-positive herds was significantly smaller than those of the other two types of herds (p = 0.004). The frequency of SCK-positive herds in tie stalls and with component feeding was higher than for free stall or free barn and with total mixed ration (p = 0.054 and p = 0.002). This study reveals the prevalence of SCK in Hokkaido, Japan, and shows that SCK is associated with parity and the management system.

Prevalence of subclinical ketosis in eastern cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu

Prevalence of subclinical ketosis in eastern cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu

Associations of parity with health disorders and blood metabolite concentrations in Holstein cows in different production systems.

Data were obtained from studies in Australia, Canada, and the United States using individual cow data from 28,230 Holstein cows to evaluate associations between parity and disease. Our goal was to develop understanding of disease risks for cows of differing parity. We hypothesized that there would be increased risks of disease and changes in metabolite concentrations with increased parity. Parity ≥5 represented 2,533 cows or 9.0%, parity 4 was 9.8% (2,778), parity 3 as 19.0% (5,355), parity 2 as 28.1% (7,925), and parity 1 was 34.1% (9,639) of the sample. Of these cows, 15.5% were in Australia, 14.7% in Canada, and 69.8% in the United States. Lactational incidence (LI) risk of clinical hypocalcemia increased with parity from 0.1% for parity 1 to 13% for parity ≥5 cows. The marked increase suggests profound differences in metabolism with increased parity. The LI of clinical mastitis was 17.4%. The odds of mastitis increased with parity to 2.5 times greater in parity ≥5 than in parity 1. The LI of lameness increased with parity; specifically, the odds of lameness was 5.6 times greater for parity ≥5 than parity 1. Dystocia incidence was 8.7% and greatest for parity 1 cows. The LI of retained placenta was 7.4% and increased with parity, with the odds for parity ≥5 2.3 times greater than for parity 1. The LI of metritis was 10% and of endometritis 14%, with the greatest odds in parity 1. The LI of clinical ketosis was 3.3% with a marked increase in odds with parity. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis was 26.8% with only cows in parity 1 having lower odds than other parities. Parity ≥5 cows had greater odds (odds ratio = 1.7) of respiratory disease than parity 1 cows, which were lesser than other parities. Metabolite concentrations were evaluated in 5,154 Holstein cows in the precalving, calving, and immediate postcalving data sets. Metabolic measures near peak lactation provided 1,906 observations. Concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and nonesterified fatty acids increased with parity on d 1 to 3 of lactation and at peak lactation. On d 1 to 3 after calving differences in glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, and BHB indicated a greater reliance on mobilized lipid to export energy to peripheral tissues as BHB for greater parity cows. Differences in concentrations among parity groups were marked at times, for example >0.20 mM in Ca for parity 1 and 2 to parity ≥5 and >0.33 mM for all older parities compared with parity 1 for P on the day of calving. The marked increase suggests profound differences in metabolism with increased parity are probably influenced, in part, by increased production. We found marked differences in concentrations of metabolites with parity that are consistent with reduced reproduction, health, and body condition for higher parity cows. These unfavorable differences in metabolism in Ca, P, glucose, and cholesterol concentrations for higher parity cows also complement the often-substantial differences in disease risk with parity and suggest a need to carefully consider the parity structure in study design. Managers and advisors will need to consider methods to reduce risk of health disorders tailored to cows of different ages.

Subclinical ketosis: Prevalence and some risk factors in cross breed and imported breed dairy cows in Mosul, Iraq

Although ongoing control strategies are attempting to minimize certain metabolic disorders such as hyperketonemia, factors such as genetics, management, environment, and geography still present a potential challenge to the achievement of the desired results. In light of this, this study was conducted (i) to determine the prevalence of subclinical and clinical ketosis based on the concentration of ketone bodies (BHB) using ELISA Kit, and (ii) to examine a number of epidemiological risk factors related to the conditions. From October, 2020 to the January, 2021. A 80 blood samples were collected in a cross-sectional survey in different areas of Mosul. Data included age, management systems, parity, and origin. At the cut-off point ≥1.2-≤ 1.4 mmol / L, the prevalence of subclinical ketosis was 27.5% and for clinical ketosis it was 5%. Results revealed that the animals aged > 3 years were more at risk for subclinical ketosis compared to animals aged ≤ 3 years RR = 2.6471. Multiparous animals were more at risk compared to the primiparous (two or less births) RR = 2.0652. No significant difference between the animals’ origins RR = 0.6863. Indoor and outdoor system animals were more at risk for subclinical ketosis compared to the indoor system only RR = 2.1389. In conclusion, hyperketonemia is prevalent in Mosul. Certain risk factors should be taking into account when planning control programs. Attention should be paid to diagnosis, management, and control of this disease during the risk stage to avert economic loss to the dairy farmers.

Subclinical ketosis: Prevalence and risk factor analysis in early lactation dairy cattle of Thrissur district

Present study was conducted in Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University farms, various organized and unorganised farms and individual households in Thrissur district during the period of May 2021 to April 2022 with the objectives of estimation of prevalence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) by screening dairy cows on 14th and 28th day post-partum. Multiparous cows with a blood beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) value ≥ 1.2 mmol/L without any overt clinical signs were considered as positive for SCK. One hundred and fourteen animals from second to seventh lactation were screened for SCK. Prevalence of SCK was 23.7 per cent on 14th day and 14.04 per cent on 28th day with a total prevalence of 27.2 per cent. Occurrence of SCK was highest in animals in second lactation (54.8 per cent) with more occurrence in crossbred Holstein Friesian cows. Maximum number of positive cases were observed in dairy cows of age between four to six years (54.8 per cent). Body condition score of diseased animals were higher than normal animals. Prevalence was highest in animals calved between months of July to September and 58.1 per cent of affected animals had male calf. Concurrent abnormalities during transition period were also assessed based on clinical examination and farm records.

EVALUATION OF DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN DAIRY COWS

The article presents the results of a study of the sensitivity and specificity of two types of ketone test strips for detecting latent ketosis in dairy cows. During the experiment, test strips KetoPHAN and Keto-Test, showing the number of ketone bodies in milk and urine, were used in 108 Holstein-Friesian cows for 2-15 days after calving. Blood, urine and milk samples were taken simultaneously from the same cows. In general, subclinical ketosis in cows was determined by the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate in blood plasma by an enzymatic method («gold standard» method). The sensitivity and specificity of the test tests were evaluated at various levels of β-hydroxybutyrate. The maximum level of subclinical ketosis in cows was calculated as a β-hydroxybutyrate concentration of 1.2 mmol / L or higher. When evaluating test strips on urine and milk samples, the best results were obtained in the β-hydroxybutyrate range of 1.4 mmol / L and above. In this range, the sensitivity of the test strips to urine was high (95%), the specificity was moderate (70%). The sensitivity and specificity of milk tests were high (90% and 96%, respectively). The prevalence of subclinical ketosis in cows was studied using an electronic device (FreeStyle Optium). The prevalence of latent ketosis was different: FreeStyle - 25.0%, KetoPHAN - 48.1%, Keto-Test - 13.1%. The data obtained from the electronic device is close to the data obtained according to the "gold standard" (22.2%). Although milk and urine test strips are optimal for the diagnosis of subclinical ketosis at a plasma β-hydroxybutyrate level of 1.4 mmol / L, they can be used to predict and control ketosis in dairy cows due to their simplicity and availability.

INVESTIGATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF KETOSIS IN COWS IN ARDAHAN REGION IN TURKEY

In the postpartum period, the energy requirement increases in high yielding dairy cows. According to the negative energy balance (NED) degree, clinical or subclinical ketosis may occur during this period. In this study; The aim was to investigate the prevalence of ketosis in dairy cows in Ardahan Region. The animal material to be used in the study was determined as 200 as a result of statistical analyzes of TUIK data. Animal material was selected from Ardahan city center, Göle, Çıldır, Hanak and Damal districts. The enterprises where, study is carried out are similar in terms of milk yield, management, maintenance and nutrition factors. Blood samples were collected on days 7 and 14 postpartum to determine the prevalence of ketosis. Beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glucose levels were determined from the obtained samples. Patients with BHB concentration with 1.0<1.4 mmol / L were considered to have subclinical ketosis. Patients with BHB concentration with ≥1.4 mmol / L were considered to have clinical ketosis. The prevalence of clinical ketosis in the postpartum period in Ardahan was 1% (2/200) and the prevalence of subclinical ketosis in Ardahan was 10% (20/200). Blood glucose levels of animals with ketosis were significantly lower than the healthy animals.

Comparative study of “partial dietary cation-anion difference” strategy as a nutritional intervention for preventing subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cattle

Two experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the efficacy of a partially decreased dietary cation-anion difference (pDCAD) of dry period rations of dairy cattle ((DCAD ~ 0 mEq/Kg DM) in prevention of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH). The primary goal of the Experiment I was to compare the efficacy of a pDCAD strategy in minimizing SCH against a full DCAD (fDCAD ~ − 50 mEq/Kg DM) and a low calcium diet (LCD) in late (21 days (d)) pregnancy in Farm 1, using 66 multiparous cows (parity ≥ 3). The primary goal of Experiment II was to evaluate the effect of extension of a pDCAD to whole dry period (expDCAD-60 days), enrolling 40 cows (parity ≥ 3) to compare a pDCAD vs. expDCAD strategy. In both experiments, a primiparous heifers group was included as well. Serum Ca, Pi, Mg, and energy status indicators β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were monitored pre- and post-partum, serially. Experiment I showed a significantly lower Ca, a numerically higher prevalence of SCH, and significantly lower NEFA and BHB in pDCAD vs. fDCAD. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) was significantly higher in fDCAD peripartally. In Experiment II, a significantly higher Ca and lower prevalence of SCH were observed in expDCAD vs. pDCAD postpartum, while BHB, NEFA, and the prevalence of SCK were not significantly different. The prevalence of SCH in primiparous heifers in both experiments was about 30%. Overall, compared to common ordinary fDCAD strategy, pDCAD could be potentially regarded as a practical intervention, when the adverse effects of fDCAD are unavoidable.

PREVALENCE OF SUB-CLINCIAL KETOSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATED COW LEVEL RISK FACTORS IN LACTATING DAIRY CROSS-BRED COWS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Ketosis is one of the most economically important metabolic diseases commonly found in high milk producing dairy cows worldwide. Objectives: The main objectives of this study were: (a) to evaluate the relationship between the urinary ketone bodies Rothera’s test and the serum glucose level to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical ketosis (SCK) and (b) to explore the cow-level risk factors associated with SCK in cross-bred dairy cows. Materials and Methods: Two types of cross-bred, Holstein Friesian  Local (HF  L) and Shahiwal  Local (SH  L) of a total of 68 lactating cows of three dairy herds were randomly selected to study the SCK from January to May 2012. Serum glucose level (SGL) was estimated by using Reflotron Glucose test strip (Roche) and urinary ketone bodies (UKB) by Rothera’s nitroprusside test. Results: An overall 25% prevalence of SCK was detected by Rothera’s test of which comparatively higher percentage of SCK was recorded in HF  L (25.9%) than SH  L (21.43%) cross-bred lactating cows. The overall SGL of Rothera’s test positive cases varied from 30 to 39 mg / dl with an average of 34.24  2.44 which was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) lower than the Rothera’s test negative cows (40 to 49 and 46.27  3.77 mg / dl). The SCK detected on Rothera’s test was compared with SGL which was 100% sensitivity at  39 mg / dl which could be considered as a ‘cutoff point’ of SGL for SCK. Results of the Rothera’s test were highly correlated with the concentrations of SGL. The significantly (p &lt; 0.01) highest prevalence of SCK was recorded in the fourth parity (66.7%) and fourth week of lactation (46.7%) in comparison to their respective parameters. Conclusions: The present findings reveal that the prevalence of SCK in lactating dairy cows in Bangladesh is very high and remain undetected and unattended. To prevent the SCK, feeding a good feed stuff and implementing good management at the transition period with regular testing for detecting SCK to reduce the consequences and economic losses caused by SCK in dairy industry in Bangladesh. Keywords: Serum glucose level, Rothera’s test, Subclinical ketosis, Cross-bred dairy cows, Cow-level risk factors

Prevalence of excessive negative energy balance in commercial United Kingdom dairy herds

The objectives of this study were to determine the individual animal and herd level prevalence of excessive negative energy balance (eNEB) in commercial UK dairy herds. Between April 2006 and March 2015, blood samples from 84,369 individual cows from 1748 different UK farms were received by a commercial laboratory service specializing in dairy cow nutritional monitoring. Following removal of all potential duplicate cows, the final dataset comprised 69,161 unique individual cows. The prevalence of eNEB was determined using plasma thresholds of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose.Overall prevalence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) in the first 20 days of lactation was 28.5%, 17.3% and 11.7% using BHB thresholds of 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 mmol/L respectively. Prevalence of NEFA values ≥0.5 mmol/L in the last 10 days prior to calving was 26.0%, and 40.3% of cows had NEFA values ≥0.7 mmol/L in the first 20 days in milk (DIM). Combining BHB, NEFA and glucose showed that 52.0% of cows had one or more of the three biochemical measures of energy balance outside the respective threshold value in the last 10 days pre-calving, and 75.2% of cows showed a similar biochemical pattern in the first 20 DIM. The median herd prevalence of elevated BHB and/or NEFA was 37.5% in late pregnancy and 59.8% in the first 20 DIM, with substantial herd variation. Using multiple measures for the assessment of energy balance, this study has shown that eNEB affects substantial numbers of UK dairy cows.

Beneficios del Propilenglicol en el Periparto en Cetosis Subclínica y Parámetros Productivos en el Trópico Veracruzano

The effects of propylene glycol (PG) delivered in the peripartum, on body condition (CC), concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), prevalence of subclinical ketosis (CS), milk production (PL) and open days (DA) were determined in multiparous dairy cows from the tropic of Veracruz. Three weeks before, the cows were randomly selected to receive 250 ml of PG / day (n = 18) or H2O (Control, n = 18) orally and continued with the treatment until the third week postpartum. The CC was measured every week and milk daily. Starting the week of delivery, a milk sample was taken weekly for 4 weeks to determine BHBA and prevalence of CS (BHBA ≥ 200μmol / l). The statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 7. The PG cows maintained better (P˂0.05) CC at the fourth postpartum week (3.21 ± 0.18) than the control cows (2.7 ± 0.18). PG cows had lower (P˂0.05) CS prevalence and BHBA concentrations (0% and 51.6 ± 41.0 μmol/l) than control cows (64% and 214.5 ± 41.6 μmol/l, respectively). The PG cows produced 933.2 more liters of milk / lactation. The DAs were similar (P = 0.10) in both groups. Concluding that the treatment with peripartum PG increased the milk production, decreased the concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and the prevalence of CS, maintained better the CC, but did not reduce the DA.

Prevalence of subclinical ketosis and production diseases in dairy cows in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern Europe.

Subclinical ketosis (SCK) and periparturient diseases considerably account for economic and welfare losses in dairy cows. The majority of scientific reports investigating the prevalence of SCK and production diseases are based on empirical studies conducted in Western Europe and North America. The present study surveyed the prevalence of SCK and production-related clinical diseases in early lactating cows in various countries across the world other than those in North America and Western Europe. Twelve countries of South and Central America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico), Africa (South Africa), Asia (Thailand, China), Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine), Australia, and New Zealand were assessed, and data from a total of 8,902 cows kept at 541 commercial dairy farms were obtained. A minimum of five cows per farm were blood sampled and examined once after parturition up to day 21 of lactation. Blood concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate was measured (threshold for SCK: 1.2 mmol/L), and the presence of production-related diseases such as milk fever, retained placenta, mastitis, metritis, displaced abomasum, lameness, and clinical ketosis was recorded. More than 95% of all cows were examined in their second week of lactation. Across all investigated countries, the SCK prevalence was 24.1%, ranging from 8.3% up to 40.1%. The prevalence of production-related diseases detected during the first 21 d of lactation was relatively low (<5%). Calculated odds ratios did not indicate an elevated risk for production diseases in cows with SCK. Despite differences in production systems across countries and variation between individual farms within a region, the present study data on SCK prevalence align with observations in Western European and North American dairy herds. At the very early stage of sampling and clinical examination for detection of SCK, it cannot be excluded that certain production diseases such as displaced abomasum, lameness, and mastitis have developed later.

Prevalence and risk factors for transition period diseases in grazing dairy cows in Brazil

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the incidence risk of dystocia, retained placenta (RP), pathological recumbence (down cow), the prevalence of metritis and subclinical ketosis (SCK), and the risk factors for SCK, metritis, and RP in grazing dairy herds in Southern Brazil. Fifty-three herds were visited 2–6 times from February to October of 2015. Body condition score (BCS), breed, days in milk (DIM), parity and disease status were recorded for each cow that was between 3 and 21 DIM at the time of the visits. Management practices were determined using a survey and environmental inspection was performed on each visit. SCK was identified if blood β-hydroxybutyrate was ≥1.2mmol/L and metritis by inspection of the vaginal discharge; cows were assessed once between 3 and 21 DIM. Multilevel logistic regression models, controlling for farm as a random effect, were built to identify risk factors for each disease and to assess the proportion of variance at the herd and cow levels. Models were constructed based on causal diagrams and variable screening. Overall, prevalence of SCK and metritis and incidence risk of RP were 21, 11 and 14%, respectively. Reported incidence risk of down cow was 6% and displaced abomasum was 1%. The odds (OR; 95% CI) of a cow having SCK were higher in herds with high (>10%) incidence of down cows (2.7; 1.4–5.0), limited access to water (1.9; 1.1–3.1), Jersey cows (OR: 2.2; 1.2–4.1) and in cows that were in third or greater lactation (2.9; 1.4–5.5). BCS 3.0–3.5 decreased the odds (0.4; 0.2–0.8) of metritis, while DIM, RP and being in a herd with a dirty holding area increased the odds of metritis by 1.1 (1.1–1.2), 19.5 (9.9–38.3) and 2.1 (1.0–4.2) fold, respectively. Parity >2 and dystocia increased the odds of RP by 2.4 (1.2–4.6) and 3.0 (1.6–5.4) fold, respectively. Jersey breed, use of a maternity pen and keeping the newborn calf with the cow >12h decreased the odds of having RP by 0.1 (0.0–0.4), 0.5 (0.3–1.0) and 0.4 (0.2–0.8) times, respectively. The variation in disease occurrence was largely dependent on cow-level factors. However, herd level risk factors also influenced disease occurrence and should be considered in order to design better preventive transition period diseases protocols.

1553 Supplementation with a blend of capsicum and artificial sweetener alters milk yield and nutrient partitioning in lactating dairy cows

Supplementation of lactating dairy cows with capsicum oleoresin (CAPS) or with SUCRAM (SUC; Pancosma, Geneva, Switzerland) increases milk and component yield; however, responses to the two additives fed in combination have not been described. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of a CAPS-SUC blend on lactation performance of dairy cows. Primi- and multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows were housed together in a free-stall pen and were milked using an automated milking system (AMS). During a 10-wk period, CAPS-SUC was blended with a carrier and was dispensed at the AMS for CAPS-SUC cows (n = 91) at a rate of 0.22 kg/d (doses of CAPS and SUC: 100 mg/d and 3.2 g/cow per day, respectively); control cows received no additive (n = 102). All cows were supplemented with 300 mg/d of monensin. Individual cow milk production and composition, milking frequency, and BW were recorded daily. Average DMI of the pen was monitored daily and did not change throughout the study. Supplementation with CAPS-SUC did not affect milking frequency (3.5 milkings/d; P > 0.60). There was a parity × treatment interaction for milk yield characterized by a decrease with CAPS-SUC in primiparous animals (34.7 vs. 32.1 kg/d; P < 0.001) but an increase in multiparous animals (41.4 vs. 44.6 kg/d; P < 0.001). Yield of milk fat (1.6 kg/d) and protein (1.2 kg/d) was not affected by treatment (P > 0.10). There was a treatment × parity × stage of lactation interaction for BW such that in cows less than 100 DIM, BW was increased with CAPS-SUC only in primiparous animals (590 vs. 616 kg; P < 0.001) whereas there was no effect in multiparous animals (P > 0.30). The prevalence of subclinical ketosis, indicated by milk fat-to-protein ratios, was decreased with CAPS-SUC (20 vs. 15%; P < 0.01). The decrease in milk yield of primiparous cows together with a corresponding increase in BW indicates that CAPS-SUC may have altered nutrient partitioning to support skeletal growth or accretion of tissue stores in those animals. This, taken together with the decreased incidence of ketosis and changes in milk production, reveals that CAPS-SUC can shift nutrient partitioning and consequent milk production performance of lactating dairy cows.

Effect of pre‐ and post‐partum supplementation with lipid‐encapsulated conjugated linoleic acid on milk yield and metabolic status in multiparous high‐producing dairy cows

We evaluated the lactation performance, liver lipid content and plasma metabolites indicating the energy balance of dairy cows supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) pre- and post-partum (PP) vs. only PP. A total of 60 cows were divided into three groups (n=20). Daily diet of cows was supplemented with 14g of CLA (7g cis-9, trans-11 and 7g trans-10, cis-12 isomers) from week 3 before the expected date of calving (group CLA1), or from the day of calving (group CLA2) until 77-91days PP. Control cows were fed an isocaloric, isonitrogenous and isolipidic diet without CLA. Between week 3 and week 6 PP, the milk yield of cows in both CLA-treated groups was approximately 4.5kg higher (p<0.05) than in control. Milk fat concentrations decreased from week 3 and were lower in both CLA groups than in control (p<0.01). Body condition score loss was lower (p<0.05) in the CLA1 than in the control group on week 5 PP. By week 11 PP, the body condition of both CLA1 and CLA2 groups exceeded that of control. Plasma non-esterified fatty acid was lower in CLA1 compared to CLA2 and control during the early PP period (p<0.05), while this difference faded away by the late PP period. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) increased rapidly in all groups following calving. In CLA1 group, it began to decrease sooner than in CLA2 and control. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis (BHBA>1.2mm) was lower in CLA1 group than in CLA2 and control (p<0.05). Liver biopsy analyses showed that CLA1 treatment decreased (p<0.05) the total lipid content of liver compared to control at week 5 after calving. Our results show that CLA supplementation is more efficient in alleviating body mass mobilization and decreasing the incidence of subclinical ketosis when applied as early as 3weeks before calving than started feeding after calving.

Estimation of the cow- and herd-level prevalence of post-partum subclinical ketosis in large Washington state dairy herds and evaluation of mean β-hydroxybutyrate concentration for herd-level assessment

The purpose of this study was to estimate the cow- and herd-level prevalence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) on dairies in the state of Washington and evaluate the arithmetic mean of individual samples as a proxy for pooled-sample testing to screen herds for SCK. The cow-level prevalence of SCK in 589 cows from 40 Washington dairies was 31,25, and 19% using P-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration cutpoints of &gt; 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 mmol/L, respectively. For all BHB cutpoints, no difference was observed in the prevalence of SCK between cows of parity 1 and 2 (P &gt; 0.358), but SCK was higher in cows of parity &gt; 3 versus those in lactations 1 and 2 (P &lt;0.001). The mean BHB concentration (mmol/L) in cows of parity &gt; 3 (1.16) was higher than that of parity 1 (0.72) and parity 2 (0.88) cows (P &lt;0.001). Using a BHB cutpoint of &gt; 1.2 mmol/L and herd alarm level of &gt;15% cows exceeding that cutpoint, 23 herds (58%) demonstrated a herd-level problem with SCK. When a BHB cutpoint of &gt; 1.4 and herd alarm level of &gt;25% was used, 12 herds (30%) had SCK. A herd mean BHB concentration of 0.77 mmol/L was correlated with a 15% herd-alarm level using a &gt; 1.2 mmol/L BHB cutpoint. Sensitivity and specificity of the herd mean BHB cutpoint of &gt;0.8 mmol/L to identify herds with &gt; 15% cows with BHB &gt; 1.2 mmol/L was 91 and 75%, respectively. The prevalence of SCK in Washington dairies was numerically higher than previous reports. Results of this study highlight the importance of obtaining representative samples from parity risk groups. Furthermore, results suggest parity 2 cows may be better grouped with parity 1 rather than &gt; 3 parity cows. Herd mean BHB concentration performed well as a test to identify herds with a potential SCK problem when a mean value specific cutpoint was used. Further research evaluating the relationship between pooled-sample BHB and important outcomes, such as disease, milk production, reproduction, and removal, are needed.

A comparative study of the metabolic profile, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory response between organically and conventionally managed dairy cattle during the periparturient period

The number of organically managed cattle (OMC) within the European Union has increased tremendously in the last decade. However, there are still some concerns about animals under this farming system meeting their dietary requirements for milk production. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic adaptations to the onset of lactation in three different herds, one conventional and two organic ones. Twenty-two conventionally managed cattle (CMC) and 20 from each organic farm were sampled throughout the periparturient period. These samplings were grouped into four different stages: (i) far-off dry, (ii) close-up dry, (iii) fresh and (iv) peak of lactation and compared among them. In addition, the results of periparturient animals were also compared within each management type with a control group (animals between the 4th and 5th months of pregnancy). Metabolic profiles were used to assess the health status of the herds, along with the quantification of the acute phase proteins haptoglobin and serum amyloid A, insulin and the calculation of different surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity. Generalised linear mixed models with repeated measurements were used to study the effect of the stage, management type or their interaction on the serum variables studied. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis was higher in OMC, although they showed better insulin sensitivity, a lower degree of inflammation and less liver injury, without a higher risk of macromineral deficiencies. Therefore, attention should be paid on organic farms to the nutritional management of cows around the time of calving in order to prevent the harmful consequences of excessive negative energy balance. Moreover, it must be taken into account that most of the common practices used to treat this condition in CMC are not allowed on a systematic basis in OMC.

Prevalence of subclinical ketosis in mainly pasture-grazed dairy cows in New Zealand in early lactation

AIMS: The main aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of primary subclinical ketosis (SCK) in mainly pasture-grazed dairy cows in three dairy-farming regions of New Zealand 7–12, and 35–40 days post-calving. A second aim was to investigate herd- and cow-level factors associated with the prevalence of SCK.METHODS: A cross-sectional longitudinal prevalence survey was undertaken in 1,620 dairy cows from 57 herds. A random sample of cows without disease in the prior 30 days were enrolled at one farm visit within 5 days of calving, and blood samples were collected 7 and 28 days later (7–12 and 35–40 days post-calving) for measurement of beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHBA) concentrations using an electronic cow-side meter. SCK was defined as blood BHBA concentration ≥1.4 mmol/L.RESULTS: Mean cow-level prevalence of SCK varied with interval post-calving (16.8 and 3.2% at 7–12 days and 35–40 days post-calving, respectively) and age (13.0 and 13.1% of 2-year olds and ≥8-year olds, respectively, compared to 7.2% of 3–4-year-old cows). Mean herd-level prevalence of SCK was 14.3 (min 0, max 60.0)% and 2.6 (min 0, max 24.4)% at 7–12 days and 35–40 days post-calving, respectively, and was greater in Southland (13.3%) than Waikato and Canterbury herds (6.9 and 4.7%, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: This is the first population-based report of the prevalence of SCK in New Zealand dairy herds and demonstrates that age and interval post-calving are important risk factors determining prevalence; and that there is wide variation in prevalence between herds.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subclinical ketosis may be unrecognised but common in many New Zealand dairy cows in the first 2 weeks of lactation.

Prevalence of subclinical ketosis and relationships with postpartum diseases in European dairy cows

Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is defined as concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) ≥1.2 to 1.4mmol/L and it is considered a gateway condition for other metabolic and infectious disorders such as metritis, mastitis, clinical ketosis, and displaced abomasum. Reported prevalence rates range from 6.9 to 43% in the first 2mo of lactation. However, there is a dearth of information on prevalence rates considering the diversity of European dairy farms. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine prevalence of SCK, (2) identify thresholds of BHBA, and (3) study their relationships with postpartum metritis, clinical ketosis, displaced abomasum, lameness, and mastitis in European dairy farms. From May to October 2011, a convenience sample of 528 dairy herds from Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey was studied. β-Hydroxybutyrate levels were measured in 5,884 cows with a handheld meter within 2 to 15 d in milk (DIM). On average, 11 cows were enrolled per farm and relevant information (e.g., DIM, postpartum diseases, herd size) was recorded. Using receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, blood BHBA thresholds were determined for the occurrence of metritis, mastitis, clinical ketosis, displaced abomasum, and lameness. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were built for each disease, considering cow as the experimental unit and herd as a random effect. Overall prevalence of SCK (i.e., blood BHBA ≥1.2mmol/L) within 10 countries was 21.8%, ranging from 11.2 to 36.6%. Cows with SCK had 1.5, 9.5, and 5.0 times greater odds of developing metritis, clinical ketosis, and displaced abomasum, respectively. Multivariate binary logistic regression models demonstrated that cows with blood BHBA levels of ≥1.4, ≥1.1 and ≥1.7mmol/L during 2 to 15 DIM had 1.7, 10.5, and 6.9 times greater odds of developing metritis, clinical ketosis, and displaced abomasum, respectively, compared with cows with lower BHBA blood levels. Interestingly, a postpartum blood BHBA threshold ≥1.1mmol/L increased the odds for lameness in dairy cows 1.8 (95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 2.5) times. Overall, prevalence of SCK was high between 2 to 15 DIM and SCK increased the odds of metritis, clinical ketosis, lameness, and displaced abomasum in European dairy herds.

Prevalence of subclinical ketosis in dairy cattle in the Southwestern Iran and detection of cutoff point for NEFA and glucose concentrations for diagnosis of subclinical ketosis

Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is simply a condition marked by increased levels of circulating ketone bodies without the presence of the clinical signs of ketosis. Subclinical ketosis can cause economic losses through decreased milk production and association with preparturient diseases. Limited information is available regarding the prevalence of SCK in dairy herds in Southwestern Iran. The objectives of this study were (i) determination of the cutoff point of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and glucose concentrations for diagnosis of SCK using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and (ii) determination of prevalence of subclinical ketosis in apparently healthy dairy cattle in Southwestern Iran. From October to December 2009, a total of 100 clinically healthy multiparous Holstein cows (3–8 years old) were randomly selected from 16 dairy herds around Kazerun, Fars Province, Iran. The cows had two–six lactations, with body weight ranging from 500 to 650 kg. Blood samples for each cow were taken at 2, 4 and 6 weeks post parturition and 3–4 h after the morning feeding. The optimal cutoff point was set, by the ROC method, to >0.26 mmol/L for NEFA, and <2.26 mmol/L for glucose with corresponding 82.54% sensitivity and 91.89% specificity for NEFA and 44.44% sensitivity and 78.38% specificity for glucose. Cows with BHB concentrations higher than 1200 μmol/L were classified as having SCK. In 2, 4 and 6 weeks post parturition 63%, 68% and 59% of the tested cows were subclinically ketotic. Overall, 97% of tested cows (97/100) were considered subclinically ketotic in at least one sample period. Thirty percent of tested cows (30/100) suffered from subclinical ketosis in all of the 2, 4 and 6 weeks postpartum. The results suggest that, a cut-off point of 0.26 mmol/L for NEFA concentrations can be used during early lactation for diagnosis of subclinical ketosis and making management decisions for prevention and treatment. Glucose cannot be a good criterion for diagnosis of SCK and it does not appear to be useful for monitoring subclinical ketosis.