Subclinical Ketosis Research Articles

Effect of Parity, Body Condition Score at Calving, and Milk Yield on the Metabolic Profile of Gyr Cows in the Transition Period.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parity, body condition score (BCS) at calving, and milk yield on the metabolic profile of Gyr (Zebu) cows. Healthy cows in late pregnancy were grouped according to parity (primiparous, biparous, and multiparous); to BCS scale at calving (high-HBCS and normal-NBCS); and to milk yield (high-HP and moderate-MP production). BCS was assessed, and blood samples were collected on -21, -7, 0, 7, 21, and 42 days relative to parturition. The concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, total calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg); and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The frequencies of high lipomobilization, subclinical ketosis, subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH), and the occurrence of diseases during early lactation were established. Regardless of grouping, NEFA, BHB, and cholesterol increased during early lactation; glucose showed higher values at calving; TP and albumin were higher at 21 and 42 DIM; and Ca, P, and Mg were lower at calving. Parity had little effect on the metabolic profile, HBCS did not differ from NBCS cows, and HP did not differ from MP cows in most metabolites. High lipomobilization in early lactation and SCH at calving were the most common imbalances but were not related to postpartum diseases. High-yielding Gyr cows have a balanced metabolic profile during the transition period, with few biologically relevant effects of parity, BCS at parturition, or milk yielded.

Physiological Conditions Leading to Maternal Subclinical Ketosis in Holstein Dairy Cows Can Impair the Offspring's Postnatal Growth and Gut Microbiome Development.

Maternal metabolic disruptions, such as ketosis, can have adverse effects on fetal development and influence postnatal factors. Twelve Holstein calves were randomly enrolled in this study at birth and monitored until 8 weeks of age. The study was conducted from fall 2018 until spring 2019. After completing the data collection period, calves were classified according to their respective dams ketotic condition after parturition. This classification was based on dam blood β-hydroxybutyrate < 1.4 mmol/L nonketotic (NONKET; n = 6 calves) or ≥1.4 mmol/L subclinical-ketotic (SK; n = 6 calves). SK calves had greater birth body weight (p = 0.05) but exhibited a slower growth rate compared to NONKET calves from 1 to 8 weeks (p = 0.02). At birth, SK calves had lower (p < 0.01) levels of non-esterified fatty acids and bilirubin compared to NONKET calves. Analysis of feces alpha diversity indicates that by 3 weeks, NONKET calves had greater diversity, richness, and evenness. Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum and Gallibacterium anatis were more abundant in SK calves (p < 0.05) at 3 weeks. In contrast, NONKET calves had a greater (p < 0.05) abundance of Sharpae azabuensis at 3 weeks. These findings suggest that subclinical ketosis in cows can impact the in-utero development, postnatal growth, and maturing gut microbiome of their offspring.

Rumination Assessment: A Managemental Tool for Dairy Cattle

Rumination is the process of regurgitation, re-mastication, salivation and swallowing of ingesta. Cows ruminate for approximately 504±93 min/day and a decrease in rumination time is typically important sign that something is affecting ruminal function and cow well-being. Rumination activity mainly occurs at night and during resting periods in the afternoon. Rumination can be detected by the several methods viz. visual observation, video recording, nose band pressure signal, accelerometer ear-tags and neck collar. The time that an animal spends ruminating is influenced by species, breed, physical &amp; chemical characteristics of the diet, health condition, feed intake and production level. More roughage diet with long fibre increases the rumination time. Diets containing higher neutral detergent fibre (%) resulted in increase in rumination time per kilogram of roughage ingested. Rumination time decrease with increasing temperature humidity index. Rumination time significantly influence the milk yield and milk composition and reproduction performance. Rumination time could be used to monitor dairy cattle during calving, oestrous, and heat stress, as well as to detect diseases, heat stress, transition cow disorders and subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.

Methodology for monitoring biochemical changes in Holstein cows with ketosis

Abstract. The purpose of the present study was to establish the biochemical and pathohistological changes in Holstein cows with subclinical and clinical form of ketosis. A total of 47 Holstein cows from 1st to 4th lactation were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from all animals for determination of β-hydroxybutyrate (ВНВА, mmol/l), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA, mmol/l), glucose (Gl, mmol/l), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT, U/l), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT, U/l) and total bilirubin (Tb, µmol/l). The cows were divided into three groups depending on their physiological condition: pregnant, recently calved and lactating. The cows from the three groups were classified as healthy (control, n=24, BHBA&lt;1.2 mmol/L), affected with subclinical ketosis (SCK, n=15, BHBA from 1.2 to 2.6 mmol/l) and with clinical ketosis (CK, n=8, BHBA&gt;2.6 mmol/l) depending on their blood BHBA levels. The pathohistological investigations were done after autopsy of cows diagnosed with clinical ketosis. The blood levels of NEFA in cows of the three groups with SCK were statistically significantly elevated vs control groups, while in cows with CK – decreased, vs both controls and SCK. The levels of glucose decreased, while the activities of ASAT, ALAT and Tb levels were increased in cows with SCK and CK ketosis vs controls. Histological studies revealed karyolysis, karyorrhexis, cellular vacuolation in hepatocytes, as well as necrotic changes and fatty dystrophy of the liver and kidneys in cows with clinical ketosis.

Eversão completa de bexiga no pré-parto em vaca Nelore - relato de caso

ABSTRACT Partial or complete bladder eversion is a rare condition of poor prognosis in cows, commonly associated with intense tenesmus observed in the peripartum period. A 14-year-old obese Nellore cow at 280 days of gestation was referred with 24-hour bladder prolapse. The bladder was complete eversion through the vulvar vestibule showing a thick congested wall and small residual urine volume. After clinical examination, the cow received scopolamine butylbromide and intercoccygeal epidural anesthesia, and the externalized bladder segment was partially reduced, remaining only 10 cm externalized. The cow was maintained with an intravesical human gastric tube number 16 and constant monitoring. The eversion was fully reduced after 12 hours of local treatment, and as the cow presented subclinical ketosis, hypocalcemia and cystitis, antibiotic, glucose, calcium and propylene glycol therapy were performed. We opted for induction of parturition, and after 24 hours, a healthy 52kg calf was born and the placenta was delivered 16 hours after calving. The cow and calf were discharged on the sixth day of hospitalization, with no recurrences or secondary complications after treatment.

Prevention of subclinical ketosis in cows during drying off and after calving

Research of the frequency of increased ketone bodies in cows during the transition period three weeks before calving and three weeks after calving should determine the tendency of the Holstein breed to ketosis. It is also important to investigate the relationship between changes in blood biochemical parameters and the development and treatment of ketosis. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of using a probiotic strain of bacteria in subclinical ketosis in cows during drying off and after calving. The following methods were used: testing for determining the level of beta-ketones in the blood of cows; biochemical method of blood testing; clinical method; statistical method. A study of cows in the drying off group showed that the level of β-ketones ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 mmol/L. Application efficiency of Bacillus Pumilus L. A 56 in a concentration of 1×109 , CFU/g at a dose of 30 g per animal was determined to be 100%. In the study of metabolic changes in the body of cows after calving patients with ketosis, the content of total protein, albumins globulins of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, and urea at the beginning of the study was increased and went beyond the maximum permissible limits of the reference level. After seven days of using the probiotic, the content of ketone bodies and biochemical parameters decreased to normal. It was proved that at the end of the study, the activity of alanine aminotransferase increased, the level of potassium, vitamins A and E increased. Thus, it was determined that the enzyme alanine aminotransferase is one of the metabolites, an increase in the level of which indicates the accumulation of lipids in the liver. In addition, the content of Ca, P, and vitamin D decreased during treatment, which indicates the risk of hypocationemia. In the group of cows after calving, the incidence of ketosis was 27%. The therapeutic efficacy of a probiotic of 35 g per animal in the postcalving distribution group was 73%. The practical value of the study lies in the prevention of subclinical ketosis in cows in deep drying off and after calving, reducing the cost of treating concomitant diseases, and culling animals

Association of rumen fill and motility with subclinical ketosis in post-partum Holstein cows

Association of rumen fill and motility with subclinical ketosis in post-partum Holstein cows

Effect of transition cow health and estrous expression detected by an automated activity monitoring system within 60 days in milk on reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the association of transition cow health and estrous expression, detected by an automated activity monitoring system (Smarttag Neck, Nedap Livestock Management), with reproductive performance in lactating Holstein cows. A total of 3,750 lactating Holstein cows (1,563 primiparous cows and 2,187 multiparous cows) from a commercial dairy farm in Slovakia calving from January 2020 until July 2021 were enrolled on an ongoing basis. Activity data were recorded from d 7 until d 60 postpartum. Within this observational period, cows were classified into 3 categories: (1) no estrus event (Estrus0), (2) 1 estrus event (Estrus1), or (3) 2 or more estrus events (Estrus2+). Transition cow health was assessed by farm personnel within the first 30 d in milk (DIM) using standard operating procedures. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze continuous and categorical data. Cox proportional hazard models were used for time to event data. The overall prevalence of anestrus was 20.8%. Multiparous cows had a greater risk for anestrus compared with primiparous cows [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4]. Cows with stillbirth (OR = 1.76), retained placenta (OR = 2.19), puerperal metritis (OR = 1.48), or subclinical ketosis (OR = 1.51) had a greater risk for anestrus. In addition, cows calving in summer (OR = 0.82), autumn (OR = 0.38), or winter (OR = 0.56) had a higher incidence of anestrus than cows calving in spring. Estrous expression from d 7 until d 60 postpartum was associated with estrous duration (DU) and estrous intensity at first artificial insemination (AI). Cows in Estrus0 had the shortest DU at first postpartum AI (9.4 ± 0.18 h) compared with cows in Estrus1 (10.5 ± 0.13 h) and Estrus2+ (11.4 ± 0.12 h). Cows in Estrus2+ had a longer DU at first postpartum AI compared with cows in Estrus1. For Estrus0, Estrus1, and Estrus2+ cows, pregnancy per AI at first service was 42.5%, 50.9%, and 55.4%, respectively. Estrous expression from d 7 until d 60 postpartum was associated with time to first AI and time to pregnancy. Compared with Estrus0 cows, Estrus1 [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.43] and Estrus2+ cows (HR = 1.62) had an increased hazard of being inseminated within 100 DIM. Compared with Estrus2+, Estrus1 cows had a reduced hazard of being inseminated within 100 DIM (HR = 0.89). Compared with Estrus0 cows, Estrus1 (HR = 1.24) and Estrus2+ cows (HR = 1.46) had an increased hazard of becoming pregnant within 200 DIM. Median DIM to pregnancy were 121, 96, and 92 for Estrus0, Estrus1, and Estrus2+ cows, respectively. In conclusion, cows with transition cow disorders (i.e., stillbirth, retained placenta, puerperal metritis, or subclinical ketosis) had a greater chance for anestrus compared with healthy cows. Cows in Estrus0 had reduced estrous expression at first AI and inferior reproductive performance compared with cows that displayed estrous activity from d 7 until d 60.

The prevalence and factors contributing to the incidence of neonatal gastroenteritis in newborn calves

The results of monitoring the situation of neonatal gastroenteritis of calves are presented for four farms in the north-western districts of the Saratov region, during the period of mass calving. The incidence of neonatal gastroenteritis of calves was 11.92 - 16.36%. Factors contributing to the morbidity of newborn calves with neonatal gastroenteritis - complications of pregnancy, depending on the gestational period, subclinical ketosis (27.65%), osteodystrophy (15.71%), liver and kidney diseases (10.59%) have been established. In 30.23% of calves with NG, a large number of under-oxidized metabolic products and impaired liver and kidney function were observed. In patients with severe neonatal gastroenteritis, the following indicators were at a low level: alkaline reserve (40.8 ± 1.3 vol% CO2), glucose content (2.86± 0.12 mmol/L). In the central part of the liver, large-drop granular dystrophy is observed with the preservation of the structure of hepatocytes.

Serum metabolomics assessment of etiological processes predisposing ketosis in water buffalo during early lactation

Metabolic disorders as ketosis are manifestations of the animal's inability to manage the increase in energy requirement during early lactation. Generally, buffaloes show a different response to higher metabolic demands than other ruminants with a lower incidence of metabolic problems, although ketosis is one of the major diseases that may decrease the productivity in buffaloes. The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolic profile of Mediterranean buffaloes (MB) associated with 2 different levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Sixty-two MB within 50 days in milk (DIM) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to serum BHB concentration: healthy group (37 MB; BHB <0.70 mmol/L; body condition score: 5.00; parity: 3.78; and DIM: 30.70) and group at risk of hyperketonemia (25 MB; BHB ≥0.70 mmol/L; body condition score: 4.50; parity: 3.76; and DIM: 33.20). The statistical analysis was conducted by one-way ANOVA and unpaired 2-sample Wilcoxon tests. Fifty-seven metabolites were identified and among them, 12 were significant or tended to be significant. These metabolites were related to different metabolic changes such as mobilization of body resources, ruminal fermentations, urea cycle, thyroid hormone synthesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress status. These findings are suggestive of metabolic changes related to subclinical ketosis status that should be further investigated to better characterize this disease in the MB.

Вплив лікувально-профілактичної кормової добавки на рубцеву ферментацію хворих на кетоз корів

It is known that ionophoric antibiotics regulate ruminal fermentation, improve the utilization of feed protein, and prevent the occurrence of ketosis and steatosis in ruminants. Ionophoric antibiotics and β-acids of hops have a similar spectrum of biological activity, that is, they inhibit the vital activity of most gram-positive microorganisms of the rumen. Bacteria, like other living organisms, need vitamin E as an active antioxidant for cell membranes. The toxicity of tocopherol is very low, so adding it to the diet of ruminants in larger quantities can stimulate celluloselytic rumen bacteria and compensate for the negative effect of ionophores on fiber breakdown. Since rumen bacteria break down a significant part of dietary choline, methionine and carnitine, ruminants must receive them in a protected form, so their influence on rumen fermentation is insignificant. Three groups of cows of the Ukrainian dairy black-spotted breed with milk yields of 5 or more thousand kg during the previous lactation were formed: with signs of clinical ketosis — 4 animals; with subclinical ketosis — 5 animals and clinically healthy — 5 animals. For a month, cows with ketosis were given a treatment supplement containing crushed granules of hop cones (20 g), vitamin E (3 g), and rumen protected choline (50 g), methionine (20 g) and carnitine (1 g). Clinically healthy cows were used as control. In the blood of cows with subclinical ketosis, the additive increased the concentration of glucose and decreased the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate, these indicators were within the normal range. In cows with symptoms of clinical ketosis, using of the feed additive also reduced the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (P&lt;0.01), but it was still higher than normal. In sick cows, amylolytic and lipolytic activity was lower than in healthy cows (P&lt;0.05–0.01). Celluloselytic activity was lower only in cows with clinical ketosis. The proteolytic activity of rumen content changed in the opposite way; it was higher in sick cows (P&lt;0.05–0.01). This is a consequence of the increase in the number and activity of hyper producing ammonia bacteria in the rumen, what is characteristic for ketosis. After treatment of cows with subclinical ketosis, the celluloselytic and amylolytic activities in the rumen fluid were equal to the corresponding indicators of healthy cows, and the proteolytic activity was even slightly lower (P&lt;0.05) than in the control group. Treatment of cows with clinical form of ketosis was not as effective, although the general trends remained. During subclinical and clinical ketosis, a greater amount of ammonia was found in the rumen fluid (P&lt;0.05–0.01), because of higher proteolytic activity. In both forms of ketosis, the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen decreased, and the concentration of lactate increased (P&lt;0.05–0.01). After the treatment, these indicators in cows with subclinical ketosis approached the healthy animals, while the condition of cows with clinical ketosis improved, but the concentration of ammonia continued to differ from healthy animals.

Change in Rumination Behavior Parameters around Calving in Cows with Subclinical Ketosis Diagnosed during 30 Days after Calving.

We hypothesized that cows with SCK (blood BHB over >1.2 mmol/L) diagnosed within the first 30 days of calving can be predicted by changes in rumination and activity behavioral parameters in the period before calving and indeed subsequently. A total of 45 cows were randomly selected from 60 dry cows from at least 40 days before calving. All the cows were fitted with RuniWatch sensors monitoring both intake behaviors (faceband) and general movement and activity behavior (pedometer) (RWS-ITIN + HOCH, Switzerland). Following an adaptation period of 10 days, rumination, eating, and activity parameters were monitored for 30 days before calving and 30 days after calving. Considering the design of the study, we divided the data of cows into three stages for statistical evaluation: (1) the last thirty days before calving (from day -30 to -1 of the study); (2) day of calving; and (3) the first thirty days after calving (from day 1 to 30 of the study). We found that before calving, those cows with a higher risk of having SCK diagnosed after calving had lower rumination time, eating time, drinking gulps, bolus, chews per min, chews per bolus, downtime, maximal temperature, and activity change. On the calving day, in cows with higher risk of SCK after calving, we found lower rumination time, eating time, chews per min, chews per bolus, uptime, downtime, minimal temperature, other chews, eating chews, drinking time, drinking gulps, activity, average temperature, maximal temperature, activity change, rumination chews, and eating chews. After calving in cows with SCK, we found lower rumination time, eating time 1, eating time 2, bolus, chews per bolus, uptime, downtime, minimal temperature, maximal temperature, rumination chews, and eating chews. Moreover, after calving we found higher drinking gulps, drinking time, activity, activity change, average temperature, other chews, and eating chews in cows with SCK. From a practical point of view, we recommend that by tracking changes in rumination and activity behavior parameters registered with RuniWatch sensors (such as rumination time, eating time, drinking time, drinking gulps, bolus, chews per minute, chews per bolus, downtime, maximal temperature, and activity change) before, during, and after calving, we can identify cows with a higher risk of SCK in the herd.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF KETONE BODIES IN BLOOD AND URINE FOR THE DETECTION OF SUBCLINICAL KETOSIS IN POSTPARTUM BUFFALOES

Buffaloes are one of the major contributors of milk production in Pakistan. Like other dairy animals, it also faces a variety of metabolic disorders right after parturition. Among these problems ketosis is a major one in high producing buffaloes when energy demands (e.g. high milk production) exceed energy intake and result in a negative energy balance. When large amount of body fat is utilized as an energy source to support production, fat is sometimes mobilized faster than the liver can properly metabolize it. If this situation occurs, ketone production exceeds ketone utilization by the animal, and ketosis results. At early stage Sub-clinical ketosis occurs which if not detected and controlled proceeds to clinical ketosis that has economic impact in terms of both production and reproduction losses. Early detection of sub-clinical ketosis is of vital importance to minimize thesubsequent losses associated with this condition. Many studies have been conducted in past to diagnose sub-clinical ketosis in cattle, but a very little data is available for buffaloes. This study was aimed to compare digital ketometer and conventional urine strips method to detect Ketone bodies in blood and urine samples respectively for the early diagnosis of subclinical ketosis in buffaloes. For this purpose, blood (n=100) and urine (n=100) samples were collected from buffaloes at post-partum period, from three different herds and were processed for the presence of ketone bodies. The data obtained from both cow-side detection assays was analyzed statistically. The results of this research study laid the foundation of early detection of sub-clinical ketosis in buffaloes that was made possible using the cowside Abott Optium Neo Ketometer.

Study of the activity of lipolysis and gluconeognesis in new-child cows with subclinical and clinical ketosis

The article discusses the results of a study of markers of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis in new-calf cows against the background of subclinical and clinical ketosis. The indicator of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in blood serum was chosen as a marker for the formation of groups based on the presence of ketosis and its form. Cows with an indicator of up to 1.0 mmol/l were considered healthy, the presence of subclinical ketosis was determined at a level of beta-hydroxybutyrate from 1.1 to 1.5 mmol/l, clinical ketosis - over 1.6 mmol/l. Cows were bled 3-7 days after calving and a study was made of the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid, glucose, fructosamine, non-esterified fatty acids, cortisol and ALT activity. The results of the study revealed a significant increase in the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids in cows with moderate ketonemia by 46.9%, and in cows with a pronounced increase in the content of beta-hydrosibutyrate in the blood - by 79.8%. When considering the concentration of glucose in cows with different levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood, there is a slight increase in the indicator by 14.5% (P&gt; 0.05) in cows with subclinical ketosis, but in animals with severe ketonemia, a significant decrease in glucose by 38.3 %. Cows in subclinical and clinical ketosis had significantly higher levels of cortisol (1.9 and 2.4 times, respectively) than cows with low blood levels of betahydroxybutyric acid. At the same time, cows with clinical ketosis showed a significant increase in the concentration of fructosamine by 22.3%. Subclinical ketosis, manifested by a moderate increase in the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in the blood (1.1 - 1.5 mmol / l), causes adaptive reactions in the body aimed at maintaining glucose homeostasis and extracting lipids from the depot that compensate for a temporary energy deficit. Clinical ketosis is accompanied by dissociation of the regulatory mechanisms of anabolic and catabolic processes in the body of a freshly calved cow.

β-hydroxybutyrate enhances bovine neutrophil adhesion by inhibiting autophagy.

Subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy cows, a common metabolic disorder during the perinatal period, is accompanied by systemic inflammation and a high concentration of blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). BHB induced adhesion of neutrophils may play a crucial role in the development of systemic inflammation in SCK cows. Autophagy, an intracellular degradation system, regulates the recycling of membrane adhesion molecules and may be involved in BHB regulating adhesion and pro-inflammatory activation of bovine neutrophils. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the relationship between BHB, autophagy, and neutrophil adhesion. Here, elevated abundance of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were found in SCK cows, and all these pro-inflammatory factors had a strong positive correlation with serum BHB. After BHB treatment, the number of adherent neutrophils and the adhesion associated protein abundance of both total and membrane CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 was greater, confirming that BHB promoted the adhesion of bovine neutrophils. However, the mRNA abundance of ITGAL (CD11a), ITGAM (CD11b), and ITGB2 (CD18) did not show a significant difference, suggesting that the degradation of adhesion molecules may be impaired. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a decreased number of autophagosomes and a decrease in mRNA abundance of SQSTM1 (p62) and MAP1LC3B (LC3) after BHB treatment. In parallel, protein abundance of p62 increased while the ratio of protein LC3 II to LC3 I decreased after BHB treatment, indicating that BHB inhibits autophagy of bovine neutrophils. To confirm the regulatory role of autophagy in BHB promoting neutrophil adhesion, we used an autophagy activator rapamycin (RAPA). Data showed that RAPA relieved the inhibitory effect on autophagy and the promotive effect on cell adhesion induced by BHB. Importantly, BHB inhibited the colocalization of LC3 and CD11b, which was relieved by RAPA, further confirming the regulatory role of autophagy in the recycling of the above adhesion molecules. Furthermore, BHB treatment increased the mRNA abundance and the release of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1B, IL-6, and TNF of bovine neutrophils, and these effects were attenuated by RAPA. Overall, the present study revealed that BHB promotes the adhesion of bovine neutrophils by inhibiting autophagy.

The T-RFLP research method in the study of rumen microbiota in dairy cows with subclinical ketosis

The article presents the results of researches related to the study of the possibility of using the modern molecular genetics method -T-RFLP-analysis (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) to identify the community of microorganisms in the contents of the rumen in clinically healthy highly productive cows and cows with subclinical ketosis. The research methodology is based on the analysis of the conservative regions in the microorganisms’ genome variability. The results showed the high efficiency of the method used for the identification of microorganisms in the rumen contents in the studied animals. A large community of bacteria, archaea, protozoa and anaerobic fungi is determined in the rumen contents from highly productive cows with subclinical ketosis. The data obtained allow us to significantly amplify the information on the pathogenesis of subclinical ketosis in cows with high milk productivity. The presence of conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microflora in sick cows in the rumen contents indicates a violation of rumen digestion, which leads to the development of concomitant non-contagious diseases in animals.

Erum interleukin content and lipid metabolism in cows with subclinical ketosis

This paper analyses the diagnostic utility of interleukins (1, 4, 6) and lipid metabolism products (cholesterol, triacylglycerols, lipoprotein fractions) in subclinical ketosis in cows. It was found that serum levels of proinflammatory (IL-1 and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) interleukins in cows with ketosis did not differ from those in clinically healthy animals. This therefore indicates the absence of inflammation in the subclinical form of ketosis. These data were also confirmed by normal α1- and α2-globulin levels. IL-6 is known to increase the synthesis of acute phase inflammatory proteins. There was no significant difference in the IL-4 content between the experimental and control groups of cows. In the subclinical form of ketosis in cows, abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism were detected in the form of hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperlipoproteinaemia with very low-density lipoproteins, an increase in low-density lipoproteins, and a decrease in very high-density lipoproteins. This was verified by similar changes in β-lipoprotein levels and lipoprotein fractions and was specific to the first stage of lipomobilisation syndrome.

Time spent feeding as an early indicator of metritis in postpartum dairy cows: systematic review and meta-analysis

Context Feeding behaviour is an important tool for the early detection of diseases in dairy cows. Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the variation in time spent feeding in the prepartum and postpartum periods may be used to detect the occurrence of metritis and subclinical ketosis (SCK) before the onset of the clinical symptoms at the postpartum. Methods The research was conducted in four electronic databases, including Scopus, Science Direct, Pubmed, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria for citations were original research, evaluation of daily time spent feeding in dairy cows, and use of this indicator for early identification of metritis and/or SCK in dairy cows in the prepartum and postpartum periods. A random-effect meta-analysis (MA) was conducted for metritis with the time spent feeding means of control (healthy) and treated (sick) groups measured in the prepartum and postpartum periods. The analysis was conducted with the values of daily time spent feeding before and after calving in both groups. Key results In total, 26 trials from six papers, involving 1037 dairy cows, were included in the statistical analysis. No data were obtained for SCK to conduct a MA, while for metritis, 16 trials from six papers (prepartum) and 10 trials from three papers (postpartum) were considered. The heterogeneity between studies on metritis was moderate (I2 = 57.5%) in the prepartum period and low (I2 = 10.0%) in the postpartum period. The mean difference feeding time for healthy and unhealthy animals was greater during postpartum (21.14 min/day, P &lt; 0.001) than during prepartum (16.36 min/day, P &lt; 0.001). Meta-regression analysis showed that number of daily milkings, sample size, and the place of running trial significantly influenced the time spent feeding by cows. Conclusion On the basis of available and suitable scientific literature, time spent feeding is reduced at the prepartum and postpartum periods in dairy cows further affected by metritis. Implications This study evidenced that feeding time might be incorporated into health-monitoring protocols for early detection of metritis in dairy cows.

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

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

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ МЕТОДОВ ПРОФИЛАКТИКИ И ТЕРАПИИ КЕТОЗА НОВОТЕЛЬНЫХ КОРОВ

The aim of this work was to normalize the metabolism of highly productive new-bodied cows with new biopreparations PS-2, Prevention-N-E and PDE (denatured emulsified placenta) with E-selenium, as well as therapy of subclinical ketosis with an energy drink. The research work was carried out on Holstein cows of black-and-white breed, 2-3 lactation, average milk yield of 9000 kg. We selected 4 groups of deep-bed cows according to the principle of analog groups and performed injections of biological preparations 40, 20 and 10 days before calving. Biologics PS-2 and Prevention-N-E have a corrective effect on the synthesis of aminotransferases, mineral and carbohydrate metabolism, the digestibility of macronutrients, against which the number of new-bodied cows with latent ketosis is reduced by 2 times. For ketosis therapy, an energy drink consisting of propylene glycol, soda (sodium bicarbonate), common salt (sodium chloride), cellobacterin, molasses is proposed. For this series of experiments, 2 experimental and control groups of new-bodied cows with a BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) level of 1.1- 3.0 mmol/l were formed. The 1st experimental group was injected with 40% glucose and the drug Hepatoject, the 2nd experimental group was given an energy drink. After treatment in the 2nd experimental group, the average BHB was 1.1 mmol/l, but in the 1st experimental group it was higher than normal and equal to 1.5 mmol/l. The daily dose, the average fat and protein content, and the fat/protein ratio were within the normal range at the final stage of the studies. For the prevention of ketosis, we recommend Prevention-N-E, PS-2 drugs, and for the treatment of detected cases, drinking an energy drink.