Ketosis occurs when cows mobilize body fat faster than the liver can process it, creating harmful ketone bodies. It peaks in the first three weeks after calving — the transition period. Clinical signs include reduced appetite, milk drop, lethargy, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms.
Subclinical ketosis (elevated blood BHBA without overt symptoms) affects 40-60% of dairy cows in some herds. It increases risk of displaced abomasum, metritis, and culling. Routine blood or milk ketone testing at 5-7 days post-calving enables early detection.
Cows entering calving with excessive body condition (BCS >3.75) are at highest risk. Pre-calving nutrition management to achieve optimal BCS (3.0-3.5) is the primary prevention strategy. BCS monitoring throughout the lactation cycle is standard best practice.
High-quality, palatable pre-calving diets with controlled energy intake reduce fat mobilization after calving. Propylene glycol drenching in early lactation provides a glucose precursor. Rumen-protected niacin and choline supplementation show welfare and production benefits.
Automated milk ketone sensors on robotic milking systems detect elevated ketones in real time. Herd management software flags at-risk cows for veterinary attention. Early intervention reduces disease duration and severity significantly.
Propylene glycol, dextrose infusion, and glucocorticoid therapy form the treatment toolkit. Veterinary-prescribed protocols should balance cow welfare with appropriate drug use. Recovery monitoring ensures full resolution and prevents secondary complications.