Clinical and subclinical ketosis affects a large proportion of dairy cows in early lactation and causes significant welfare compromise.
Ketosis causes systemic illness, reduced feed intake, and immune suppression that affects welfare and predisposes to other periparturient diseases. Subclinical ketosis is particularly insidious as it impairs welfare and production without obvious signs. Regular ketone monitoring and prompt treatment prevent the progression from subclinical to clinical disease and reduce the welfare burden of early lactation.