Farm Animals

Cattle Welfare: Ketosis Management

Ketosis is a metabolic disease of early lactation dairy cows that causes significant suffering and economic losses, with prevention through transition management.

Key Facts

Clinical ketosis affects approximately 5-10% of dairy cows in the first weeks of lactation
Subclinical ketosis is estimated to affect 30-40% of cows with welfare and production consequences
Elevated blood BHBA at calving is the primary diagnostic indicator of ketosis risk
Preventive management including appropriate dry cow nutrition and monitoring reduces ketosis incidence

Welfare Considerations

Ketosis causes systemic illness, reduced feed intake, and increased risk of multiple secondary diseases in affected cows. The welfare burden of this common disease is substantial. Prevention through appropriate transition period management is achievable and reduces both suffering and veterinary costs.

What You Can Do

Support dairy producers implementing systematic ketosis monitoring and prevention
Advocate for transition cow management standards to be included in dairy welfare certification
Engage with veterinary nutrition services developing transition cow management protocols