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Use of Sodium Propionate in the Prevention of Ketosis in Dairy Cattle¹

Department of Animal Husbandry, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

ABSTRACT

In a study involving 100 high-producing cows, one-half served as controls and one-half was fed 0.25 lb. of sodium propionate daily for a period of 6 wk., starting at calving. Blood analyses and milk production showed an advantage for the propionate-fed cows in terms of higher blood sugar levels, lower blood ketones, and higher milk production. Greatest differences were observed at 3 wk. after calving, when they were highly significant in favor of the propionate-fed cows in all three measurements. At 7 wk. after calving, after the propionate had been discontinued, there were no significant differences between the two groups. During the 6-wk. feeding period, nine cows in the control group showed sufficient symptoms of ketosis to require treatment; whereas, the level of propionate was increased on two cows in the propionate-fed group because of an abnormal blood picture.

¹ Supported in part by E. I. duPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Wilmington, Delaware.

² Present Address: Dairy Husbandry Dept., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

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