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Symposium: Herd Health

Ketosis in Dairy Cattle

Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison

ABSTRACT

The primary purpose of this paper is to summarize the current status of the problem of ketosis in dairy cattle, emphasizing the role of the dairyman in its control. An attempt will be made to evaluate present knowledge and make specific recommendations, recognizing that the research data available leave room for differences of opinion.

Definitions. Ketosis, or acetonemia, is a metabolic disorder in which the level of ketone bodies in the body fluids is elevated. These ketone bodies are betahydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid, and acetone (possibly also isopropanol). This discussion will refer primarily to total ketone bodies, since the proportion of each may vary.

There is good agreement that the presence of some ketone bodies in body fluids is normal; also, that elevation of ketone bodies is a normal consequence of a situation existing when energy needs exceed energy intake and body fat reserves are mobilized.